Skiing in Sochi: What remains after the Olympics

For many people the trip to Sochi begins with the same view. It takes three hours from Moscow to reach Sochi by plane. Sochi’s new international airport now handles dozens of domestic and international flights daily. One may reach city center from the airport terminal (28 km) by bus, train, or taxi.

Only in Sochi, you can see the amazing "natural cocktail": a combination of alpine zones and a Mediterranean climate, which are only 50 km apart.

In fact, every winter in Sochi is a surprise. In one year, the urban fashion conscious young women worry that they will not be able to put on their new fur coat as it is too warm.

From the foot of the resort (Rosa Khutor, 560 m) to the summit of Rosa Peak (2,320 m), a thick coat of snow covers the slopes, ready to be streaked by thousands of skis and snowboards.

Next year comes the real winter with lots of snow and strong winds.

To protect itself against the whims of Mother Nature, the resort got the most powerful artificial snow system in Europe, indicating two 130,000 m3 artificial lakes that will supply the countless snow cannons if they are needed.

Rosa Khutor is the most famous ski resort in Sochi. It was the first to meet the high standards of European mountain getaways. This is a beautiful, top notch, international-quality vacation destination.

The resorts have continued their path of development after the Olympic and Paralympic games ended. More slopes and lifts have appeared in the two years since the Games.

The view from the top is breathtaking. There are runs of widely differing levels, all the way up to two advanced black trails featuring steep moguls. Advanced skiers will appreciate this, while others will be terrified and will continue at a slower pace.