Ski resorts where you don't need a visa. Alpine skiing without a visa
The largest and most famous ski resorts are in the Schengen countries and in the USA - you cannot get there without a visa. What to do if you are planning to go at the last minute? Especially for such “emergency cases,” we have compiled a list of places where you can go without wasting time contacting the consulate.
Armenia
Skiers should go to Armenia for the most popular resort of Tsakhkadzor, located 40 kilometers from Yerevan. More than 12 kilometers of its slopes will be of interest to beginners and those who want to improve their skiing skills on not very difficult slopes. Experienced skiers will get bored at such short distances, then they should take off their skis and go to one of the excellent restaurants serving Armenian cuisine, swim in the pool or explore the medieval Kecharis monastery. To enter Armenia you only need a foreign passport.
Belarus
Of course, the Belarusian hills cannot compare with the Alpine mountains, but beginner skiers will find it interesting there too. Among the most popular places for skiing are the Logoisk ski complex, the first to appear on the territory of this country, the hilly steep slopes of Silichi suitable for downhill skiing, and the only route of the Yakut Mountains. Those who do not have time to obtain a foreign passport can go skiing in Belarus. After all, entry into this country is possible with a general Russian civil document.
Georgia
The oldest ski resort, the real capital of Georgian skiing, Bakuriani is suitable for skiers of any level. There are only two serious long trails, but both are two-stage, difficult at the top and easy at the bottom. For those who are starting to ski for the first time, it is better to go on a 300-meter training route. There are several good trails in another resort - Guduari: their total length is 7 kilometers. Residents of Russia are issued a single-entry visa at the airports of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi and the Daryali land checkpoint. To obtain it, you will need a passport valid for three months from the date of entry, a completed application form and a visa fee of about $60.
Iran
From about December to April you will be able to ski in Iran. Large winter resort Dizin is located near Tehran. Its challenging, steep and not very well-groomed slopes are more suitable for experienced athletes. There are 17 kilometers of pistes at another resort - Tashal - that will appeal to skiers of any skill level. For men, an Iranian visa for up to 14 days is issued directly upon crossing the border in international airports. But in order to obtain it, you must first apply for a visa permit on the website of the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Single women can only obtain entry permission from the consulate.
Kazakhstan
The Chimbulak resort is located in the Medeo tract in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Its slopes are recognized by the International Ski Federation as suitable for downhill and giant slalom and are among the most difficult in the world. To cross the border with Kazakhstan and spend no more than 90 days in the country, residents of Russia only need a general civil or foreign passport. But don't forget to keep your immigration card and get temporary registration at the hotel.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan can please any skier. Stable snow cover from November to March, together with pleasant warm sunny weather, make skiing on the local slopes especially enjoyable. The only thing that spoils the impression a little is the low level of service and poorly developed infrastructure. The most famous ski resort is Karakol. Six trails with slight elevation differences are offered by the Kashka-Suu tourist center. Athletes call the Oruu-Sai ski center the most comfortable. To enter Kyrgyzstan you only need a valid passport.
Macedonia
Among the most popular Macedonian ski resorts is Mavrovo, where you can ski from November to April. The 18 slopes (most of which are designed for advanced skiers) offer stunning views, and some slopes are illuminated so you can ski until midnight. To be allowed into Macedonia, you will need a passport valid at the end of the trip and an original tourist voucher indicating payment for the hotel and other services.
Türkiye
There are many ski resorts in Turkey, beloved by our tourists. The mountains in this country are lower than the Alps, the trails are simpler, so they especially attract beginners. Another advantage of Turkish skiing is that it is relatively low prices for all services. Among the most famous and largest ski centers: suitable for family vacation the resort of Uludag and the Anatolian ski resort of Palandoken. A visa to enter Turkey can be obtained directly at the border.
Like the ski resorts of other countries that were once part of the USSR, the Uzbek slopes are good, but there are serious problems with infrastructure. You can ride in these places from November to May. The most visited resort is Chimgan, located 80 kilometers from Tashkent. There are 24 trails (most of them for intermediate athletes). There are many trails for cross-country skiing around. Nearby, 7 kilometers from Chimgan, there is another popular place- Beldersay, offering several kilometers of mountain routes. To enter Uzbekistan you will only need a passport valid for the duration of your trip.
Ukraine
The most famous largest Ukrainian resort is Bukovel. You can ski on its 60 kilometers of varied trails from November to May. Many skiers have heard about Slavsky, but it’s hardly worth going there, since it is constantly criticized for the lack of snow and a large number of stones on the slopes. In general, a significant drawback of all local resorts is that the level of service is significantly lower than in Western Europe, the prices for all services are unreasonably high. Until now, it was possible to enter the territory of Ukraine using either a general civil or a foreign passport.
MOSCOW, January 2 – RIA Novosti. The devaluation of the ruble and the introduction of biometric visas to EU countries limited Russians in their choice of ski resorts outside the country. RIA Novosti suggests paying attention to the list of visa-free countries for citizens of the Russian Federation, where you can spend the winter holidays and communicate with local residents without language barriers.
Azerbaijan
For those for whom Azerbaijan has never previously been associated with active winter holidays, it will be useful to know that now this country has an excellent world-class ski resort "Shahdag" with a variety of slopes, lifts and hotels. If necessary, snow cannons and snowcats will work all night so that by the morning downhill enthusiasts can get out on fresh slopes, regardless of the weather.
The total area of the ski area of 14 slopes is 128 hectares, with a capacity of 11.4 thousand skiers and snowboarders per hour. The resort offers 5 green, 5 blue, 4 red trails and 2 freestyle areas. Vacationers are served by 11 lifts, including eight-seater gondolas, four-seater chairlifts, rope tows and “magic carpet” conveyors in areas for children and beginners.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 90 days. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
Armenia
The largest and most popular resort in Armenia, Tsaghkadzor, is located almost in the middle between the Black and Caspian Seas, at an altitude of 1.8 thousand meters, which is only 10 meters lower than the famous French resort of Courchevel.
In this resort area There are trails of varying degrees of difficulty: red, black and blue. The maximum length of the route is 8 kilometers. The elevation difference is 853 meters. There is also a three-level cable car “Lightner”, the length of which is 4.5 thousand meters.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 180 days. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
Belarus
The Logoisk ski sports and recreation complex is located in a picturesque place 32 kilometers north of Minsk. It is considered one of the largest ski resorts in Belarus, where vacationers have five illuminated slopes with a total length of 3,679 meters and a height difference of 82 meters. The slopes are equipped with a rope tow and a four-chair cable car, the capacity of which is 2 thousand people per hour.
Medvedev will hold New Year holidays in SochiThe popularity of the region's ski resorts, as noted by the Russian Prime Minister, increased after the triumphant Olympics. Changing economic conditions also had a certain impact.Another famous resort in the country is the Republican Ski Center "Silichi", which offers a wide range of services for winter recreation.
The complex includes a hotel town, which includes a hotel, restaurants, guest houses, and a comprehensive service point with equipment rental. The gym gets flooded in winter indoor skating rink. Free parking is available.
Visitors will find long trails (up to 920 meters) of varying degrees of difficulty with elevation changes of up to 100 meters, and there are saddle lifts.
Visa-free entry with an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 30 days. Passport validity period: valid at the time of entry.
Abkhazia
Arabica is a mountain range of the Gagra ridge of the Western Caucasus. Located in Abkhazia near the city of Gagra. The Arabica karst massif is one of the largest and highest in the limestone belt of the Western Caucasus. There are no trails or lifts, but there are interesting routes for freeride lovers. In particular, you can order heli-skiing in the Arabica massif. Local freeriders themselves usually organize ski tours from Outhara towards Lake Ritsa, or go to Krasnaya Polyana.
Visa-free entry with a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 90 days. Passport validity period: valid at the time of entry.
Kazakhstan
One of the most popular ski resorts in Kazakhstan is Chimbulak, which is located in the picturesque Medeo gorge, known to many because of its famous ice stadium. It is located in the picturesque gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2,260 meters above sea level, 25 kilometers from the center of Almaty.
The hallmark of Shymbulak is the variety of routes, including gentle slopes for beginners, long runs for trained skiers, FIS downhill trails, wild valleys with untouched snow and a half-pipe for snowboarders, extreme turns for pros, and a special mogul track.
Kyrgyzstan
The mountains of Kyrgyzstan with a height difference of 800 meters are among the most beautiful places V Central Asia. The mountain slopes of the Kichik-Alai and Chon-Alai ranges have smooth and long slopes, which contributes to their popularity among skiers and the development of ski resorts. There are many long and steep trails, but you can find fairly gentle slopes for beginners and children.
In your free time from skiing, you can visit the caves, thermal springs, folklore and local history museums and other interesting places.
Visa-free entry with an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 90 days. Passport validity period: valid at the time of entry.
Serbia
The largest ski resort in the region is Kapaonik, which is famous for the length of its slopes and their large number. mountain range Kapaonik is part of a nature reserve, so resort guests have the opportunity to spend time not only playing sports, but also enjoying the local flora and fauna.
The total length of Kopaonik trails is 55 kilometers. 100 snow cannons cover 90% of the slopes. There are also 11 green trails, specially designed for those who are just starting to ski. Confident skiers and lovers of alpine skiing try their hand at 6 red ski slopes and 4 black ones. In addition, on the slopes of Kopaoniki there are 3 specialized ski slopes for snowboarding, downhill, giant slalom, super giant slalom. The slopes are served by 24 lifts. There are also 4 lifts for children.
Montenegro
There are two ski centers in Montenegro - Kolasin and Zabljak. These resorts offer long, well-groomed pistes with comfortable lifts that are designed not only for professionals, but also for beginners.
Montenegrin ski areas are famous for their cozy apartments, European service top quality hotels and a huge selection of related services. The developed tourist infrastructure allows you to feel comfortable even in high altitude conditions.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 30 days. If return tickets are not available, entry may be denied. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
MOSCOW, January 2 – RIA Novosti. The devaluation of the ruble and the introduction of biometric visas to EU countries limited Russians in their choice of ski resorts outside the country. RIA Novosti suggests paying attention to the list of visa-free countries for citizens of the Russian Federation, where you can spend the winter holidays and communicate with local residents without language barriers.
Azerbaijan
For those for whom Azerbaijan has never previously been associated with active winter recreation, it will be useful to know that this country now has an excellent world-class ski resort, Shahdag, with a variety of slopes, lifts and hotels. If necessary, snow cannons and snowcats will work all night so that by the morning downhill enthusiasts can get out on fresh slopes, regardless of the weather.
The total area of the ski area of 14 slopes is 128 hectares, with a capacity of 11.4 thousand skiers and snowboarders per hour. The resort offers 5 green, 5 blue, 4 red trails and 2 freestyle areas. Vacationers are served by 11 lifts, including eight-seater gondolas, four-seater chairlifts, rope tows and “magic carpet” conveyors in areas for children and beginners.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 90 days. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
Armenia
The largest and most popular resort in Armenia, Tsaghkadzor, is located almost in the middle between the Black and Caspian Seas, at an altitude of 1.8 thousand meters, which is only 10 meters lower than the famous French resort of Courchevel.
This resort area has trails of varying degrees of difficulty: red, black and blue. The maximum length of the route is 8 kilometers. The elevation difference is 853 meters. There is also a three-level cable car “Lightner”, the length of which is 4.5 thousand meters.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 180 days. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
Belarus
The Logoisk ski sports and recreation complex is located in a picturesque place 32 kilometers north of Minsk. It is considered one of the largest ski resorts in Belarus, where vacationers have five illuminated slopes with a total length of 3,679 meters and a height difference of 82 meters. The slopes are equipped with a rope tow and a four-chair cable car, the capacity of which is 2 thousand people per hour.
Medvedev will spend the New Year holidays in SochiThe popularity of the region's ski resorts, as noted by the Russian Prime Minister, increased after the triumphant Olympics. Changing economic conditions also had a certain impact.Another famous resort in the country is the Republican Ski Center "Silichi", which offers a wide range of services for winter recreation.
The complex includes a hotel town, which includes a hotel, restaurants, guest houses, and a comprehensive service point with equipment rental. The gym has an indoor ice skating rink in winter. Free parking is available.
Visitors will find long trails (up to 920 meters) of varying degrees of difficulty with elevation changes of up to 100 meters, and there are saddle lifts.
Visa-free entry with an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 30 days. Passport validity period: valid at the time of entry.
Abkhazia
Arabica is a mountain range of the Gagra ridge of the Western Caucasus. Located in Abkhazia near the city of Gagra. The Arabica karst massif is one of the largest and highest in the limestone belt of the Western Caucasus. There are no trails or lifts, but there are interesting routes for freeride lovers. In particular, you can order heli-skiing in the Arabica massif. Local freeriders themselves usually organize ski tours from Outhara towards Lake Ritsa, or go to Krasnaya Polyana.
Visa-free entry with a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 90 days. Passport validity period: valid at the time of entry.
Kazakhstan
One of the most popular ski resorts in Kazakhstan is Chimbulak, which is located in the picturesque Medeo gorge, known to many because of its famous ice stadium. It is located in the picturesque gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2,260 meters above sea level, 25 kilometers from the center of Almaty.
The hallmark of Shymbulak is the variety of routes, including gentle slopes for beginners, long runs for trained skiers, FIS downhill trails, wild valleys with untouched snow and a half-pipe for snowboarders, extreme turns for pros, and a special mogul track.
Kyrgyzstan
The mountains of Kyrgyzstan with a height difference of 800 meters are one of the most beautiful places in Central Asia. The mountain slopes of the Kichik-Alai and Chon-Alai ranges have smooth and long slopes, which contributes to their popularity among skiers and the development of ski resorts. There are many long and steep trails, but you can find fairly gentle slopes for beginners and children.
In your free time from skiing, you can visit caves, thermal springs, folklore and local history museums and other interesting places.
Visa-free entry with an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 90 days. Passport validity period: valid at the time of entry.
Serbia
The largest ski resort in the region is Kapaonik, which is famous for the length of its slopes and their large number. The Kapaonik mountain range is part of a nature reserve, so resort guests have the opportunity to spend time not only playing sports, but also enjoying the local flora and fauna.
The total length of Kopaonik trails is 55 kilometers. 100 snow cannons cover 90% of the slopes. There are also 11 green trails, specially designed for those who are just starting to ski. Confident skiers and lovers of alpine skiing try their hand at 6 red ski slopes and 4 black ones. In addition, on the slopes of Kopaoniki there are 3 specialized ski slopes for snowboarding, downhill, giant slalom, and super giant slalom. The slopes are served by 24 lifts. There are also 4 lifts for children.
Montenegro
There are two ski centers in Montenegro - Kolasin and Zabljak. These resorts offer long, well-groomed pistes with comfortable lifts that are designed not only for professionals, but also for beginners.
Montenegrin ski areas are famous for their cozy apartments, top-quality European service in hotels and a huge selection of related services. The developed tourist infrastructure allows you to feel comfortable even in high altitude conditions.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 30 days. If return tickets are not available, entry may be denied. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
The largest and most famous ski resorts are located in the Schengen countries and in the USA - you cannot get there without a visa. What to do if you are planning to go at the last minute? Especially for such “emergency cases,” we have compiled a list of places where you can go without wasting time contacting the consulate.
Armenia
Skiers should go to Armenia for the most popular resort of Tsakhkadzor, located 40 kilometers from Yerevan. More than 12 kilometers of its slopes will be of interest to beginners and those who want to improve their skiing skills on not very difficult slopes. Experienced skiers will get bored at such short distances, then they should take off their skis and go to one of the excellent restaurants serving Armenian cuisine, swim in the pool or explore the medieval Kecharis monastery. To enter Armenia you only need a foreign passport.
Belarus
Of course, the Belarusian hills cannot compare with the Alpine mountains, but beginner skiers will find it interesting there too. Among the most popular places for skiing are the Logoisk ski complex, the first to appear on the territory of this country, the hilly steep slopes of Silichi suitable for downhill skiing, and the only route of the Yakut Mountains. Those who do not have time to obtain a foreign passport can go skiing in Belarus. After all, entry into this country is possible with a general Russian civil document.
Georgia
The oldest ski resort, the real capital of Georgian skiing, Bakuriani is suitable for skiers of any level. There are only two serious long trails, but both are two-stage, difficult at the top and easy at the bottom. For those who are starting to ski for the first time, it is better to go on a 300-meter training route. There are several good trails in another resort - Guduari: their total length is 7 kilometers. Residents of Russia are issued a single-entry visa at the airports of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi and the Daryali land checkpoint. To obtain it, you will need a passport valid for three months from the date of entry, a completed application form and a visa fee of about $60.
Iran
From about December to April you will be able to ski in Iran. The large winter resort of Dizin is located near Tehran. Its challenging, steep and not very well-groomed slopes are more suitable for experienced athletes. There are 17 kilometers of pistes at another resort - Tashal - that will appeal to skiers of any skill level. For men, an Iranian visa for up to 14 days is issued directly upon crossing the border at international airports. But in order to obtain it, you must first apply for a visa permit on the website of the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Single women can only obtain entry permission from the consulate.
Kazakhstan
The Chimbulak resort is located in the Medeo tract in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Its slopes are recognized by the International Ski Federation as suitable for downhill and giant slalom and are among the most difficult in the world. To cross the border with Kazakhstan and spend no more than 90 days in the country, residents of Russia only need a general civil or foreign passport. But don't forget to keep your immigration card and get temporary registration at the hotel.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan can please any skier. Stable snow cover from November to March, together with pleasant warm sunny weather, make skiing on the local slopes especially enjoyable. The only thing that spoils the impression a little is the low level of service and poorly developed infrastructure. The most famous ski resort is Karakol. Six trails with slight elevation differences are offered by the Kashka-Suu tourist center. Athletes call the Oruu-Sai ski center the most comfortable. To enter Kyrgyzstan you only need a valid passport.
Macedonia
Among the most popular Macedonian ski resorts is Mavrovo, where you can ski from November to April. The 18 slopes (most of which are designed for advanced skiers) offer stunning views, and some slopes are illuminated so you can ski until midnight. To be allowed into Macedonia, you will need a passport valid at the end of the trip and an original tourist voucher indicating payment for the hotel and other services.
Türkiye
There are many ski resorts in Turkey, beloved by our tourists. The mountains in this country are lower than the Alps, the trails are simpler, so they especially attract beginners. Another advantage of skiing in Turkish is the relatively low prices for all services. Among the most famous and largest ski centers are the family-friendly resort of Uludag and the Anatolian resort for advanced skiers, Palandoken. A visa to enter Turkey can be obtained directly at the border.
Uzbekistan
Like the ski resorts of other countries that were once part of the USSR, the Uzbek slopes are good, but there are serious problems with infrastructure. You can ride in these places from November to May. The most visited resort is Chimgan, located 80 kilometers from Tashkent. There are 24 trails (most of them for intermediate athletes). There are many trails for cross-country skiing around. Nearby, 7 kilometers from Chimgan, there is another popular place - Beldersay, offering several kilometers of mountain routes. To enter Uzbekistan you will only need a passport valid for the duration of your trip.
Ukraine
The most famous largest Ukrainian resort is Bukovel. You can ski on its 60 kilometers of varied trails from November to May. Many skiers have heard about Slavsky, but it’s hardly worth going there, since it is constantly criticized for the lack of snow and a large number of stones on the slopes. In general, a significant drawback of all local resorts is that, despite the fact that the level of service is much lower than in Western Europe, the prices for all services are unreasonably high. Until now, it was possible to enter the territory of Ukraine using either a general civil or a foreign passport.
