Dombai: Snowy New Year

We are at one of the best ski resorts in our country, so how not to spend this day on the slopes? 

In Dombai, every skier of any level will find a suitable option for himself. 

With those who prefer a more relaxing holiday to activities, we will go for a walk on the Musa Achitara ridge. 

The cable car will take us to an altitude of 3,200 m above sea level. There is a stunning view here: the snow-capped caps of the Main Caucasian Ridge are right in front of us.

Dombai gorges — Alibek, Dombai-Ulgen, Amanauz - meander below, glaciers hang from the powerful blocks of the Dzhuguturlyuchat massif, and the highest mountain of the Western Caucasus — Dombai-Ulgen catches our eye.

Walking distance: 1.5 km.

Accommodation: guest house.

Meals: breakfast.

After breakfast, those who want to conquer the mountain slopes go to the slopes of the ski resort. 

And with the rest, we will go to a picturesque and well—accessible place in winter - Alibek Gorge. 

A wide road, white branches of coniferous trees and fresh air will make us feel like in a fairy tale. 

On the way, just half an hour's walk from the village, we will visit the Cemetery of Climbers. Several dozen graves and monuments in just a few decades remind travelers that Dombai is, although friendly, but large mountains that should not be underestimated. 

After walking a few more kilometers higher up the gorge, we will wander into what remains of the Alibek alpine camp. Soviet mountaineering originated here, the best bard songs were written, and from here they went to storm the inaccessible peaks. 

Only ruins and memories remain of the camp. But time does not stand still, and now there is a base, a cafe and even an aviary with deer, which we can feed with carrots or bread.

Walking distance: 10 km.

Accommodation: guest house.

Meals: breakfast.

After a joint breakfast, we will take the skiers to the slopes, and go to the highest waterfall of Dombai!

An interesting walk awaits us, but not the easiest. 

Our route will start from the trail along the Amanauz River. Along the way, we will be able to capture snow bridges over rivers from avalanches, views of Dombai and the valley. 

Our first target is Devil's Mill Canyon. At this point, the water is trying to get out of the canyon of the Amanauz River and circles in a fast whirlpool to disappear into the depths of snowfields and rocky gorges. 

But the most important treasure of the Amanauz gorge is still ahead — the huge Sufrudzhinsky waterfall. In summer, water falls from a great height, scattering sparkling rainbows all around. 

We will see this beauty in an unusual guise, when the waterfall turns into an ice block of bizarre shape. Let's take beautiful photos and enjoy the incredible scenery.

Walking distance: 8 km.

Accommodation: guest house.

Meals: breakfast.

Today, fans of skiing and snowboarding can spend some time on the slopes. 

We will go with the rest to the Dombai-Ulgen gorge. 

We will walk to LIYA's clearing, and then through the fabulous winter forest we will get to the Russian clearing. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Musa Achitara ridge on the one hand, and the Main Caucasian Ridge on the other. 

The Dombai-Ulgen massif is visible right in the direction of movement, and the Dzhuguturlyuchat waterfalls are frozen very close. 

At the end of the tour, we recommend a walk through the souvenir market. Homemade jam made from mountain blueberries, tea made from Dombai herbs, magnets, handmade shawls, souvenir mugs ... There is everything here! 

After visiting the market, we say goodbye to Dombai. 

We are waiting for a transfer by minibus to Mineralnye Vody. 

Approximately at 19:00 — arrival at the railway station and the airport of Mineralnye Vody. 

We recommend taking tickets with departure after 21.00.

Car: 210 km.

Walking distance: 5 km.

Accommodation: guest house.

Meals: breakfast.