Russia (bbabo.net), - In the ski resorts of the North Caucasus, there are almost no vacancies left on New Year's holidays, and the slopes will be overcrowded with vacationers. However, in the North Caucasus Federal District in winter you can not only go skiing and snowboarding. has compiled a selection of less popular but equally exciting ways to spend a long weekend surrounded by mountains.

Climbing can be an unforgettable new experience. Usually in winter in all rocky regions of the North Caucasus the season ends, but not in Kislovodsk. Thanks to the special resort climate, the rock in the Berezovsky and Alikonovsky gorges warms up in the sun, attracting athletes from all over the country. Even if there is snow on opposite slopes, sometimes you have to climb in a T-shirt - this is the heat around.

- Now we have positive temperatures, and for the near future, they also promise good weather. It is possible that you can climb even in cloudy weather. In any case, we train non-stop, ”says Viktor Ershov, an instructor in mountaineering and rock climbing from Kislovodsk.

He also added that there are people in the city who can lead to the rock sector and teach the basics. They arrange insurance and rent equipment. On average, it will cost two to three thousand rubles per day of climbing, depending on the number of wards the instructor has.

However, rock climbing in the North Caucasus in winter is a lottery. Even in Kislovodsk there is cloudy, snowy or windy weather, on such days it is too cold near the rocks. In this case, the city has the largest landscaped spa park in Europe. Walking there more than compensates for the lack of sports activity.

For those who want not only to try rock climbing, but also to be inspired by looking at the professionals, there is a unique opportunity. On January 8th and 9th, the "Christmas starts" festival will take place in the Alikonov Gorge.

The largest landscape resort park in Europe is located in Kislovodsk. Walking there more than compensates for the lack of sports activity

If you want to climb above the rocks, you can try paragliding with an instructor. According to Stavropol pilot-instructor Mikhail Rybasov, paradromes known throughout Russia at the foot of Mount Yutsa and in Chegem operate in winter, but are highly dependent on the weather. But not far from Stavropol there are several explored slopes that are suitable for flights on New Year's holidays. Also, with the arrival of cold weather, the season continues in Arkhyz and in the vicinity of the Ossetian Dargavs. You should not expect many hours of air travel, but you can try something new. And this is only about three thousand rubles. If you like it, the instructors for beginners will conduct ground training.

Another way to look down on the world is to take off in a balloon. Ballooners fly all year round. Moreover, experts say that fuel consumption in winter is even lower than in summer.

Typically, a commercial hot air balloon trip lasts about an hour - the flight costs about 30 thousand rubles. But the opportunity to touch the sky with comfort and without athletic feats is worth it. One of the centers of aeronautics in the North Caucasus Federal District is the Caucasian Mineral Waters. Major international balloon festivals have been held here several times.

The Arkhyz resort offers visitors ice skating at an altitude of 1600 meters. An ice rink 40 meters long and 20 meters wide is located in one of the most picturesque places in the North Caucasus. At the same time, the entire infrastructure is nearby - after the session, you can warm up in one of the local cafes.

"Now the skating rink is being cleaned and prepared for pouring, it will open for the New Year holidays. With your own skates, admission is free. If they are not there, then there is a rental service on site," the resort administration told the correspondent.

In winter, in the mountains, the main means of transportation are snowmobiles. Before you sit on it, you should learn how to manage it. Local companies offer training programs - instructors will tell you about all the nuances of driving a snow car. The full course will cost about 130 thousand rubles, and you can try your hand and ride for a couple of hours for six to seven thousand rubles.

An interesting alternative to skis and snowboards has appeared in Chechnya - this is tubing. But do not jump to the conclusion that this is children's entertainment. At the Veduchi resort, three parallel tracks, 160 meters long, were built for riding on cheesecakes. If you cannot get there during these holidays, you should not be upset - the tracks are all-season.

Another type of activity that winter is not a hindrance is jeeping. There are companies throughout the North Caucasus that offer excursions along a variety of routes. The price for a trip in a group starts from about two thousand rubles. If you come with a company, it will be cheaper.

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