So beloved is this pastime that it even has made it into colloquial language – usually, in the form of funny-sounding idioms. For instance, if something is incongruous or unnecessary, you could say it’s “нужен как лыжи в бане” (as appropriate as skis in a sauna), which you can shorten to just “лыжи в бане.” Or, if you are planning to go somewhere, you could say “навострить лыжи” (point your skis).
Skiing in the city is much easier than practicing this sport in the mountains. There are no slopes and no need for tough maneuvers or special equipment (even special sportswear isn’t needed!); instead, you can just rent your skis and enjoy a nice cardio workout surrounded by picturesque winter views. Importantly, you don’t need any special practice before that – just like with skating, it’s quite easy to start enjoying the activity after the first few minutes of figuring it out.
Tips for beginners
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Equipment
For your first outing, you will need skis, poles, and ski boots. As with skates on an ice rink, many snow-covered parks and popular destinations offer equipment rental. If it’s your first time, you will likely get help when selecting your gear – you’ll be given poles that are convenient for your height and boots of an appropriate size. As of 2026, the price range for a full-day rental is around 600-800 rubles. Keep in mind that you’ll also be asked to leave some cash or your ID as a collateral (you’ll get it back after you return the rented equipment).
With the city’s spacious parks providing ample space for skiing, nearly all of them have multiple ski rentals in the vicinity. It’s always best to call the business in advance to ask what they have on offer and confirm their schedule and pricing.
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How to move
There are two general types of skiing: classic and skate skiing. Classic skiing is the type practiced by most recreational skiers and the one it’s best to start with. It is less demanding and more beginner-friendly, as you are moving down a track with two lanes and your skis are parallel to each other. It gives you enough exercise without too much strain – the perfect way to enjoy some stunning views on a snow-swept forest. You can do classic skiing nearly anywhere, even without a dedicated trail.
As for skate skiing, its movements resemble those of ice skating. It requires quite a lot of training and practice to master, which is why it’s best left for later, if you grow interested after venturing out for classic skiing first.
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What to wear
For a casual ski-walk, you can wear your regular winter clothes: an overcoat, pants (with extra layers underneath), gloves, scarf, and hat.
More often than not people tend to overdress when they go skiing. Remember that you will be actively moving: your body will keep itself pretty warm during the workout. That’s why it is better to dress as if it’s 5-10 degrees warmer than it actually is. Right afterwards, however, as you are changing out of all the gear, it’s important to also change your clothes and socks to dry ones and add a few layers for your trip home.
It’s also good practice to take a few extra pairs of socks with you to make sure that your ski boots fit perfectly.
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Winter feast
For many, an indelible part of any skiing outing is a sumptuous meal eaten on it. You will typically see people packing a thermos of tea and sandwiches – or, when Maslenitsa comes, home-baked blini. It can be any kind of snack and a warm beverage of your choice; you can be sure that it will taste just perfect after an hour or so of activity in the snow!
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Where to begin
In the city, some of the best options are Yelagin Island and Krestovsky Island. Both places are quite picturesque, with Yelagin Island also offering equipment to rent, while Krestovsky Island boasts a dedicated skiing track. Other major parks in the city, including Sosnovka, Udelny Park, and Moskovsky Victory Park, will also be a great choice to begin with.
St. Pete’s many suburbs are also popular skiing destinations. For instance, in Gatchina (link to a local ski rental) you can not only practice this winter sport closer to nature, but also enjoy a walk around the historic town. In Zelenogorsk, there is a dedicated skiing center with picturesque routes and locations fit for beginners.
For more experienced skiers, there are also quite a few locations in Leningrad Oblast.
Skiing at ITMO
ITMO’s KronBars sports club has a ski racing club, where the university’s varsity teams train for tournaments. The club hosts events and open classes to recruit new members every semester. If you get interested in skiing, you should definitely keep them in mind!
Explore other popular sports with our articles on cycling, running, and swimming in the city.
Title image credit: Tonyperk at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
