The Perm tour operator “Severny Ural” (“Northern Ural”) began to establish mountain modules allowing to spend a night in the mountains, even for children and elderly people.
A mountain module is a built-up construction which is transported by helicopter to any hard-to-access point and is assembled by two people during 3-4 hours. “Severny Ural” plans to produce about 100 modules per year. According to the creators, this is a pilot project for the entire Russia: there are no analogues of such housing on any tourist route in the country. The first mountain module in the Kama region appeared in the “Vishersky” Reserve. Any tourist can use them.
All other retreats for tourists put by the company in the mountains of the Northern Urals will be free: “We do this primarily for the safety of tourists, so that they can find a shelter in any weather. There are no locks or cash registers”.
The Ural Mountains, especially the Southern Urals are a very picturesque place. Coniferous forests, fast rivers and ravines gushing for crystal lakes cannot but make you adore its nature. The Southern Urals cannot boast towering summits covered with centuries-old snow and glaciers. The average tops are only one thousand meters above the sea level. Nonetheless, these are real mountains. Most of the 20 Urals ski resorts are not attractive for ski-addicts. Their poor infrastructure, lack of good trails and snow simply frighten them away. However, a few of them meet the international standards, are certified by the FIS and might be interesting for those in constant search of snow. If you decide to do a bit of skiing in the Urals, above all, bear in mind that the Urals are not the Alps or the Caucasus. It will definitely give you less adrenaline. However, it is a nice opportunity to combine decent skiing with exploring Russia’s Asia. Have your own opinion! But mind that it is the Caucasus that is the best for crazy skiing. The Ezhovaya Mountain (translated as the Hedgehog Mountain) stands to the side of the Main Urals Ridge some 110 kilometers from the city of Yekaterinburg, a heart of the Urals. Does it have anything to do with hedgehogs? Hmm…to be honest, I am not sure. Its top is 550 meters above the sea level and is one of the Veselye Mountains tops (or Funny Mountains if translated properly). The elevation change of the mountain which boasts 5 well-groomed trails is 300 meters. The longest trail is 1.5 kilometers.
The ski center operates 7 lifts: 6 rope tows and a double-seater chairlift. On working days it is quite deserted. If the snow is insufficient the snow guns step in to give as much of it as required for decent skiing. It is possible to ski in the nighttime, however, not everywhere. There is only one lightened piste. The trails are various and designed both for beginners and experts. There is even a half-pipe if you are interested.
The season starts in December to end in April when the last snow melts down.
Author:
Anna Dorozhkina
Add to favorite
