You can get to the Dombay resort from any corner of Russia in different ways. The fastest way is to fly to the airport closest to Dombay in Mineralnye Vody. Traveling by train is cheaper, but it takes longer and goes to Nevinnomyssk station. From the airport or train station you can take a public transport bus with several transfers or a special tourist bus. It is also possible to use the fastest road transport, for example, take a taxi or rent a car. A good way to travel to these protected places also involves driving your own car, which opens up the prospect of getting to the resort itself without transfers.
Dombay - what is it like? Resort Description
The Dombay ski resort is located near the Teberda Nature Reserve in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia at an altitude of 1600 meters.
The area of the village of the same name is small, but more than a hundred hotels, many cafes, restaurants, ski equipment rental centers and all the necessary infrastructure fit compactly here. For the convenience of tourists, there are various types of lifts: pendulum, gondola, six-chair, chairlift. They lift skiers and tourists from a height of 1750 meters to a height of 3200 meters .
For the convenience of skiers of different levels, trails of different colors have been prepared here: there are green, red and black routes.
Mountain peaks of the Dombay resort
The resort offers activities at any time of the year, and being on the territory of a nature reserve will provide you with a great experience and gorgeous natural scenery.
Where it will be hot in January: thermal springs and sun loungers at the top
In January, in the Elbrus region, a ski holiday has an absolute advantage over any other: high season, a lot of snow and people who want to leave their marks on it. Skiers and snowboarders rush to the slopes early in the morning to roll out the powder that fell overnight.
In January, many go to the Aushiger thermal springs, located near the Elbrus region. Photo: lori.ru
Since this is the highest season, which coincides with the New Year holidays, the resort has several skating rinks, organizes public events, as well as horseback riding, sledding, and snowmobiling. After the holidays, museums open, and sometimes sun loungers are placed at the cable car stations so you can sunbathe - the sun is fine. For those who don't have enough activities, there is paintball, a sauna, karaoke, and bowling. There is a sports center in Terskol where you can play billiards and sports games.
In January, many go to the Aushiger thermal springs, located near the Elbrus region. There you can take warm narzan baths right under the open sky.
When is the best time to go: ski season in Dombay
The snowboarding and alpine skiing season in Dombay starts in early December. Despite the fact that snow cover in the mountains appears already in October, this time is considered inappropriate for skiing.
Ski slopes of Dombay
When exactly the 2022 season will begin at the Dombay ski resort is difficult to predict. Estimated dates are from late November to early December. It is at this time that Dombay is in high season, so it is better to book a hotel at the resort in advance.
Experienced skiers note that the optimal thickness of snow cover here is observed no earlier than February. The last winter and first spring months are the best times for skiing.
Some tourists manage to ski even in May, despite the fact that the snow melts already at the end of April. During this period, the active snowboarding and skiing season at the resort ends.
Weather in Dombay, weather on the slopes
Now that you know where the Dombay ski resort is located, let's look at the weather patterns at different times of the year:
- Winter: This is the high season. The air temperature often changes from zero to 2 degrees with a minus sign. In December there is a lot of snow, and by February it becomes especially comfortable to ski.
- Spring: at this time the snow cover becomes sticky and wet, which creates difficulties when skiing. It often rains in May, which makes walking difficult.
- Summer: it becomes much warmer, only at night the air can drop to 10 degrees Celsius.
- Autumn: an excellent time for hiking in the mountains; during the day the air temperature is quite comfortable, staying at 18-20 degrees Celsius. By nightfall you will need warm clothes or a sleeping bag - the air temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius.
Dombay in summer
The weather in Dombay is changeable. It is not easy to predict it accurately. As a rule, the first half of the day is characterized by sunny and cloudless weather; clouds appear only towards lunch. Short-term rain occurs more often in the afternoon.
Go horseback riding and hang gliding in February
In February, the weather at the resort is very changeable: sunny days give way to cloudy ones, but snow falls much less often. But at the top there is still enough for skiing. At the beginning of the month, slalom and snowboard competitions of various levels are regularly held here: some of them are interesting to watch, and some experienced riders can even take part in.
At the end of February, horseback riding is often held for tourists. Photo: globallookpress.com
For several years in a row, the All-Russian youth festival “KatadZe. Russian-Caucasian Wave (RKW).” These days, the resort hosts a lot of sports and educational events.
By the end of the month, horseback riding is being offered more actively. Children in Dombay and the surrounding area are given rides all winter, and when it gets warmer, entire horseback riding tours are offered.
In February, skating rinks are still open, tubing is popular, and the season for paragliding and hang gliding opens. The starting point for flight enthusiasts is the upper part of the cable car on Mount Mussa-Achitara. For beginners there are flights with instructors.
By the end of February, the first excursion walking routes begin to open, for example to the Alibek Gorge.
How to get to Dombay, a ski resort
There are different ways to get to Dombay on vacation. Owners of their own transport prefer to travel by car. People who value time choose a plane. Tourists who love a leisurely ride and admiring the surroundings prefer buses and trains. Each method of transportation has its own characteristics, let's look at them in more detail.
Travel by car
Traveling by car has many advantages. You can take enough things with you, travel a comfortable distance during the day, and be mobile upon arrival at the resort.
Trip to Dombay by car
The most convenient way to get from the capital to Dombay is along the M4 , passing Voronezh and Rostov-on-Don. The distance from Moscow to the resort will be 1623 kilometers. On average, the journey will take no more than a day.
The route to Dombay is good, without obvious holes or irregularities. There are several sections of the toll road. When there is ice or fog, you should strictly adhere to the speed limit.
For three years, the terrain on the route in the mountains has been strengthened and protective barriers have been built. This significantly increased traffic safety and protected drivers from mudflows, landslides, and flooding.
Prices
There are no parking difficulties at the resort itself. To leave your car for a long time, it is better to choose paid parking; its cost will be only 100 rubles per day. Finding such a parking lot is easy, there are special signs, you can ask local residents.
The nearest gas station is located twenty-five kilometers from Dombay - Teberde. Therefore, you need to take care of a sufficient amount of fuel in advance. As a rule, the price of gasoline here is several tens of kopecks higher than in large cities.
Flying an airplane
If you don't like long journeys, go to the resort by plane. There are regular flights from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody. This airport is closest to Dombay. The flight will need to be no more than two and a half hours.
Direct flights Moscow – Mineralnye Vody are provided by different airlines; you can choose the one that suits you best in terms of time or price. By the way, you need to book tickets in advance. This is especially true for the New Year holidays, when it is recommended to buy air tickets in September-October.
Traveling by plane
Prices
The cost of air tickets from Moscow and back starts from 3,400 rubles per person. If you need to fly with transfers, the price of the same ticket will increase to at least 6,100 rubles.
Having arrived at Mineralnye Vody airport, you will need to get to the Dombay resort. The distance between these points is 218 kilometers . The transfer will cost you approximately three and a half thousand rubles. This travel option is especially convenient for passengers who come with ski equipment. You can warn the driver in advance about the need for mounts on the body of the car for a snowboard or ski kit.
If you are traveling without skis and snowboards, you can get to the resort by public transport.
To do this, use public transport: - minibus No. 11 - get to the stop "Ploshchad Pobedy"; — minibus No. 14 – get to the “Sovetskaya Street” stop; — bus Mineralnye Vody – Teberda; — minibus or taxi to Dombay.
Prices
The cost of travel by minibus in Mineralnye Vody is 20 rubles. They walk around the city from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm.
If you go from Mineralnye Vody airport to Dombay by taxi, you will have to pay a little more than three thousand rubles. The duration of the trip will be three and a half hours.
Train travel
If you like to dream while listening to the sound of wheels and watching the passing landscapes through the window, choose a train ride. From Moscow you can get to Nevinnomyssk. This city is located almost 180 km from Dombay.
Train ride
Travel time depends on the type of train and can vary from 20 to 32 hours. Train No. 004 is the fastest; it arrives in 20 hours and 40 minutes.
Prices
The cost of a reserved seat ticket from Moscow to Nevinnomyssk is about 1800 rubles, a compartment ticket – from 2400 rubles. If you are planning to go to Dombay from St. Petersburg, you can choose train No. 049A. You can get to Nevinnomyssk in 40 hours. The cost of a ticket for a reserved seat carriage starts from 2,600 rubles.
To get to Dombay from Nevinnomyssk, you will need to take a taxi. The cost of the trip will be 3100 rubles.
If you want to save money, you can get to the resort like this: - to the bus station for 60 rubles by taxi; — to Teberda by bus for 350 rubles; — to Dombay by minibus for 50 rubles.
This route will take a little longer, but will be cheaper in cost.
Bus ride
There is no direct bus that goes from Moscow to Dombay. You can get here using this type of transport only with transfers. Only during the peak ski season do direct commercial routes to the resort appear. Such buses leave from Moscow or St. Petersburg, Mineralnye Vody. It will take more than a day to travel.
If you agree to transfers, you can first get to Karachaevsk, Mineralnye Vody or Nevinnomyssk. From these cities you can get to Teberda, and from there to the resort. The bus schedule changes depending on the season, so you need to check it immediately before your trip.
Bus route to Dombay
How to get around the village?
Dombay is a small village. No transport is required to travel here. If you need to get somewhere, you can use a taxi.
Prices
The cost of a trip within the village will be 80 rubles. Outside the city they charge 15 rubles for every kilometer. For example, the journey to Teberda will cost you 450 rubles. If you decide to go to local attractions, you can go in a specially hired car for 1,500 rubles.
Equipment rental
Near the ski slopes of the Elbrus resort, in 2022 there will be rental points where you can rent snowboarding or skiing equipment. In addition, many hotels also rent equipment to their guests. You can rent equipment on the security of money or documents (driver’s license or PTS).
At rental points you can rent snowboarding or ski equipment. Photo: Resorts of the North Caucasus
Rental for 1 day
| Name | Price (all year / from December 30, 2022 to January 8, 2022) |
| Ski set (skis+boots+poles) | 1400 rub./1800 rub. |
| Ski set for children (skis+boots+poles) | 800 rub./1200 rub. |
| Skis | 1000 rub./1800 rub. |
| Ski boots | 400 rub./550 rub. |
| Sticks | 150 rub./200 rub. |
| Children's skis | 600 rub./900 rub. |
| Children's ski boots | 200 rub./300 rub. |
| Children's sticks | 100 rub./150 rub. |
| Freeride skis | 1800 rub./2400 rub. |
| Snowboard set for adults (snowboard+boots) | 1400 rub./1800 rub. |
| Snowboard set for children (snowboard+boots) | 800 rub./1200 rub. |
| Snowboard | 1000 rub./1350 rub. |
| Children's snowboard | 500 rub./700 rub. |
| Snowboard boots | 400 rub./550 rub. |
| Snowboard boots - Children's | 200 rub./300 rub. |
| Helmet | 250 rub./350 rub. |
| Children's helmet | 200 rub./300 rub. |
| Mask | 250 rub./400 rub. |
| Children's mask | 150 rub./350 rub. |
You can rent equipment in the Elbrus region directly at the hotel. Photo: Resorts of the North Caucasus
Rental for 3 days
| Name | Price (all year / from December 30, 2022 to January 8, 2022) |
| Ski set (skis+boots+poles) | 3550 rub./4500 rub. |
| Ski set for children (skis+boots+poles) | 2000 rub./3000 rub. |
| Skis | 2500 rub./3375 rub. |
| Ski boots | 1000 rub./1350 rub. |
| Sticks | 300 rub./400 rub. |
| Children's skis | 1500 rub./2250 rub. |
| Children's ski boots | 500 rub./750 rub. |
| Children's sticks | 250 rub./375 rub. |
| Freeride skis | 4500 rub./6000 rub. |
| Snowboard set for adults (snowboard+boots) | 3500 rub./4500 rub. |
| Snowboard set for children (snowboard+boots) | 2000 rub./3000 rub. |
| Snowboard | 2500 rub./3375 rub. |
| Children's snowboard | 1500 rub./2250 rub. |
| Snowboard boots | 1000 rub./1375 rub. |
| Snowboard boots for children | 500 rub./750 rub. |
| Helmet | 625 rub./875 rub. |
| Children's helmet | 500 rub./750 rub. |
| Mask | 625 rub./1000 rub. |
| Children's mask | 375 rub./875 rub. |
You can borrow equipment on the security of money or documents. Photo: pexels.com
Rental for 6 days
| Name | Price (all year / from December 30, 2022 to January 8, 2022) |
| Ski set (skis+boots+poles) | 6600 rub./8500 rub. |
| Ski set for children (skis+boots+poles) | 3800 rub./5700 rub. |
| Skis | 4700 rub./6400 rub. |
| Ski boots | 1900 rub./2600 rub. |
| Sticks | 700 rub./950 rub. |
| Children's skis | 2800 rub./4250 rub. |
| Children's ski boots | 950 rub./1400 rub. |
| Children's sticks | 500 rub./700 rub. |
| Freeride skis | 8500 rub./11400 rub. |
| Snowboard set for adults (snowboard+boots) | 6600 rub./8500 rub. |
| Snowboard set for children (snowboard+boots) | 3800 rub./5700 rub. |
| Snowboard | 4700 rub./6400 rub. |
| Children's snowboard | 2800 rub./4250 rub. |
| Snowboard boots | 1900 rub./2600 rub. |
| Snowboard boots for children | 950 rub./1400 rub. |
| Helmet | 900 rub./1660 rub. |
| Children's helmet | 950 rub./1420 rub. |
| Mask | 1200 rub./1900 rub. |
| Children's mask | 700 rub./1660 rub. |
You can rent both a ski set and individual pieces of equipment. Photo: Resorts of the North Caucasus
Every next day
| Name | Price (all year / from December 30, 2022 to January 8, 2022) |
| Ski set (skis+boots+poles) | 1000 rub./1300 rub. |
| Ski set for children (skis+boots+poles) | 600 rub./850 rub. |
| Skis | 700 rub./950 rub. |
| Ski boots | 300 rub./400 rub. |
| Sticks | 100 rub./150 rub. |
| Children's skis | 400 rub./600 rub. |
| Children's ski boots | 150 rub./200 rub. |
| Children's sticks | 50 rub./100 rub. |
| Freeride skis | 1300 rub./1700 rub. |
| Snowboard set for adults (snowboard+boots) | 1000 rub./1300 rub. |
| Snowboard set for children (snowboard+boots) | 600 rub./850 rub. |
| Snowboard | 700 rub./950 rub. |
| Children's snowboard | 400 rub./600 rub. |
| Snowboard boots | 300 rub./400 rub. |
| Snowboard boots for children | 150 rub./200 rub. |
| Helmet | 200 rub./250 rub. |
| Children's helmet | 150 rub./215 rub. |
| Mask | 200 rub./285 rub. |
| Children's mask | 100 rub./250 rub. |
Where to stay in Dombay: hotels, prices
At the Dombay ski resort you can stay in hotels of different stars, hotels, private houses, hostels or rent an apartment from the owner. Most places to stay are mid-price, with only a few hotels being premium.
Good hotels in the village: - “U Narzan” : there are two cottages for living here, one has two floors, the other has three. There is parking in the yard, shops and cafes are nearby. The hotel is located next to the pendulum and new cable car, on the river bank. Room rates start from 2100 rubles per night. — “Tarelka” (three stars): a popular place in the village, built forty years ago. It has an unusual shape and is located at an altitude of 2250 meters. Room rates start from 2400 rubles per night. — “Mountain House” : located 650 m from the ski lift, in an ecologically clean forest area. Guests are offered rooms of different categories. Room rates start from 2500 rubles per night. — “Snow Leopard” : A young hotel, on the territory of which there are barbecues, a restaurant, and a massage room. A ski equipment drying service is provided. Room rates from 2400 rubles per night.
In addition to hotels, you can stay in comfortable hotels at the resort.
Hotels in Dombay
Not bad hotels in the Dombay ski resort: - “Dombay Palace” : it combines luxurious living conditions and a magnificent interior. Room rates from 3,300 rubles per night. — “Forest Tale” : located three hundred meters from the ski lift. There is a sauna and bathhouse. Room rates start from 2400 rubles per night. — “National” : guests are offered rooms of different categories from standard to suites with two rooms. Room rates from 6,000 rubles per night. — “Alpen House” : room rates from 1,500 rubles per night.
Dombay is a popular ski resort; there are accommodation options for different budgets. You can stay in the private sector. The cost of renting a two-room apartment starts from 2,000 rubles per day. If you plan your vacation in advance, you can save a lot. For example, renting a two-room apartment for the New Year holidays can cost 20 thousand rubles per week.
Accommodation
In hotels
There are several hotels at the resort in close proximity to the ski lifts and slopes. The oldest, "Sun Valley", was built in 1937 as a home for scientists. Now this wooden carved tower makes a proper impression on tourists. During Soviet times, several more hotels were built on Dombay, including Dombay and Snezhinka. The latter was aimed at foreigners, and now its room rates are higher than in other hotels in the resort. At the beginning of the new millennium, hotels began to be actively built at the resort again - for example, “Crystal” and “Peak Ine”. Rooms in all hotels can be booked directly from official websites, from the Dombay tourism website or from booking aggregators.
In the private sector
Not far from Dombayskaya Polyana, in the village of Dombay itself, there are 6 buildings (two with five floors and four with four), all apartments in which are intended for tourists. Apartments vary in size, level of comfort and renovation, but they all cost approximately the same. You can agree on rental housing right in the village - just go to any employee of a cafe or store and find out if the apartments are available for rent. Rest assured, they give up. In addition, most rental advertisements can be found on the Dombay tourism website or on large aggregator sites.
How much does it cost to ride in Dombay?
Skiing prices in the Dombay ski resort are quite affordable. Here you can have a great time, ride the slopes to your heart's content and bring home a lot of pleasant impressions.
Equipment rental prices
If you don't want to carry bulky ski equipment with you, rent it directly at the resort. Numerous rental points are located inside the village, near the cable car area, near mountain stations.
Ski equipment rental
The cost of renting a set for a day is about six hundred rubles. The price for children's and adult sets is the same. The set includes skis, boots for them, or a snowboard and boots for it. If necessary, you can rent a sled, overalls, gloves, helmet and goggles.
To rent equipment or gear, you must leave an identification document as collateral.
Ski passes in Dombay
Prices for using lifts vary depending on the number of lifts and the type of lift.
You can find out more about the prices in the table.
| Type of lift | Cost of one lift (rubles) | Ticket price for 6 hours (rubles) | Cost of ski pass for 1 day (rubles) | Cost of a ski pass for a week (rubles) |
| New complex | 500 (300 – preferential category of citizens) | 1000 (600 – preferential category of citizens) | 1800 (1150 – preferential category of citizens) | 9050 (5450 – preferential category of citizens) |
| Old chairlift | from 150 | — | — | — |
| "Yugoslavka" | 100 | — | — | 500 |
| Pendulum lift | 300 for tourists200 for skiers and snowboarders150 for children under 10 years old up to 5 years old free | — | — | — |
| Tow bar lift | 500 | — | — | — |
The prices for using the ski lifts are quite affordable, especially in comparison with other popular resorts.
Entertainment
In addition to skiing, tourists are offered jeeping and mountaineering as entertainment.
Jeeping in Dombay means traveling through hard-to-reach areas. This type of active recreation involves tourists traveling in jeeps/UAZs to sights such as gorges and waterfalls, which are difficult to reach on foot or by bus. In addition, a visitor can try his hand at riding an ATV, which also belongs to this type of entertainment. Covering some distance along a winding road with bumps, being next to a gorge or high mountains, will add adrenaline to any tourist!
Mountaineering is an extreme sport, climbing rocks. Even if you have never tried yourself in this hobby, special schools are available to teach and prepare for mountaineering. After attending several lessons, you will be able to conquer one of the peaks with the support of instructors.
Climbing routes have different levels of difficulty so that every guest of Dombay can try himself at any skill level. The necessary equipment can always be rented. Be prepared to plunge headlong into this type of activity - several days of travel will not leave you indifferent to this sport.
You should also not forget about documents and additional equipment, for example, a first aid kit containing everything you need for first aid.
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