Ski resorts in Crimea
The opinion that the Crimea is attractive only in the spring-summer season is wrong. The beautiful subtropical climate of the peninsula makes it a popular holiday destination at any time of the year. In addition to the azure coast, clear sea and beautiful nature, winter rest in the mountains is also able to deliver a lot of positive emotions and vivid impressions for all guests of the Crimea.
Winter in Crimea
Throughout the year, Crimea pleases its guests with a mild climate. And in winter there are many warm sunny days on the peninsula. The temperature rarely drops below zero, usually at night. During the day, the average December air temperature is +2 - + 8 ° С, and in the south of the peninsula the temperature can reach + 15 ° С.
February is the most "winter" and coldest month in Crimea. During this period, cold winds blow from the sea, mist swirls above the ground, and sometimes there are snowfalls.
In the valleys and near the mountains the snow melts quickly, and on the mountain tops it lasts almost until May.
By the end of February, spring comes to the peninsula and the first spring flowers appear in the gardens, and there are buds in the trees. Already in March, the Crimea is completely covered with flowers and flowering trees, the scent of which fills the spring air.
Winter resorts of Crimea
Despite the relatively warm Crimean winter, the snow in the mountains lies almost until the middle of spring. In this regard, in the cold season, you can visit the ski resort in the Crimea, where you can have a great time. Experienced skiers recommend planning skiing in February, as the snow that fell is not so loose, which ensures maximum comfort on the slopes.
In total, there are 2 ski resorts on the peninsula, and for a small Crimea it is quite a lot.
Ai-Petri
The largest and most popular is located on Mount Ai-Petri - it includes everything you need for an active winter pastime. The height of the mountain plain is 1200 m above sea level, there are several slopes on which trails of various lengths and difficulties are located.
There are only 6 tracks on Ai-Petri. The smallest of them - the "frog"with a length of just over 100 m. At this site there is a ski lift for children, where qualified instructors train young skiers.
The longest descent is called the “27th kilometer”, its length is more than 1000 meters, with a height difference of 170 meters.
This route only professionals and true connoisseurs of freestyle go down. They are given the opportunity to ride with the maximum level of extreme sports, without risking to “hit” any of the newbies.
In the Ai-Petri snow park you can rent not only skiing, but also sledges, snowboards - all at an affordable price. To reach the top of the plateau, you can use the cable bridge leading from the village of Mishor, as well as 9 more drag lifts. From the observation deck of the cableway Mishor-Ai-Petri offers an unforgettable and amazing view of the coast.
The mode of operation of elevators is from early morning until 18 o'clock, as riding in the dark is dangerous for life. To get to the distant snow trails, you can use the services of renting a snowmobile. The resort is regularly on duty attire MOE, there are small restaurants and cafes. If you wish, you can visit the local ski club.
Angarsk pass
The second most popular ski resort in Crimea is located on the Angarsk mountain range, at an altitude of 752 meters above sea level. This is the highest point of the route "Simferopol - Alushta".The area near the Crimean Angara River, which flows between the mountains Demerdzhi and Chatyr-Dag, has become a favorite resort for holidaymakers. Especially Angarsk pass is popular in winter among lovers of skiing.
On the Angarsk pass there are slopes with large differences in height (about 700 m), the ride on which is a source of adrenaline for athletes. The coolest place for descents is considered Gorge Cold Couloir, which is located on the famous altitude tract plateau Chatyr-Dag.
On the "corridor" of the Cold Lobby you can reach the next height of this massif, the Angar mountain-Burun. During Soviet times, 3 lift elevators for skiers were built on the Angarsk resort.
On the slope of Chatyr-Dag there are trails of various levels of complexity and length, so both beginners and professionals in skiing can actively spend time. In special points on the top of the plateau, you can rent various items of equipment: sleds, alpine skis, snowboards. Lovers of cross-country skiing will also find excellent slopes in the winter forest.
In the nearby villages you can find cafeterias and places to sleep. The price policy on the Angarsk Pass is more democratic than Ai-Petri.
Advantages and disadvantages of the ski resorts of Crimea
Taking into account that the ski resorts on the peninsula are officially absent, there are still conditions for an active winter holiday. On the summits of Ai-Petri, Chatyr-Dag and the Angarsk Pass, winter holidays in the mountains are organized at a good level. From the positive sides it is worth noting the following:
- availability of essential infrastructure near places for skiing;
- various routes in length and complexity;
- affordable prices;
- the possibility of renting equipment;
- the presence of small slopes for children, the services of instructors;
- scenic landscapes around.
Compared with the Caucasian, Transcarpathian and Sochi ski resorts, unfortunately, the winter resorts of Crimea have some drawbacks. The same situation with similar resorts in other regions and neighboring countries - the peninsula is significantly inferior in scale ski routes. Lack of equipment and technology also adversely affects the resort's customer turnover. It also happens that on snowy days the serpentine road leading to the tops of the mountains completely block or restrict its passage. This is due to the severe road and weather situation, the risk of an avalanche.
Perhaps the ski resorts in the Crimea do not “reach out” to the highest level so far, however, winter rest in the mountains opens up a maximum of options for a pleasant pastime.
A lot of hiking routes to the tops of the Crimean mountains, gorgeous winter landscapes, breathtaking ski slopes, as well as good service at affordable prices are the main reasons why you should definitely visit the Crimean peninsula.
Look at the Crimean ski resort "Ai-Petri" can be further.