Winter Holidays in Altai
The beauty of Altai blossoms in winter — and we believe it's the best time to get acquainted with this place. We'll tell you where to go, what to do, and how to get the most out of this adventure.
How to get there
Gorno-Altayskhas one airport with regular flights , St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Surgut, Salekhard, and Novy Urengoy.
Trip prices depend on the season, and, as a rule, tickets are already more expensive in winter. Therefore, if you're planning an exciting adventure to Altai, buy your affordable tickets on our website in advance.
Winter Weather
Altai's wild nature truly flourishes during this time of year. In summer, there's an influx of tourists, and locals are busy catering to their demands. If you want to experience tranquility and connect with nature, then it's definitely better to come here in winter.
Locals note that in winter, it's warmer in the mountains than on the plains — which is why Altai is so good for holidays at ski resorts. During the day, the average air temperature usually stays around -9 degrees Celsius. However, don't be fooled, this is Siberia, and severe frosts occur here — sometimes temperatures can reach as low as -60 degrees Celsius at night.
What to see in Altai in winter
National Museum of the Altai Republic
Sometimes just admiring nature isn't enough — you definitely want to enrich yourself culturally and bring back new knowledge. At the National Museum, you can get it: you'll learn about the republic's nature from a scientific perspective, as well as about the local plants and animals. There are ethnographic exhibitions where you'll learn more about the inhabitants of Altai, their rituals, and traditions. In short, after visiting this museum, you'll be able to hold a conversation with locals and share new things with your friends.
Gorno-Altaysk Botanical Garden
People come to Altai primarily for nature. But the local vegetation here is so diverse that you're unlikely to explore everything, especially in winter. The local botanical garden will help you out here, with thousands of plant species from the plains and forests of Altai. A special treat — you're allowed to walk barefoot on the grass and drink herbal tea according to an Altai recipe. By the way, you can take a piece of Altai with you: the garden sells seedlings.
Altai Stonehenge
The Tarkhatinsky megalithic complex is our answer to the English architectural monument, located in the Chuya Steppe. Of course, it's a bit simpler than Stonehenge… but we love it too! Essentially, this monument consists of several stone blocks arranged in a circle. The largest is five meters wide and six meters long. Scientists state that it was created about five thousand years ago. It is believed that ancient people used this complex as an observatory for observing planets, solstices, and eclipses.
Katun River
One of the main symbols of Altai is the powerful and untamed river, which perfectly showcases the character of the local nature. The current here is very strong, which is why the place constantly attracts thrill-seekers who want to test themselves and conquer the Katun on boats, kayaks, and other watercraft. Locals say that you can't go to Altai and not see the Katun. So it's simply a must-see.
Kamyshla Waterfall
A heavenly corner with this waterfall is hidden in the Kamyshla River bed — you absolutely must visit it! Previously, there was a wooden mill here, which was converted into a sawmill during the Great Patriotic War. Relics from those years can still be found here, such as blackened logs with metal shackles.
Oroktinsky Bridge
A magnificent bridge over the Katun River, connecting two villages. Fun fact: it was built over the narrowest, yet deepest, part of the river. Previously, the bridge was under threat of disappearance: this entire area was planned to be flooded to build the Altai HPP. But fortunately (or unfortunately), discussions about the HPP have been ongoing for decades, and nothing has been decided yet. So, hurry to admire the bridge over Altai's most turbulent river — it might not be there for long.
Shavlinsky Lakes
Some of the most beautiful lakes in Russia, hidden among mountain peaks at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. Getting to them is not easy — you'll have to walk about 80 kilometers. But the beauty of these places will more than make up for all the effort: the turquoise surface of the lakes, pristine nature, and snowy mountain peaks will certainly not leave you indifferent. Just prepare for the journey in advance: bring warm clothes, food, a thermos with tea, and power banks.
Aktru Glaciers
In the Aktru gorge in the southeast lie the majestic glaciers of the same name — they are often used by mountaineers for training. Nearby are other glaciers with more poetic names: “Tronovy Shtany” (Tronov's Pants), “Kar” (Cirque), “Stazher” (Trainee), and others. If you want to experience real mountain adventures — this is definitely the place for you. However, it should be noted that without experience and special equipment, it can be dangerous here: there are also places from which one can fall. Take these dangers into account and approach the trip with great caution.
Valley of Seven Lakes
To get here, you'll have to overcome several ascent stages. You'll find three lakes on the second stage, and the rest on the very top one. The lakes differ from each other: one is black, another is turquoise, and the shore of the third is covered with thickets of flowers. Each lake is unique and beautiful. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Altai — tourists return here multiple times.
Ukok Plateau
This is a plateau located at the junction of four countries: Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and Russia. The plateau is surrounded by mountain ranges, whose peaks are covered with snow all year round. A trip here is a test only for the strongest. The Ukok Plateau will hide its beauty from you with hurricane winds, rains, and snowfalls. But if you catch the right moment and find good weather, you will discover a beauty that few have seen. Are you sure you'll be lucky?
Ski Resorts
"Blagodat"
The most popular local resort, located in Belokurikha. There are six ski slopes of varying difficulty levels — you're sure to find one that suits your taste. Plus, a chairlift has been built here, making it convenient to reach the summit.
"Manzherok"
Another popular resort on Mount Malaya Sinyukha near Lake Manzherokskoye. There are a total of four slopes for downhill skiing, one slope for tubing enthusiasts, and one for cross-country skiing. Guests have access to chairlifts and T-bar lifts. Skiing here is convenient: there are snow cannons, equipment rentals, and even schools for beginners.
"Avalman"
This resort is characterized by a small elevation difference, only about 70 meters. There are five slopes: three for experienced skiers, two for beginners. The resort offers lifts and baby lifts on children's slopes. There is also an artificial snowmaking system that provides quality powder at any time of day. "Avalman" is the most popular recreation spot for residents of Barnaul, the capital of Altai.
"Gorynya"
"Gorynya" is located near the Katun River, in the village of Ustyuba. Here you can stay either at the "Sokol" tourist complex or at the "Adaru" guesthouse. The elevation difference here is significant — about 150 meters, with the longest descent being 780 meters. There is a steep slope for experienced skiers on the northwestern side of the complex.
"Lake Aya"
This resort is located on the shore of the lake of the same name. People come here not only to conquer mountain peaks but also to enjoy nature. There is only one slope here, 600 meters long. Equipment rental and a school with instructors are available.
"Mount Tugaya"
This ski resort is located near the capital of Altai — here on the slopes, there are steep inclines, bumps, gentle sections, lots of descents, and everything you'd expect from awesome slopes. But even with all that, there are green slopes for beginners. And it's also from the top of one of the slopes here that a magnificent view of the city opens up.
Recreation Centers and Hotels
The most popular recreation centers are located near ski resorts or along the Katun River. We've gathered some top hotels for you that will be a great place to relax after your adventures.
Altay Resort
Location: Biryulya village.
Highlight: comfort amidst wild nature.
Other services: restaurants, lobby bar with terrace, swimming pools, Himalayan salt saunas, VR attractions, and slot machines.
Ecoresort "Maryin Ostrov"
Location: Chemal village.
Highlight: everything here is therapeutic and super beneficial.
Other services: medical and diagnostic center, hydrothermal complex, excursions, indoor pool with water from an underground source, banyas (Russian saunas).
Recreation Center "Kedrovy Ostrov"
Location: Ust-Sema village.
Highlight: wooden houses and cottages.
Other services: restaurant with summer veranda, banyas, phytobarrels, gazebos, barbecues, children's playgrounds.
Tourist Complex "Biryuzovaya Katun"
Location: Altai Krai.
Highlight: a tourist zone covering 3,000 hectares.
Other services: entertainment clubs, spa, festivals, concerts, ski complex, archaeological park.
Ecocenter "Altai Sens"
Location: Chemalsky Tract, 5th kilometer.
Highlight: cozy cedar chalets where you can have a great rest.
Other services: banyas, plunge pools, organization of excursions and rafting trips.
Magical Altai is a place you must visit at least once in your life. If you want to get the most emotions out of this winter, then this is definitely the place for you. Affordable tickets — as always on our website.
By the way, Altai is not the only cool winter resort in Russia. In our blog, we tell you what you can do in Kamchatka and how to relax in Karelia in winter.
We wish you a great trip!
