Rosa Khutor

Rosa Khutor is Russia’s most popular ski resort located in the North Caucasus, 74 kilometers northeast of Sochi. Built between 2003 and 2011, it was a crucial part of the infrastructure created for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. In 2020, Rosa Khutor was honored for the eighth time with the prestigious international World Ski Awards in the category “Best Ski Resort in Russia”. Its colossal territory covers a river valley and mountain slopes, occupying part of the land of Sochi National Park, and high-class slopes are located at an altitude of 575 to 2320 meters.

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Video: Rosa Khutor from the top

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Highlights

Rosa Khutor has the status of an off-season resort. In winter, it becomes a place of pilgrimage for fans of skiing, freeriders, snowboarders. In the off-season, resort guests go hiking on the picturesque mountain slopes, travel by bicycle and on horseback, soak in spa centers, spend time in beauty salons. In summer, tourists have the opportunity to relax on the beach on the shores of the mountain lake, or go to the sea beach belonging to the resort.

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Rosa Khutor has 37 slopes of various difficulty levels, 29 elevators, ski schools, snow parks, and an indoor ice rink. In case of snowless winter, an artificial snowmaking system, one of the largest in Europe, is installed. All year round, Rosa Khutor guests can enjoy a rodelbahn, an amusement park with a rope town.

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For the 2014 Olympics, an Olympic Village was built on the Rosa Plateau, at an altitude of 1170 meters. Over 50 buildings were erected for the athletes, which later became part of the resort complex. New buildings were added to them, which housed hotels, mini-hotels, hostels and apartments. Prices for accommodation in local hotels are quite high, especially in the winter season, which peaks in early January and the period from February 23 to March 8.

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The most respectable hotels, including those belonging to international hotel chains, are located in the lower part of the resort – in Rosa Valley, reminiscent of a European resort town. Here are also concentrated the best restaurants, boutiques, specialized stores where you can buy branded ski ammunition, quality equipment and accessories.

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History of Rosa Khutor resort

Rosa Khutor is located near Estosadok (or Esto-Sadok), a village that was called “Estonka” or “Estonian” until 1912. Estonians appeared in these parts after the end of the Caucasian War, when local ethnic groups – mainly Ubykhs and Sadzes – were evicted from here. At that time, the empty lands were massively settled by “loyal” citizens of the Russian Empire. Newspapers, including Estonian ones, wrote excitedly about the opportunities that the Caucasus offered to the settlers, and many flocked to the mountainous regions in search of a better life.

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The settlement was founded in 1886. A few years later it became one of the most affluent in the region. The locals cultivated the land, raised cattle, and collected honey from wild bees. They also organized an oil mill, nurseries for fruit trees. Seedlings, fruits, milk, variegated mountain honey from Estonka were sold in all markets of the Black Sea province.

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Among the settlers was one Adul Roosa (or Roosa, or Rosi). A father of many children, either a widower or abandoned by his wife, he decided to separate from his fellow villagers. He set up a dwelling for his family on a farm across the river from Estonka, in the forest. The hard-working man began to work as a forester, was highly respected, and the name “Rooza-hutor” (Rosi-hutor) became the name of the place where he settled. Over time, it acquired its modern sound.

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It is known that in the house of one of the daughters of the forester, who moved to her husband in Estonia, in 1912 lived a famous Estonian writer Anton Tammsaare, who was treated in the Caucasus from tuberculosis. Among his works are sketches about the life of Estonian settlers in the Caucasus. Tamsaare’s House Museum is located in Estosadka.

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Roosa died on his farm after the end of the Great Patriotic War. He met death alone, as his sons, who had gone to the front, did not return home. It is not known exactly what happened to them. The farm fell into disrepair.

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Life revived here in the early 2000s, when the construction of the ski resort “Rosa Khutor” began. In 2010, the slopes and elevators started working, and a year later the first international competitions were held. Athletes competed in downhill skiing. In 2012, Rosa Khutor became the venue for one of the stages of the Alpine Skiing World Cup.

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The resort became famous in 2014, when it acted as one of the key venues of the XXII Winter Olympic Games. Alpine skiers, snowboarders and freestylers competed for Olympic gold on its slopes. After the Olympics, Rosa Khutor added an additional 541 hectares of land, almost doubling its territory and becoming Russia’s largest ski resort.

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Geography and climate

Rosa Khutor is located 4 km from Estosadok, which is part of the Krasnaya Polyana settlement district. From its center, Krasnaya Polyana, the resort is separated by about 8 km. There are 3 other ski resorts in the neighborhood. To get from Rosa Khutor to the Black Sea coast, you need to overcome about 50 km.

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The resort is spread out on the slopes of the Aigba mountain range, which is part of the Greater Caucasus system. Most of the slopes for skiing are facing northeast. Rosa Khutor rises from a valley located 560 meters above sea level. It is located in a gorge by the Mzymta River, which flows near Adler into the Black Sea. At an altitude of 1170 meters stretches Rosa Plateau, where the Olympic Village was built. The main peak of the resort – Rosa Peak – rises above it at 2320 meters. It is only 200 meters lower than the Stone Pillar, the highest point of the Aigba range, which offers the most spectacular panoramas of mountain scenery in the region.

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Winters in the resort are mild and snowy. The air temperature fluctuates within -5…+5 ° C, but there are also 10-12-degree frosts. It is always colder in the highlands than in the Rose Valley area. Information about the temperature at different altitudes is posted on stands located on the platforms in front of the elevators.

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Officially, the ski season at Rosa Khutor opens after December 10, when the test skiing ends. Until the middle of this month it is often rainy here, but towards the end of the month, as a rule, it gets colder, and a stable snow cover is established on the mountain slopes. By New Year’s Eve, the resort becomes really crowded, so those who want to ski in a quiet environment should come here after Christmas. It should be taken into account that in January and February snowfalls are not uncommon here, and in case of avalanche threat the resort slopes are closed. There are also winters with little snow. In such periods the cover is maintained artificially, snow cannons are used.

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The ski season ends at the end of March. At this time the night air temperature is about 0 degrees, during the day about +5 ° C. In April here is already about +10 ° C, in May on average +15 ° C, but sometimes the sun warms the air and up to +20 ° C. In summer Rosa Khutor resort enjoys comfortable weather without the exhausting heat typical for coastal areas. Daytime temperature, as a rule, does not exceed +27 °С. After the sunset sharply cold, sometimes up to +14 ° C, so warm clothes will come in handy.

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In September at the resort is still warm enough. During the day thermometer columns usually slightly exceed 20-degree mark, at night about +11 ° C. In October it is usually +7…+14 °С, in November it gets colder to +3…+9 °С. The number of rainy days in October-November is 5-6.

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Pistes and snow parks

The total length of the ski slopes at Rosa Khutor resort is 102 kilometers. Their length varies from 310 to 4123 meters. The altitude difference in the skiing location is 1534 meters. 35 pistes (93 km) are fully prepared for downhill skiing. Nine of them are designed for beginners, about 20 have an average level of difficulty. Professionals will find steep “black” pistes for Olympic slalom and downhill skiing. There are also unspoiled “wild” tracks on Rosa Khutor, similar to the American Double Diamond (“double black diamond”). Experienced freeriders or reckless extremists ride here. The area is patrolled by lifeguards.

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In favorable weather conditions at the resort is available evening skiing (from 19:00 to 23:00). Two “green” tracks, “blue” and “red” are prepared for this purpose.

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Rosa Khutor attracts and its five snow parks – full-fledged pistes, their sections or separate locations, where there are jumps and other obstacles of varying levels of difficulty. Beginners go to the mini-park on the Rosa Plateau. After mastering the basics of creative skiing, you can move to The Stash Park Burton. There are only about a dozen such parks in the world. The concept of their creation is the use of natural landscape features and refusal of earthworks. Natural materials – logs, boulders, and deadwood – also serve as a basis for stunt figures. This park also offers training for beginner snowboarders. The most difficult obstacles await athletes in the snow park, located at an altitude of 1600 meters.

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Lifts

Rosa Khutor has 29 elevators – gondola, chairlifts, conveyor elevators, rope tow elevators. They deliver resort guests to different heights, reducing speed at stops. It takes 3 transfers to get to the top from Rosa Valley.

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Among the chairlifts, the longest is “Edelweiss” (2658 m). Among the gondola – “Arrow” (3838 m). The rope tow and conveyor structures are designed to lift skiers and snowboarders to insignificant heights. The resort also operates a special children’s elevator – “Magic Carpet.”

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Among the most spectacular elevators is the “Olympia” (2341 meters). Soaring over a kilometer abyss, travelers can admire the majestic mountain landscapes and views of the Mzymta Valley. The corners of the Sochi National Park in all their glory open before the passengers of the elevator cabins “Zapovedniy Les”.

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On the eve of the winter season, from about the end of September to mid-November, most elevators do not work. During this time, preventive maintenance is performed.

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Entertainment at Rosa Khutor

In the winter season in Rosa Valley from 12:00 to 21:00 there is a spacious skating rink. Here you can come with your own skates or rent them at the rental center. At the rink organized classes with an instructor – individual and group.

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In the multifunctional concert complex “Rosa Hall”, which occupied an area of 10,000 m², in the season is held daily various colorful events – concerts, dance shows, performances. Every year, in January, the resort celebrates World Snow Day. In the numerous locations of Rosa Khutor regularly organized sports competitions between vacationers.

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In the off-season and summer, you can go to the “YetiPark” amusement park located at an altitude of 1350 meters with a rope town “YetiJungle”, which has 3 routes of varying levels of difficulty. To go on an exotic journey, you will have to pay 300 rubles per person.

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In the warm season, Rosa Khutor guests are offered many excursions in the vast territory of the resort. You can go on a walk through the Rosa Valley, a little reminiscent of the architecture of Karlovy Vary. The ethnic park “My Russia” is located in this location. The 11 pavilions illustrate the life of peoples inhabiting Russia from the Caucasus to the Ural Mountains. A ticket for adults will cost 400 rubles, for children – 200 rubles. Rosa Valley also has a Museum of Archaeology, which displays artifacts found during archaeological surveys that were conducted during the construction of the resort.

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On the Rosa Plateau, it will be interesting to visit the facilities of the Mountain Olympic Village. There is also a rodelbahn operating here. On a sled sliding on rails at a speed of 40 km / h, tourists make breathtaking turns, while having time to admire the mountain scenery. In the evening, the rodelbahn is illuminated by hundreds of multicolored lamps. Tickets cost from 650 rubles.

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On the territory of Rosa Khutor laid bicycle and horseback riding routes, hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. Every year new destinations are opened. There are mixed tours, during which part of the way travelers overcome on foot, part – on elevators. Among the most popular excursions are visits to the Mendelikha Waterfall Park, which is located at an altitude of 1,470 meters, viewing platforms on Rosa Peak and on the top of the Stone Pillar.

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From June 15 to September 30 for guests of hotels Rosa Khutor organized free transfers to the resort’s signature beach, which is located in Imeretinskaya Bay. Buses run twice a day, the trip takes about 40 minutes. Tourists are given bracelets, which gives them free access to the beach area. But for the use of sunbeds will have to pay: 200 rubles (half day) or 300 rubles (full day).

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In Rosa Valley will be pleasant to relax and on the beach Rosa Beach, which is arranged on the shore of a mountain lake. Guests of the resort can use the changing rooms, showers for free, and for the rental of a sun lounger and towel is required to pay 250 rubles. On the beach there is a mini-pool, a playground, where kids are entertained by animators.

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Shops

There are about 50 stores at Rosa Khutor resort. Most of them are located in Rosa Valley and on the Rosa Plateau. The main specialization of stores – souvenirs, clothing, including sportswear. You can buy essential goods in supermarkets, for example, in “Perekrestok” (Rosa Dolina, Naberezhnaya Lavanda, 2). Small grocery stores also operate in the resort.

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Fans of traditional shopping can go to the largest in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana REC “Gorki Mall” (Estosadok, Gornaya Karusel Street, 5). On three floors there are boutiques, stores selling home goods, jewelry and accessories, cosmetics, perfumes. On the territory of the mall there is a movie theater, a game room for children, bowling and billiards. On the top floor is a small water park with water slides, sandy beach, jacuzzi, massage rooms.

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For fashionable women’s and men’s clothing it is worth going to the Quiksilver brand store (Rosa Dolina, Panorama Embankment, 2). In addition to stylish clothes, shoes, there is a seasonal assortment here. In summer the store sells swimsuits, boardshorts, beach accessories. In winter, a wide selection of jackets, pants, boots for skiers, snowboarders, useful sports accessories is offered.

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As souvenirs, resort guests buy T-shirts, accessories with thematic prints, ecological cosmetics, author’s jewelry with details from mountain wood. Local high-mountain honey is popular. For it you can go to the store “Honey Paradise” (Rosa Dolina, Naberezhnaya Polyanka, 2). They offer linden, flower, chestnut and rare maple honey. Herbal teas in gift packs are neighboring with it on the counters. Tasty local teas and herbal collections are also sold in the neighboring store “Tea House”. Here you can also look for cute souvenirs – handicrafts made of natural stone, wood, ceramics.

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All year round in Rosa Valley works fair – shopping rows Bazar. On the stalls – Caucasian delicacies, various handicrafts of local craftsmen, toys, hats, gloves for skiers. Prices here are lower than in stores.

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Cafes and restaurants

At Rosa Khutor resort, the doors of restaurants, cafes and canteens are open all year round. In most culinary establishments of Rosa Valley prices are kept at the level of Moscow. Among the budget options – McDonald’s, located on Mzymta Square, 1, as well as food court in the supermarket “Perekrestok.”

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In the very center of Rosa Valley, on Town Hall Square is the popular Italian restaurant Luciano. A full meal (without alcohol and dessert) will cost here at least 1500 rubles per person. Approximately the same prices in the Bavarian restaurant Bierkeller or Black Bar & Grill at Radisson Hotel Rosa Khutor 5* or in the restaurant “Cho? Kharcho!” (Mzymta Pl., 1), which serves Caucasian dishes and live music.

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On Rosa Plateau you can find a sufficient number of establishments with relatively moderate prices. In the self-service restaurant “Berloga” (building “Rosa Priyut”) with home cooking, bar, charcoal grill, the average check for one person will be 700-1000 rubles. The floor above is located khinkalnaya “Gori” with average prices. At the hotel “28” operates a budget canteen, which serves high-quality and delicious food. You can dine here from 450 rubles per person. Other hotels in Rosa Plateau have their own relatively inexpensive canteens and restaurants.

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On Rosa Peak there is a legendary restaurant “Height 2320”. Its panoramic windows and wooden terrace offer stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea. The menu offers European, Russian and Caucasian dishes, and the service is at the highest level. Dinner here will cost from 1800 rubles per person.

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Where to stay

At Rosa Khutor there are hotels of such famous chains as Tulip, Radisson, Mercure. Near the beach by the lake and in walking distance from the elevator “Olympia” is located elite Radisson Hotel Rosa Khutor 5 *. Luxury family and luxury rooms, a superb restaurant where champagne is served for breakfast, an elegant lounge bar, a spa center with hammam and sauna await guests here. A daily stay here will cost from 6,000 to 18,000 rubles, depending on the season and room class.

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In the four-star Merkure Rosa Khutor, located in the Rosa Valley, on the banks of the Mzymta, prices for accommodation range from 3,000 to 13,000 rubles. In the nearby three-star Tulip Inn Rosa Khutor Hotel you can rent a room for 2300-8000 rubles. In the same location there are 5 buildings of apartments “VALSET by AZIMUT Rosa Khutor”. Range of prices for accommodation – 1700-5800 rubles per day.

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Hotels, mini-hotels and apartments on Rosa Plateau, in the Mountain Olympic Village, are simpler than in Rosa Valley. Low elegant buildings are built in the same style, but what distinguishes them is the level of comfort. The only four-star hotel in this location is the Spa Hotel Rosa Springs (4 Medoveya Street). Here you can stay, paying for a room from 4,000 to 16,800 rubles. Nearby is a party hotel Riders Lodge 2*, popular among skaters. At the guests’ disposal – a restaurant, a bar, a cinema hall, locations for board games. A daily stay here will cost from 1750 to 7300 rubles.

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Budget accommodation is offered by AYS Design 2*, Boogel Woogel, hotel-hostel “Panda’s Shelter” 2*, hotel “28”, hotel complex Rosa Village 2*, where you can stay in cottages-chalets.

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Practical information

In the resort “Rosa Khutor” vacationers move mainly with the help of elevators. The automobile road is laid to the level of 1170 meters. In Rosa Valley parking lots are paid. Free parking is located at the Rosa Stadium (height 1100 meters).

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In order to use the elevators, skiing, snowboarding, in the winter season you need to buy a ski pass – ski pass. In summer and in the off-season, a walking ticket will be required. A one-time walking ticket giving access to the route Rosa Dolina – Rosa Plateau – Rosa Peak – Waterfalls Park will cost 1590 rubles.

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Ski pass options are numerous. A one-day ski pass costs from 2950 to 3450 rubles, depending on the month. By New Year’s Eve, the price rises to 3900 rubles. There are seasonal ski passes, individual and group, passes for different number of days. There are also season passes valid in all resorts of Krasnopolyansky village district. In addition, there are various systems of discounts and bonuses from hotels. Year by year, the options change. You should familiarize yourself with the current prices and conditions before leaving for the resort by visiting the official website of Rosa Khutor resort. There you can also order a ski pass, learn about promotional events. Passes are regularly raffled off in social networks.

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Many tourists go to Rosa Khutor light: all the necessary equipment can be rented or purchased in specialized stores. 4 equipment rental shops work in Rosa Valley and one – on the Rosa Plateau (building “Rosa Shelter”). For beginners and skiers wishing to improve their skills, the resort offers 4 ski schools.

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How to get there

Rosa Khutor is located 45 kilometers from Sochi International Airport. Many tourists have a transfer to the resort included in the package. Others use the Kiwitaxi service, ordering a car in advance. This service costs from 2000 rubles, depending on the class of car and season. You can use the proposals of private individuals who are constantly “on duty” at the airport. They can ask as 3500 rubles if you have a night flight, and only 1000 rubles in the off-season. The road from the airport to the resort by car will take about 50 minutes.

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In an hour you can get directly from the airport to the resort “Rosa Khutor” on the branded high-speed electric train “Lastochka”. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it runs in this direction only once a day, in the morning. The ticket costs 355 rubles. Electric trains to the resort run and from the railway station of Adler, but you will need to get there by bus or cab.

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Another option is to take a bus, which stops right at the airport exit. You will need to take bus #105 or #135. They run from morning to evening at 25-30 minute intervals. The buses stop in Rosa Valley, at the McDonald’s. There are also free shuttles from here to Rosa Plateau.

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