10 reasons to visit Russia in winter

1. See real snow

It doesn't snow everywhere in winter. So, if you dream of seeing and touching snow, then practically all of Russia (except for very southern cities) is a right place for you. Especially from the end of December. 

What can you do with snow? Make a snowman, play with snowballs, build a snow fortress, make a snow angel, catch snowflakes with your tongue, rub yourself with snow after a banya steam bath or just look at the snowstorm from the window! 

2. Skiing or snowboarding in the most beautiful mountains

Lots of snow means lots of ski resorts! In Siberia, for example, you can ski as early as November. One of the most popular resorts there, ‘Sheregesh’, is often dubbed the ‘Russian Ibiza’. Well, a winter one!

There is also a brand new resort called ‘Manzherok’ in the Altai Mountains. And those who are not afraid of extreme cold are welcome to the Arctic at the ‘Khibiny’ ski resort. 

‘Dombai’ and ‘Arkhyz’ are also popular places in the Caucasus. And, of course, ‘Krasnaya Polyana’ in Sochi, though good snow only appears there at the end of December. 

3. Ring in the New Year like a Russian

For Russians, this is the most important and expected holiday of the year. That is why it is celebrated in a big way! You can celebrate it in Moscow right on the Red Square and listen to the Kremlin chimes. Or you can drink champagne right on the street (and the police will look the other way!). And, of course, you will be accompanied by firework displays in all cities of Russia. 

And, if you have any Russian friends, then, by all means, celebrate the New Year with them! You won't see such a lavish table spread anywhere! For sure, there will be red caviar, five kinds of salads, including the legendary Russian (‘Olivier’) salad and ‘herring under a fur coat’! And, of course, unlimited sparkling wine. 

And the celebration itself continues in Russia until January 9! Such a long holiday!  

4. Ice skate on thousands of ice rinks

Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities. Since Soviet times, it has been customary in Russia to skate in winter and many Russians can surprise you with non-trivial pirouettes!

They are poured in many parks in the country, on central squares and even yards of high-rise buildings. You don't have to bring ice skates with you, as there are rentals everywhere. 

And, in December 2024, the largest skating rink in the world opened in St. Petersburg! Don't miss it!

5. Find out how many types of ice there are in Lake Baikal

Ice skating, by the way, is also possible on Lake Baikal. The frozen winter lake is amazingly beautiful. In fact, it is a non-man-made exhibition of all kinds of ice: frozen splashes, bunches of ice arrows, frozen waves, almost fallen drops, transparent, shiny and milky-white… 

In general, instead of a thousand words, it's better to check out the photos and then go see for yourself! 

6. See the Northern Lights

To see this natural phenomenon of incredible beauty is a dream of many travelers. Murmansk Region and Yamal Peninsula are considered to be the most popular places to hunt for it. 

From September to March, the Northern Lights can be observed on clear frosty nights in the Arctic sky. It is most clearly visible far away from big cities. The glow comes in a variety of colors, from green to purple, and takes incredible shapes.

7. Sledding through the snow

The most favorite winter fun in Russia for several hundred years has been sledding. Head off, for example, to Suzdal. This small town has preserved the coziness of old Russia and you can enjoy rides on horse-drawn sleighs there. 

And, even near Moscow, you can feel like you are in the real North. Moscow Region has several places where you can take a ride on reindeer sleds or on sleds pulled by huskies.

8. See a winter fairy tale from the window of a retro train

A real winter fairy tale with snow-covered spruce forests can be seen in Karelia. 

A retro express train, surprisingly cozy and atmospheric, runs to the popular ‘Ruskeala’ mountain park. In ‘Ruskeala’, you can fly over the ice canyon on a zip-line, take an underground excursion to the former marble adits with scatterings of stalactites and then warm up with hot drinks, snacking on Karelian ‘kalitka’ pasty made of rye dough.

9. Visit a winter market

In many Russian cities, fairs and markets don't close until March (when ‘Maslenitsa’, the “pancake week” and a farewell to winter, is most often celebrated). You can ride merry-go-rounds, enjoy warm drinks (for example, traditional ‘sbiten’ or mulled wine) and eat Russian street food (‘pirozhki’, pancakes, ‘chebureki’ and other goodies). 

You can also head to Kolomna, 100 km from Moscow, to enjoy the old merchant spirit and, at the same time, buy some traditional local apple ‘pastila’ as a souvenir. 

10. Plunge into an ice hole on Epiphany

On January 19, Russia celebrates Orthodox Epiphany. One of the traditions is to plunge into a cut ice hole. This activity is not for the faint-hearted! But many foreigners who have dared at least once say that it has changed their lives! 

We recommend taking a dip in the icy water only in specially equipped places, which you can find all over Russia. There are always warm changing rooms, a team of rescuers and medics and special platforms (it is very dangerous to dip into a “wild” ice hole in a large body of water, as you may be carried away by the underwater current!).