Where to Go Skiing in and Around Murmansk

For an active and enjoyable winter weekend, Murmansk offers numerous skiing opportunities. Here’s where to have fun with the family.

In the city itself, one of the favorite options for locals and tourists is the ski trails on five lakes: Bolshoy, Sredny, Gluboky, Bezymyanny, and Semenovsky. The trails are prepared at night, so in the morning they are smooth and suitable for both classic and skate skiing. This is an excellent place for leisurely walks, family skiing, or light training, with beautiful snowy landscapes creating a true northern winter atmosphere.

For those who prefer downhill skiing, the city has «Nord Star» at Ledokolny Proyezd, 10. This is one of the few city slopes with an equipped lift, a prepared trail about a kilometer long, and a height difference of approximately 120 meters. Here, you can rent skis and use an instructor«s services to safely master downhill skiing or improve your technique. Ski rental costs about 700–1200 rubles per hour (approximately $7–$12 at current rates).

If you want to focus on cross-country skiing, a convenient option is «Dolina Uyuta» at Ulitsa Dolina Uyuta, 3. Certified trails up to five kilometers long are regularly prepared by a snowcat, and some routes are illuminated, allowing skiing even in the evening. It is comfortable for both beginners and more experienced skiers who want to combine training with a walk in the fresh air.

For real alpine skiers and lovers of long descents, the best choice is the Khibiny Mountains and Kirovsk, which can be reached in about 2.5–3 hours. In Kirovsk, there are large ski complexes: Bolshoy Vudyavr and Kukisvumchorr, with lifts, trails of varying difficulty, rental, and ski schools. Moreover, in the surroundings of Kirovsk, there are sports cross-country routes through forests and mountain slopes for those looking for longer and more natural trails.

When planning a skiing day in Murmansk, consider the short daylight hours and trail readiness. City routes and slopes are open from the morning, ski rental is available at «Nord Star» and «Dolina Uyuta», and clothing should be warm and windproof. If you decide to go to the Khibiny, it«s better to travel by car or bus to fully enjoy the northern trails and beautiful landscapes.

Earlier, we told about where in Murmansk to go ice skating.