Krasnaya Poliana

Land and people

Where the Caucasus Mountains meet the Black Sea, they still show imposing summits higher than 3000 meters. Tucked into this wild Alpine environment we find the legendary ski area of Krasnaya Poliana, the “Nice Valley”… We are going to visit the “Powder House” of the Caucasus!

Half an hour taxi-ride off the coastal town called Sochi beams you right into a spectacular alpine valley crowned by proud summits glowing in the afternoon sun. The coastal resort town of Sochi and the neighboring mountain valley of Krasnaya Poliana has been a famous tourist destinations in the days of the Soviet Union. Today there are a number of hotels, chalets and restaurants, which are built to meet modern western standards.

Heliskiing (heliboarding)

The great proximity to the sea produces a characteristic snow cover that sticks to the steepest angles. Skiing and boarding here reminds heavily of Whistler or Alaska! All the runs lead into outrages, unique Tree-skiing areas. Since there are only leaf trees (without leafs in winter…), the snow gets distributed evenly and you can see far ahead while riding.

The summits are around 2500 meters high and some of the runs lead us all the way down to the valley floor at around 500 meters low.

Helicopter

Our powerful MI 8 helicopter easily lifts us up to the ridgelines and summits. Runs between 800 and 1500 vertical meters give us plenty of opportunity to exploit this versatile playground. Only after the introduction of Heliskiing, more than ten years ago, a lift system had been constructed. This ski area covers a lot of interesting terrain above and in the trees and opens runs up to 1700 vertical meters.