Okhta Park

Location: Mistolovo, Leningrad Oblast

More from Okhta Park. Winter 2020

What was once a joint endeavor by a couple of sports enthusiasts has turned into one of the most prominent resorts in the greater St. Petersburg area, with year-round facilities and activities for all tastes and wallets. Situated just ten kilometers away from St. Petersburg, Okhta Park is made up of an array of wooden cottages, ten ski and snow routes ranging in difficulty, as well as a famous ice rink and a freshly opened Ferris wheel – all with a majestic view of a snowy forest lit up by bright lights. This is an ideal holiday destination for people who want to do all things sports as well as those who would rather experience winter in a calmer way.

Facilities:

  • slopes for skiing/snowboarding/tubing;
  • picturesque hiking routes;
  • outdoor swimming pools for hardy wintertime swimmers;
  • gyms and spas;
  • entertainment areas for kids;
  • cozy eateries and restaurants, etc.

How to get there

The best and easiest way to travel to Okhta Park is surely by car. Yet if you don’t own a car, fret not! You can easily take a minibus (marshrutka) route 627 (only in winter) from the Parnas metro station or route 680 (all seasons) from the Devyatkino metro station to get there. And if you don’t mind a 40-something-minute walk, you can enjoy a train ride from Finland Station to Kusmolovo, the village located near the park. 

Igora

Location: Orekhovo, Leningrad Oblast

More from Igora Resort. Credit: vk.com/igoraski

Another great winter destination is Igora Ski Resort, which has earned four nominations in the past year alone. All year round, the resort brings together scenic landscapes, an active lifestyle, and comfort in one place. With eight varied trails, Igora ensures that there’s something for everyone, from newbies to experts. Plus, a wide range of activities for rest and leisure.

Facilities:

  • tubing, mountain/cross-country skiing, and snowboarding routes;
  • an indoor ice rink and a swimming pool;
  • a spa complex (with Russian saunas);
  • various restaurants and bars;
  • entertainment areas for adults and kids;
  • a karting center;
  • a museum of automobiles, etc.

How to get there

Just like with Okhta Park, you don’t need a car to get to Igora. Hop on bus route 897 or 859 (daily) from the Devyatkino metro station or bus route 960 (daily) from the Parnas metro station to get right to the center’s slopes and hotel. There is also a train that leaves from Finland Station, though the stop you’ll need (Platform 69) is two kilometers away from the resort. 

Basic tips for first-timers

Although winter sports are extremely thrilling, they can get rather pricey with all the inevitable travel and equipment costs. The first and main rule is to study official websites thoroughly before setting off on your getaway. This way, you won’t be stunned by unexpected expenses (a hot beverage not included). Also, you should keep in mind that the resorts usually offer special ski passes for skiers and snowboarders, meaning that you have to pay for the time you will spend at a resort or a certain number of ski lifts. What might be a real money saver is to avoid renting all the needed equipment (e.g. skiing/snowboarding gears, plus skis and snowboards, or skates) at resort rentals. As an alternative, you can try some rentals near your home since, per rule, they let you rent sports clothing and such not for hours but an entire day, which is much cheaper. And it’s even more ideal if you already have some with you.

And don’t forget to check with the weather forecast and a navigation app (we suggest Yandex Maps or Moovit) when heading to a new site for the first time!

If you want to have yourself a real winter adventure, check out our greatest take on activities you should try this winter for some ideas.