Mountainous resort near Sochi, known for hosting 2014 Winter Olympics events. Offers skiing at Rosa Khutor, extreme activities at Sky Park, and cable cars ascending to 2,320 meters.
Krasnaya Polyana, nestled in the Western Caucasus mountains of Russia, hosted events for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Located 40 km from Sochi's Black Sea coast, this mountain resort offers skiing at Rosa Khutor, a Sky Park with extreme activities, and cable cars that ascend to 2,320 meters. You can ski in winter, hike trails in summer, taste local honey, or relax in spa hotels year-round.
Location and Mountain Setting
Krasnaya Polyana sits in the Mzymta River valley, surrounded by peaks over 2,000 meters high. The resort area includes several settlements, such as Esto-Sadok and the Rosa Khutor complex. Its location near the Black Sea results in relatively mild winters with reliable snowfall at higher elevations, while summers are warm enough for hiking and mountain biking. The name "Krasnaya Polyana" means "Red Glade" in Russian.
Extensive Ski Resorts
Rosa Khutor is the largest ski area, with over 100 km of slopes and modern lifts. The resort covers an elevation range from 560 m to 2,320 m. Nearby, Gazprom's Laura resort has additional ski terrain and cross-country trails. You can try off-piste terrain and heli-skiing if you're an advanced skier. The ski season typically runs from December through early April, with the best snow conditions usually in February and March.
Olympic Legacy
Krasnaya Polyana was central to the mountain cluster for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Many venues are still in use, including the RusSki Gorki ski jumping complex and the Laura biathlon and cross-country center. The Sanki Sliding Center for bobsleigh and luge is nearby. These facilities now serve as training grounds for athletes and host international competitions. You can tour some venues or try bobsledding on the Olympic track.
Summer Activities
In summer, you can explore hiking trails that lead to alpine meadows and lakes like Kardyvach. Mountain biking is available on purpose-built trails and ski runs. The Sky Park in the nearby Akhshtyr Gorge has Russia's longest pedestrian suspension bridge and activities like bungee jumping.
Getting There and Around
To reach Krasnaya Polyana, fly into Sochi International Airport (AER). From there, it's about a 40-minute drive along a winding mountain road. A modern train also connects the airport to Krasnaya Polyana in about 40 minutes, stopping at Esto-Sadok and Rosa Khutor stations. In the resort area, free shuttle buses connect the main points of interest. Cable cars provide access to the upper mountain areas year-round.
Where to Stay
Krasnaya Polyana has accommodation options from hostels to five-star resorts. The Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi and Sochi Marriott Krasnaya Polyana have amenities and spa facilities. For a more intimate experience, try small guesthouses in Esto-Sadok village. Budget travelers can find hostels like Mountain Skit. Many hotels are near the base areas of the ski resorts, with ski-in/ski-out access in winter.
Local Flavors
Restaurants in Krasnaya Polyana serve Russian, Caucasian, and international cuisines. Try local dishes like shashlik (grilled meat skewers) or khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). The "My Russia" ethno-complex presents regional cuisines from across the country. You can visit a local apiary to taste and buy mountain honey varieties. Rosa Khutor has après-ski bars and cafes that are active during the ski season.
