PlanetSKI goes skiing in Russia
Thursday January 19, 2012 - Email this article to a friend

If one believes all the hype Russia could be the next big ski destination.

It has the 2014 Winter Olympics but that is just the start of things. Five completely new ski areas are being built at a cost of £15b.

It is the largest ski project the world has seen and is aimed at the huge and expanding domestic market in Russia, the affluent and adventurous western European market and then to the east there is Asia.

Many were stunned when the Games was awarded to Sochi as there were no ski resorts, no transport infrastructure and often no snow.

It has a terrorist threat, corruption problems and no history of holding such an event.

It did though have the complete backing of the Russian government in the shape of President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

That clout undoubtedly swung the decision.

The terrorist threat is real. Last year three skiers were hauled from their cars in a neighbouring area and shot. We reported on it at the time. 

The incident happened at Mount Elbrus. It is a full day's travelling from Sochi but nevertheless caused some concerns.

A massive security operation is already underway and it promises to be the most heavily policed of any Winter Olympics.

Since the announcement was made the biggest building site in Europe sprung up and so far Olympic officials say all is on track.

Sochi is a town on the Black Sea and the snowsports events will be held in the resort of Krasnaya Polyana.

It will be interesting to see what they are like and what the area has to offer.

Britain's biggest tour operator, Crystal, seems confident as it is already offering holidays and hopes to sell many more in the run up to the Olympics, The Games itself in 2014 and beyond.

Here on PlanetSKI we reported on the announcement and for more information about the holidays and skiing in Russia then see here.

Alternatively check back over the next few days and we'll tell you what it is like. First hand.

We're rather looking forward to it.

Для духа гор (For the spirit of the mountains)

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