Russian ski junkies flock to Caucasian 'paradise'
Published 24 March, 2008, 11:24
A pristine land of high mountains, crystal waterfalls and ideal slopes for skiing, the southern republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessia is often termed a ‘Caucasian ski paradise.’ The region has everything required to become one of Russia's best travel hotspots.
The highest peak in Europe, Mount Elbrus, located on the edge of the republic, is just one of its attractions. The mountains are a major asset for Karachaevo-Cherkessia in helping to boost its tourism industry.
Among its highlights is the Dombay ski resort. Few have discovered it yet, but with development plans in full swing that’s soon to change.
“Last year we opened two new lifts and they carry 2,000 people an hour. A third one is just about to go up and specialists are now working on classifying all of our downhill courses. Enormous projects are underway,” said Elzar Appakov, Minister of Tourism of Karachaevo-Cherkessia.
Dombay is on its way to becoming a world-class ski-resort, but a day on its slopes won’t empty your pockets.
“It’s about 40 euros a day. All together it costs about 100 euros for two days,” said one of the tourists.
The weather is also a rare treat. The season there lasts until June and fresh snow falls in late September, but even in March tourists can soak up the sun at 3,000 metres.
Not far from the slopes is a nature reserve which is home to some of the oldest trees in Europe.
Locals say they know Mother Nature has done something special and it looks like outsiders are about to catch on.
