Is it really so bad to relax in Sochi?

What do we know about Sochi? High prices and very mediocre service, far from quality standards. And also periodic scandals in social networks, hysterically appealing to reposts. Well, also the "Olympics, cuts, floods" ... These are trends that shake media space and social networks with enviable regularity. On the other hand, dozens of crowded flights arrive daily at Adler Airport from different cities of Russia and from abroad, and this already indicates the opposite.

I travel a lot, and I almost never have conflicts or dissatisfaction with certain moments of travel. The more I read the negative in social networks, the more I affirm in the thought that people themselves are trying to find a scandal. Indeed, without it, rest is no rest. I wanted to get to Sochi for a very long time, I could not go to the Olympics, then another trip crossed dates in Formula 1, and now, this winter I visited Sochi twice! What can I tell you, friends, this is the perfect combination of absolutely diverse activities - from the crazy freeride in Krasnaya Polyana to the fantastic sunset over the Black Sea ... and even that's not all!

The main thing is that the cost of such a trip in the conditions of modern realities and the exchange rate wins Europe twice! It is at least!

Well, what about the quality !? Look further ...

What is the ski resort "Gorki Gorod" and around it ?!

Sochi in the winter

For the first time this season, I arrived in Sochi in December and actually got to the opening of the ski season. The ski pass was then at half price, but there were practically no people ... But there was snow ... wow!

I then stopped by the sea, next to the Olympic Park, but for a day I decided to go to the mountains and open the season.

Unconsciously, you expect a trick, everything cannot be so modern, fast, clear and understandable ... I take a modern train and in half an hour I am already in Krasnaya Polyana. Then its cost was only 70 rubles, now the price has been raised and if you are traveling with a company, it is better to take a taxi.

The first thing that pleasantly surprised were modern, convenient train stations. Let me remind you that from the sea to the snow less than an hour's drive! Where else is there ?!

You can live by the sea, you can in the Krasnaya Polyana below, or above between the first and second phases of lifts.

Everything is new, in fact, the entire infrastructure is fully operational only in the second season.

Gorky City

There are four ski resorts in Krasnaya Polyana, they are not yet interconnected, but they say that it is in the plans.

In December, I tried Rosa Khutor and Gorky Gorod. The latter immediately attracted with stylish branding, vibrant navigation and such a "home" atmosphere. “Rosa Khutor” is more diverse and interesting from the point of view of the slopes, but, given that everything is next to each other, there is an opportunity to alternate resorts and ride everywhere.

Lift pass for 1100 rubles, for 1400 - equipment rental, everything is quick and clear. There was a small queue on the weekend, but it was still fast.

And in February, I already lived right at the Gorki-Gorod resort itself ... living with access to the slope - this is a real buzz!

This is the Solis Sochi Hotel, located between the first and second stages of the cable car.

What can I tell you ... this is one of the best and most powerful ski hotels I have ever stayed at. And I stayed a lot where in different countries.

On the one hand - the road and the cable car station:

On the other - direct access to the slope. Including on the evening skiing track!

Beauty, really ?!

Infrastructure and resort

Everything is brand new, quiet, fast, modern!

How cool it is to ride on modern equipment. I draw a parallel with Austria, from where I returned last week, in the largest resort in Austria - in Saalbach there is one ski lift where you need to ride while standing. At the same time, under it there is an interesting black track; in the booth, standing, well, you can’t relax at all.

Here, the entire infrastructure is clearly visible at an altitude of 900 meters and in the distance below in the valley:

And this is Solis Sochi Hotel.

Are there avalanches at a ski resort ?!

Of course there are. On this trip, I spent half a day with the resort's avalanche staff. It turns out that everything is so serious and interesting.

The avalanche protection system in Krasnaya Polyana is the most modern in the world, and not many resorts in Europe and the world can capture such equipment.

The tracks are very different. From simple slopes for beginners to red and black slopes with “not for dummies” warning signs.

What and what to eat on the mountain?

Another very relevant topic. I usually ride in the early morning, having a hearty breakfast and don’t dine on the mountain. I do not want to waste time on this. But the opportunity to eat is one of the indicators that we focus on when planning a budget.

From the glamorous and stylish ski bars (this is the bar at the Solis Sochi Hotel on the slope side):

To numerous cafes with cool names, ottomans and mattresses:

Prices are different, the level - up to Moscow. Which is quite consistent with the quality.

And even street food in the truest sense of the word!

Delicious Uzbek pilaf!

Resort Activities

It is bright, fun, everywhere musically and with a smile!

And in the evening ... après ski! Of course not as groovy as in Austria, but very club and lively.

In the evening you can go to different bars or discos, but I'm not a fan of nightlife.

But I really like various events!

How much is it?

Returning to the living ...

Especially for the guests of Quiksilver New Star Camp, three hotels in Krasnaya Polyana under the control of Solis have prepared special prices for accommodation. A night at Solis Sochi Hotel, which boasts direct access to the slope, will cost 5,490 rubles per room with breakfast. Solis Sochi Suites in a spacious room of 40 square meters will cost the same. Accommodation at the Dolina 960 design hotel will cost 4,580 rubles per room with breakfast.

In February I lived at the Solis Sochi Hotel, but in the same place there are two more hotels of the chain - the designer hotel Dolina 960 and the VIP hotel - Solis Sochi Suites. All these hotels are managed by the prestigious Western hotel group Capella Hotel Group, they have cool SPA and delicious restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines.

Another point ... I talked with the manager of Solis Sochi Hotel, he said that the hotel chain Capella Hotel Group does not have cards and loyalty programs. Loyalty should be generated by the service, not points and free nights.

And really, how can one not return to a hotel with such a view at breakfast or lunch in summer ?!

Already planned a trip in the summer :)

After all, the view is the main thing! And here all rooms have a mountain view.

And if it became boring in "Gorki Gorod"?

Call a taxi and drive to Rosa Khutor or Gazprom. All local taxis have ski racks:

Try Sochi!

I was absolutely delighted with my two trips this winter. Although the first did not imply a ski vacation, I liked everything so much that I gladly returned in February and will definitely fly again in the summer.

... although I love winter more, of course :)

Well, after skiing ?! Go to the sea ...

Fantastic sunset and sea surf. Less than an hour drive from Krasnaya Polyana.

Glass of wine and sun.

And if you want to break away in full - then SkyPark Sochi!

This is the longest suspension bridge in the world - 439 meters above the Akhshtyrsky Gorge!

... and the second highest spot for bungee jumping in Europe - 207 meters (higher only in Switzerland - 216 meters) and one of the highest in the world.