Krasnaya Polyana Overview

Located 80 km (48 mi) East of the popular Black Sea resort of Sochi and visited by Russian president Victor Putin when taking the traditional Russian early May vacation, the slopes have a reputation for their long season thanks to some of the most consistent and extensive snowfalls in Russia. Indeed some reports claim that the resort is located at 'the wettest point in Europe' and that snow depths there can reach 7 metres (over 23 feet) - very deep by European standards. There is no snow making however so coverage on the lower slopes can suffer at the end's of Krasnaya Polyana's long season. Krasnaya Polyana's best slopes are located on the northern slopes of the Aibga Ridge with the longest 4km (2.5 miles) in length over a 1200m vertical. However heli-skiing can extend the trail length to nearly 7km (over 4 miles) by continuing up to 3200 metres above sea level. Heli-skiing, the option favoured by Mr Putin, can open up a vertical of more than 2000m (nearly 7000 feet). The resort was part of a regional bid to stage the 2002 Winter Olympics, losing out to Utah. Paragliding and snowmobiling are also on offer. Krasnaya Polyana means the Red Glade.