The name of the mountains in the khibiny. Khibiny
Khibiny - low compact mountains on the Kola Peninsula with plateau-like peaks, soft relief and treeless slopes; the highest point - 1200 m, elevation changes from 500 to 1000 m.This mountain range is interesting not only for its harsh northern beauty, but also for special opportunities for alpine skiing... The Khibiny remains covered with snow for most of the year - you can ski from November to June. The thin arctic air brings the local climate closer to the alpine one. With stable weather, good snow cover and long daylight hours, this place is considered one of the best in Europe to close the ski season in April.
The ski capital of Khibiny, the city of Kirovsk, is located 200 km from Murmansk right at the foot of the mountains. The main ski resorts are located here - on the Aikuayvenchorr and Kukisvumchorr mountains. There are ski areas in the city of Apatity - just 12 km from Kirovsk. Equipped slopes of various difficulty levels in this oldest Russian ski resort attract all winter sports enthusiasts, both amateurs and professionals.
How to get there
The fastest way to get to the Khibiny is by plane. Regular flights connect the local airport Apatity with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Flight time is 2.5 hours. You can get from the airport to Kirovsk by taxi (travel time 40 minutes, cost 600-700 RUB) or by bus number 130, which is tied to flights and waits for planes in case of a delay. The second option is to fly by plane to Murmansk, and then come to Kirovsk by intercity bus No. 209 (travel time 3 hours, cost 650 RUB). Prices on the page are for October 2018.
In the Khibiny, railroad communication is also developed. Trains run through the Apatity 1 station to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Murmansk and Vologda. It will take more than a day to travel from Moscow to Khibiny by train, and the journey in a compartment will cost about RUB 3,000. You can get from the railway station to Kirovsk by bus number 131 or by taxi.
Search for air tickets to the city of Kirovsk (the nearest airport to the Khibiny)
Transport
Despite the fact that Kirovsk is a small town, it will not be easy to move along its snow-covered roads on foot and even with skis. Minibuses and buses run around the city, fare: 28 RUB. Average price for a taxi - around the city: 180 RUB, to the Kukisvumchorr microdistrict at 25 km: 250 RUB, to the Southern slope travel with skis: 350 RUB. In high season with final stop bus number 102 on the street. Olimpiyskiy minibuses go to the South Slope - travel: 85 RUB, and in the spring on weekends there is a special flight for skiers at 65 RUB. The fare from Kirovsk to Apatity - by bus: 65 RUB, by minibus: 50 RUB.
Alpine skiing in the Khibiny
The main ski areas in the Khibiny are concentrated around Kirovsk. Within the city limits North slope Aikuayvenchorr mountains, where the Kolasportland ski complex is located. On the southern slope of the same mountain there is a ski complex " Big Woodyavr"Or BigWood. 25 km from the city, in the Kukisvumchorr microdistrict, on the mountain of the same name, there is a ski complex with the same name. All ski areas have tracks for both beginners and professionals. The ski area Kukisvumchorr is distinguished by long slopes ranging from 2000 to 2500 m. There are areas for freeriding everywhere.
In case of bad weather, there are two more options - "Snow Park" in Kirovsk itself, located between st. Leningradskaya and st. Soviet Constitution, as well as the track on Vorobyinaya Gora in the neighboring town of Apatity. These are lighted, gentle and safe slopes.
In the ski resort "Bolshoy Vudyavr" a ski pass for 2 hours will cost 700 RUB, for the whole day: 1550 RUB. A seasonal ski pass can be purchased for 26,000 RUB. In the Kolasportland ski complex, a ski pass for 4 hours costs 1050 RUB, and for the whole day - 1550 RUB. In the ski resort "Kukisvumchorr" high season prices: 700 RUB for 3 hours of skiing and 1200 RUB for the whole day. The cost of tickets for ascents depends on the number - from 500 times - 60 RUB. Baby lifts - for 1 day: 300 RUB. Renting a plastic ski pass card will cost 200 RUB.
Khibiny Hotels
Kirovsk hotels all year round meet their guests. Hostel "Kukisvumchorr" at the foot of the complex of the same name offers tourists accommodation for 600 RUB per day. In the economy class hotel "Sport" you can rent a room with breakfast for 1000 RUB. In the sanatorium and recreation complex "Tirvas" you can not only stay for 2500 RUB per day, but also improve your health - there is water and mud therapy. The comfortable hotel "Gornitsa" offers its guests free WI-FI, the organization of transfers, meals in the cafe-bar and the use of the sauna: the cost standard room- about 4000 RUB. The cost of living on rented apartments depends on the season and ranges from 400 to 2000 RUB per day per person. The cheapest accommodation option at the Ryabinushka tourist center for 25 km - prices around 150 RUB per person per day, and the most expensive - in the city center at the Severnaya Hotel, a presidential suite there can be rented for 25,000 RUB per day.
For those who plan to ride on the North Slope, it is better to rent an apartment on the street. Olympic, and fans of cross-country skiing will find accommodation in houses on the street. 50 years of October and in the sanatorium "Tirvas".
What to bring
Souvenir shops offer ceramic plates with views of the Khibiny, paintings with imitation of petroglyphs, original geographic Maps, amulets made of bone, slippers made of reindeer skins, figurines of the Sami made of leather, horns, wood and fur, as well as magnets, key holders and photo frames made of driftwood - a tree raised from the bottom Of the White Sea and specially processed. In addition to souvenirs, you can buy local pickles - cloudberry or blueberry jam, soaked lingonberries, pickled mushrooms, and for those passing through Murmansk - dried Murmansk ruff.
Khibiny cafes and restaurants
You can warm up and have a tasty meal after a successful skiing in the non-alcoholic cafe "Chocolate", which offers simple and hearty food - pizza, pancakes, a selection of hot dishes and salads. For visitors - milkshakes, various types of coffee and tea, cakes, pies and pastries. The prices are pleasant. For example, a serving of pizza costs 40 RUB, and a banana-strawberry fresh - 65 RUB. There is a place to leave your boards and skis. The Severny restaurant at the hotel of the same name offers, in addition to European cuisine, a separate menu with northern delicacies and treats. It includes Arctic cuisine - Lapp strudel, Lovozero venison, cod cheeks, and Arctic salmon soup. A 5-course business lunch is served daily from 12:00 to 15:00 at the price of RUB 300 per person. A business lunch at the same time, but for 250 RUB, is held in the Nikafe cafe, there is also a bar with a full assortment there. alcoholic beverages... V entertainment center"Bolshoy Vudyavr" operates not only a bar-restaurant, but also a bowling alley and a disco.
All the main ski points have café-bars, but the choice there is small and the prices are one and a half to two times higher than in the city.
Entertainment and attractions
On the Kola Peninsula, tourists are offered a huge selection of various excursion programs all year round. You can go on a snowmobile safari, in ski tour, jeep safari, off-road expedition, take an ethnographic program, go ice fishing on the lakes or just rent a wooden house off the beaten track and take a break from the bustle of the city, enjoying the pristine beauty of this region.
So, for example, you can go on a snowmobile tour of the central part Kola Peninsula to get acquainted with the life and life of the Kola reindeer herders, feel the atmosphere of the tundra, try local cuisine and stock up on many unforgettable experiences.
In order to purchase any program or excursion, contact the tour operators of Kirovsk. In addition to the ski slopes, there is also a flat, 14-kilometer ski trail on which you can ride snowmobiles. You can also rent a helicopter and take it on an excursion over the tops of the massif. In general, there is plenty of entertainment.
The beauty of the Arctic Circle attracts tourists not only in winter, but also in summer. At this time of the year, people come here to enjoy the silence of rocky gorges and see aquamarine lakes in rocky bowls. The best time July is considered for long hikes, and September is the most beautiful month for day trips. In addition to long hiking trips, there are one-day routes available to everyone - to the Blue Lakes, to the Maly Vudyavr lake, to the Shorokhov gorge, to the waterfall and Kupel lakes.
Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute
The Khibiny is in itself the main attraction of the Murmansk Territory. But even here there are many interesting places worth visiting. For example, the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden is the northernmost botanical garden located on Vudyavrchorr Mountain. Throughout botanical garden valley tundra, spruce-birch taiga, birch crooked forest, alpine tundra and arctic desert replace each other. More than 400 species of plants grow in the garden - shrubs, tundra species, tree species. More than 2 thousand people visit the garden every year.
The Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden in the Khibiny - the northernmost botanical garden - is located on Vudyavrchorr Mountain. In total, there are three botanical gardens around the world, located in the Arctic Circle.
Museum and Exhibition Center
In the notable building of Kirovsk, the local "Big Ben", there is a modern world-class museum - eight exhibition halls, two exhibition halls and one gallery. It features interactive models of mines and mines with sound and light accompaniment, a huge collection of minerals and an exhibition of historical materials. The museum regularly hosts art exhibitions, "quests", meetings with interesting people and free screenings of films.
V. Erofeev Literary Museum
In the Central City Library named after A.M. Gorky has collected an exposition dedicated to the talented compatriot of Kirov, Venedikt Erofeev, the author of the poem "Moscow-Petushki". The exposition is distinguished by its original design: above the entrance door there is a map of the Moscow - Petushki route, the room takes the visitor to the beginning of the Brezhnev era, the tour is accompanied by the voice of a writer reading his satirical lines about Soviet reality.
Snow village
A unique structure called "Snow Village" is located in Kirovsk, in the area of the botanical garden, and is a closed complex built of snow and ice. Here you will see amazing creations of human hands, using the ability of water to change structure and shape: furniture, sculptures, slides, halls and rooms. On the territory of the "Snow Village" there is even a wedding hall - of course, also made of ice.
If you decide to visit the "Snow Village" in new year holidays then get ready that these days tourist centre attracts just thousands of visitors who want to meet New Year almost in the real house of Santa Claus.
Weather
In general, the Khibiny is warmer than other polar regions, thanks to the warm current of the Gulf Stream and the proximity of the Barents Sea. But in general, winters are long and snowy here, and summers are cold and short, but free from frost. On the outer slopes of the mountains, the climate is softened by the surrounding plains, but in the central part of the massif it is more severe. Snow lies in the mountains from October to June.
If you come to Khibiny between September and April, you can admire the Northern Lights. The polar night begins at the end of December and lasts for about a month, during which time the sun is not shown at all.
As you know, the Khibiny Mountains are the largest mountain range located on the Kola Peninsula. The name "Khibiny" appeared not so long ago, because before that the mountain system was called by the Sami word "Umptek". It is believed that the geological age of this rock reaches about 350 million years. The exact origin of the Khibiny is still unknown, although according to the Russian dialect of the Arkhangelsk region and the Kola Peninsula, the term “Khiben”, which means “plateau”, prevails.
The mountains are composed of igneous rocks or nepheline syenites. The Khibiny massif has plateau-like peaks, rather steep slopes, in some places of which there are glaciers and snowfields. The highest point of the mountain system is Mount Yudychvumchorr, whose height reaches 1200.5 m above sea level and which drops off quite abruptly in the form of inaccessible sheer cliffs.
The Khibiny massif is shaped more like a horseshoe, somewhat open towards the east. High flat plateaus and a complex system of especially deep valleys became a characteristic relief. Most of the valleys end in the form of global glacial cirques, which contain snow throughout the year. The inherent plateaus are flat surfaces completely covered with bare stone placers. A huge amount of minerals is found in the Khibiny, the overwhelming majority of which were discovered at this place for the first time - that is why the Khibiny massif is also called a mineralogical natural museum. The most essential have minerals located here. This place is home to the world's largest deposits of apatite containing phosphorus, as well as titanium, sphene, molybdenum ores and many other rare elements, which have become a reliable base for the mining industry of the North.
Concerning flora of the Khibiny mountains, it changes more and more with increasing altitude. The slopes and foothills of the mountains, reaching heights of 350-400 m, are occupied exclusively by coniferous forests, represented by spruce and pine forests, which can most often be seen with an admixture of birch species. A little higher there is a birch crooked forest, which rises even more in height by 100 m. In an even more elevated zone, there are crooked forest zones - this is a tundra, almost completely covered with small shrubs - blueberries, lingonberries, crows, bearberries, as well as various types of lichens. After the first frosts have passed, the leaves of all plants quickly acquire a rich, bright color, while creating an incredibly beautiful multi-colored carpet. With increasing altitude on the slopes, more and more vegetation becomes thinner, and often bare areas of rocky embankments can be found. All the peaks of the mountains are almost completely without vegetation, and on the rocks and in some places there are yellow, gray and green patterns of lichens prevailing in these places in placers. The flora of the Khibiny mountains is especially valuable, because a considerable number of representatives of local vegetation are listed in the Red Book. As for the local fauna, the terrestrial vertebrates of the mountain range are represented by 27 species of mammals, 2 species of reptiles, one species of amphibians and 123 different species of birds.
Today, the following mines operate on the territory of the Khibiny mountain range: Rasmvumchorr (Rasvumchorr plateau and Apatite circus deposits), Kirovsky (Yukspor and Kukisvumchorr), Central (Rasvumchorr), as well as Vostochny (Nyurkpakhk and Koashva). Extraction of minerals is carried out both by open and underground methods. The number of open mountain ranges is decreasing more and more, and after a while the development of deposits will be carried out exclusively by underground method.
For a fairly long period of time, the Khibiny Mountains have been one of the most favorite vacation spots for tourists, because this is the first alpine region in the entire Arctic, in which a proper system of routes was carried out, ranging from educational to the most difficult. Even the low altitude of the mountains can be deceiving, because the climatic features inherent in this area often create extreme conditions for the climbing process.
Khibiny - the name of this mountain range pleases the ear of travelers. Stunning snowy peaks, tundra with dwarf birches, powerful waterfalls and quiet clean lakes... The combination of mountains and marshes of the Khibiny looks unusual: it is worth seeing it at least once in your life. Experienced tourists say that the Kola Peninsula does not let go just like that: its mysterious beauty attracts from year to year, and the inaccessibility of sharp rocks makes you come back again and again.
Where are the khibins
The Khibiny can be reached by car, train and plane. If you prefer the first option, head towards Murmansk along the P21 highway. Continue onto the E105. Continue driving until kilometer 1230 - there you will see a crossroads to the city of Apatity. There will be 28 kilometers to it: at the entrance there will be a sign to Kirovsk - turn left and drive another 17 kilometers.
You can get to Apatity in any Murmansk language. They depart from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vologda, Minsk. Resort routes from Novorossiysk, Adler, Astrakhan are added in summer. The cost of a reserved seat berth depends on the station at which you stepped into the carriage. If this is Moscow, you will have to pay 3000 rubles. The train follows the route for 30-32 hours.
You can fly to Khibiny by plane from Moscow, St. Petersburg or Cherepovets. The aircraft arrives at the Khibiny airport - it is common for Apatity and Kirovsk. There is another option - a flight to Murmansk, and from there to Apatity. We have to overcome another 200 kilometers along the highway.
If you are in Apatity, a minibus or buses No. 131 and 8 will take you to Kirovsk. Both types of transport are infrequent. The best option get to Kirovsk by taxi and get off at the Pirozhkovaya stop. So you will spend 100 rubles versus 600 for delivery to the city center. Many Kirov minibuses leave from Pirozhkovskaya.
What are the Khibiny
Khibiny consider the most ancient mountains in Russia. Their age is 350 million years. The mountains are located beyond the Arctic Circle at the 67th parallel. This greatly affects their nature: there is no vegetation on the slopes, here and there you can see bald patches of snow regardless of the season. The height of the mountains is 800-900 meters, the highest point is Mount Yudichvumchorr - 1200 meters.
Khibiny from space is a fascinating sight. They look like a stone flower that has opened its petals towards the northern sun. In clear weather, the mountains are especially visible - the sharp peaks of the rocks cut the blue sky and terrify travelers. Local residents are afraid to approach the Khibiny mountains in winter - they understand how much danger the icy slopes pose.
The mountain got its name due to the peculiarities of the local dialect. Previously, the Sami called them Umptek, and later they began to call them Hiben, which means plateau. Over time, the name stuck and remained, but locals changed it to the Khibiny.
Attractions Khibiny
Visitors to the Khibiny are advised to explore the numerous hiking trails and walk to the Gorge Blue lakes and Pyrrhotite gorge. On the way, you will come across a 1950 adit. An interesting hike is to come if you have chosen the Molybdenum Mine as a sightseeing in the Khibiny. To get there, you need to go to the road that was laid in 1930. In turn, a river ford leads to it. From the mine opens great view to Maly Vudyavr and Poachvumchorr mountain.
Takhtarvumchorr plateau - landscapes for surrealism lovers. The pictures that open to travelers are similar to those of Mars. Unusual minerals are scattered across the ground. On the way, you can find abandoned miners' tools.
Aku-Aku gorge is considered romantic place... According to Sami legends, there was a fierce struggle between the Sami and the invaders. Where the Lapp blood fell, eudialyte grew - a reddish mineral. Not far from the gorge there is a waterfall and a clear, bright lake.
The Kukisvumchorr plateau is another attraction of the Khibiny, famous for the lake Academic. It is heavenly emerald in color, the water is clear and very cold. The delightful route goes along the banks of the seething Risyok River, across the South Rischorr Pass. On the way there is a grumpy waterfall and slopes of incredible beauty.
Sightseeing Apatit is interesting for both adults and children. There is a research center for conducting experiments, the Museum of Mineralogy. The exposition is represented by hundreds of unique minerals. Some of them are not found in any corner of the planet.
There are many other museums in Apatity: the Museum-Archive of the History of the Study and Development of the European North, the Museum of International cultural center and the M picture gallery. Tickets to these places cost several hundred rubles and are available to everyone. For young parents with children, it will be interesting to visit the nursery picture gallery"The ark".
If you are lucky enough to visit Apatity in February, visit the annual exhibition “ Stone Flower". Hundreds of craftsmen offer to purchase stone products: jewelry, household items and kitchen utensils. It is impossible to imagine this splendor: you just need to see it.
In summer, the Akademgorodok and the park near the Polyarny cinema are notable in Apatity. Roses, rose hips, lilacs and other beautiful flowers grow in the park. Everything is fragrant. Nearby there is a monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
Tourism in the Khibiny starts from Kirovsk. It is located next to Lake Bolshoy Vudyavr. The Temple of the Savior of the Image of Jesus Christ not made by hands is considered a significant attraction. The sanctuary is decorated with nine bronze bells. Ural craftsmen made them especially for Kirovsk. The decoration of the temple is rich: many icons, some streaming myrrh.
Visit the local history and mining and geological museums. Go to the Literature Museum. It is designed in the thoughtful and philosophical spirit of the writer Erofeev. Fans of his work will feel at home.
A must-see attraction in Kirovsk is the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute named after V.I. ON. Avrorina. It is a conservation area with hundreds of plants. Many are unique. The administration of the garden offers excursions to the nursery and the greenhouse. It will definitely not be boring.
In winter, not far from the botanical garden, there is an area called "Snow Village". As soon as the first snow falls, dozens of ice and snow figures are erected on its territory. They are made in full size of the character and look magical. A visit to the village will be a real treat for children and adults.
For tourism in the Khibiny, we recommend paying attention to the Amethyst hotel. It is located on Lenin Street, 3 in an eight-story building. This is the city center, so you can easily reach the main attractions and train stations. There is a restaurant nearby where you can have a tasty and inexpensive dinner. The rooms are comfortable and new furniture, private bathrooms.
Along Pobeda street, 29a there is a hotel Izovella, which in translation from Sami means "Light breath of the wind". The peculiarity of the hotel is its location - half a kilometer from the city, in the middle of the forest. In the evening you will be provided with wonderful walks and fresh air. Another representative office of the hotel is the Apatit Rus recreation center. Its windows offer a beautiful view of the Imandra Lake. There is a hall, billiards, gym. There is a banquet hall for celebrations.
The hotel "Sheri" on Gladysheva street, 6a is very popular. It has only five rooms, but each is furnished in a homely and tasteful way. There is a TV, wardrobe and seating area. Linen is provided free of charge. Catches WI-FI.
In Guba Kisloy there is a secluded recreation center Apatit - Berloga. Beautiful log cabins, Sami landmarks and a birch-wood sauna - what else does a tired traveler need after a long journey to the Khibiny? The houses are spacious, suitable for a company of 3-5 people. The recreation center rents out a snowmobile and turntables.
Hotels in Kirovsk
There are expensive hotels in Kirovsk. This is due to the availability of routes through the Khibiny beauty. If the price does not bother you, go to the city center to the Severnaya Hotel. It is in it that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin likes to rest. At the same time, prices are not overpriced: a tourist with a modest budget can stay here by paying 1,500 rubles for a room. Expensive number is 7000. Nearby ski slopes Aykuivenchorr.
Ekkos Hotel has earned positive reviews from travelers. The fund is represented by 13 bright rooms with a total capacity of 40 people. Each room has a refrigerator, bath or shower, air conditioning. There is free internet. Couples with children are offered rooms with a kitchen.
You can comfortably spend your vacation in the Khibiny at the Parkovaya Hotel. It is located on the street of the same name and combines maximum comfort and a pleasant price. Rooms are furnished with fresh furniture, there is free WI-FI.
The Khibiny mountains have a unique climate. It is formed by the arctic and Atlantic winds and is variable even in warm weather. There is a polar night that has a significant impact on the formation weather conditions... Very humid: frequent rains, but little evaporation. Coupled with sharp gusts of wind, ordinary rains turn into mountain thunderstorms.
On the Kola Peninsula, there is no concept of "season". All seasons are intermingled and last longer than expected. For example, winter is the longest - 7-8 months. All this time, frosts keep, the slopes are covered with snow. In the gorges, it does not melt all year round.
The ice melts in late spring, so from May 12 to July 19, the polar day begins, which is also summer. The weather is unstable, not warm. In September, frosts begin again, and winter comes.
Summer rest in the Khibiny mountains, first of all, will be liked by climbers. However, if you are not an active tourist, do not be discouraged. The mountains offer many lungs hiking trails allowing you to enjoy the stunning nature of the north. Visit Maly Vudyavr Lake: it is located between dense forest and mountains. Beautiful place for a picnic and outdoor games.
Another unusual area worth visiting on your summer vacation is the Ganeshin circus. It offers a gorgeous view of the granite rocks and Lake Maly Vudyavr. If you went on a hike for more than one day, choose the circus as a place to sleep - there are no mosquitoes and it is relatively warm.
Be sure to walk to Mount Kukisvumchorr. The fast river Yuksporryok flows there - it will lead to the Shchel pass. Overcome it to reach an untouched corner of the planet - you will be amazed at how clean and majestic the mountains and lakes look. Look south for apatite quarries and the Tul'yok River.
Not far from the Umbozero pass there is a beautiful waterfall. It fully lives up to its name and is considered one of the most wonderful places in Russia. Summer holidays in the Khibiny will be remembered for a long time, and the photographs will cause an aching boredom in the heart for more than one year.
Winter holidays in the Khibiny it is represented by ski resorts and exciting excursions on snowmobiles. The famous trails run along the slopes of the Aikuavenchorr and Kukisvumchorr mountains. At the top of Aikuavenchorr there are three complexes - "Aikuay", "Kolasportland" and "Bolshoy Vudyavr". The length of the tracks is more than 30 kilometers. Here you can find something to do for every taste - go skiing, snowboarding or downhill on a colored bun.
Are you staying in Apatity? Then go to Vorobyinaya Gora. It is great if you are a beginner or teaching kids. In addition, the slope is protected from the wind, so it is comfortable and warm to ride here.
Khibiny is a magical land where phones and tablets are not needed. Nature penetrates the soul, stirring up the most intimate memories. It is easy to fall in love here or, conversely, to forget. Not alien to the Khibiny and unrestrained joy - hiking in big company will become a vivid life experience.
Not everyone dreams of golden beach sand on hot summer days. For some, plunge into the warm sea is the highest point of pleasure, while others choose the snow-white tops of the mountain ranges as a rest from the gray boring everyday life. Fans of the Alps and Carpathians sometimes do not even know about the existence of another picturesque and dynamic mountain system not far from the Barents Sea, the Khibiny (Murmansk region).
In contact with
If you know the location of the Khibiny massif on the map of Russia, it is easy to compare the favorable location and the existence of a whole tourist infrastructure in order to determine where the next ski vacation will take place.
Khibiny is a low mountain system with highest height in 2 thousand 200 m. Of course, the adrenaline is not the same as in the Alps, but the tourist will definitely not have a reason to worry about the presence of snow, because there is plenty of it here. Such a guarantee of snow-capped peaks is given by the location of the Khibiny-Polar region. Kirovsk is considered the main city here. All the infrastructure for tourists is concentrated here, divided into 4 ski areas. Nearby there is also the city of Apatity with its own ski lifts and ski slopes. About the Khibiny mountains of Murmansk area is written a little even in the famous Wikipedia, and not everyone knows how to get there, but the most purposeful this information will certainly come in handy.
Khibiny: where to find and how to get there
This massif is more than 300 million years old. As highest point Yudychvumchorr stands out from the mountains and occupies a height of 1 thousand 200 m above sea level. Despite its very modest size, the massif is the most majestic in the entire Arctic. According to tourists who have already been lucky enough to visit the Khibiny, the air here is very thin, but not from a high location, as is commonly believed, but because of the Arctic currents.
Kola Peninsula- this is where the Khibiny mountains are located. Kirovsk, which is the main city, is located near Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and is one of the most influential in Murmansk region... The beauty of the Khibiny town is enclosed in a mountain semi-ring, closed on the fourth side by Lake Bolshoy Vudyavr. The city arose relatively recently, in the 1920s, as a result of industrial development of the mineral apatite. Kirovsk can be found on the southern slope of the mountains and only 12 km away, on the banks of the Belaya River, Apatity is located. The territory is part of the Zasheikovsky forestry.
It's easy to get to the snow-covered Russian fairy tale... Khibiny Airport is located an hour's drive from Kirovsk and receives flights from St. Petersburg and Moscow. Since the passenger traffic is quite large, the small size of the airport simply cannot cope and most tourists prefer to fly through Murmansk, which receives daily flights from any corner of the vast Motherland.
Which airlines fly to Khibiny:
- RusLine;
- "Russia";
- UTair.
Already from Murmansk you can get to the Khibiny by bus in just 3–3.5 hours. A transfer by train will take a whole day from a tourist.
Climatic conditions of the mountains
The climate of the Khibiny territories is very mysterious and unusual for the average Russian living somewhere in the central regions. The Khibiny is located a little further north Arctic Circle, which means that in addition to the mountains and active rest the visitor has the opportunity to experience the famous polar night, which lasts here from mid-December to the second half of December. During this period of time, the sun does not rise in the sky at all. For those who came during the summer months, nature has provided a polar day that lasts all June and early July. During this period, the sun constantly shines in the sky and does not set even at night.
The Arctic is famous for its very harsh climate, but the Khibiny retains sufficient mild and hospitable weather all year round. Of course, the weather is often unpredictable and it snows abundantly even on Egypt, so it should not surprise anyone that in the Khibiny the temperature in winter can reach -30–35 degrees Celsius. Sparkling snow covers the ground from autumn to late spring, and in some places, especially popular with tourists, the cover can be seen in summer.
According to the regulars of these places, the Khibiny is most hospitable in April - May, since during this period the weather is the clearest, the longest daylight hours and the snow cover most favorable for skiing. Those who come to celebrate New Year and Christmas in the mountains can observe incredible beauty and magic
Khibiny nature
At the entrance to Kirovsk ski resort Khibiny appears before the eyes of a tourist in all its glory. The peaks of the Vudyavrchorr and Aikuayvenchorr mountains (lane "Sleeping Beauty") rise majestically above the city. On the slopes of the first one there is one of three unique arctic botanical gardens. Climbing the slope of the Khibiny mountain higher and higher, one can observe how one natural landscape replaces another. The ascent begins from the valley tundra, then passes into the spruce taiga, then - the birch crooked forest, which is replaced by alpine mosses and ends with the Arctic desert.
If you are tired mountain trails, you can change the slope by flat skiing, which has a length of 14 km. The track is equipped for the convenience of tourists and equipped with snowmobiles and scooters. Fans of hiking can take advantage of the services of a helicopter, which for very modest money will take extreme lovers to any of the four Khibiny peaks. Here tourists will be able to test their survival skills and, going down the slope, enjoy pristine nature Khibiny ... Experienced athletes can ride on one of the mountain heli-skiing tracks, but only under the supervision of an instructor, since these slopes are avalanche-prone.
The minerals of the Khibiny are carefully hidden in the tectonic structure of the mountains. There is iron ore, copper-nickel ores, and oil. But the main asset, of course, is the bluish-green stones of apatite.
Overnight
Khibiny ski resort especially worried now rapid development... Unfortunately, hotel business has not yet reached the level of popular European resorts, but tourists note that in last years many cozy hotels appeared in Apatity and Kirovsk. Tourists who have visited the Khibiny are advised to approach the choice of accommodation with special attention and look for a hotel near the favorite ski slope. In each of the four ski complex have their own hostels and hotels. Also, tourists may like private accommodation. Prices for accommodation in hotels and the private sector are relatively low, but the most economical option is still a hostel.
What to expect from the tracks?
Khibiny represent the real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to standard tracks of any complexity, there is a modular stadium, jumps, and an ice rink. Austrian snow groomers tamp down the track. Companies can climb to the top on chair lifts or numerous boogies. Equipment rental points and cafes are open around the clock. Choosing a track for the entire rest period, you need to take into account your skills, since each of the complexes has different level characteristics. The most gifted and trained skiers prefer the Kukisvumchorr slope and the Twenty-fifth Kilometer, while the athletes respect the Northern Slope more simply. Board lovers are advised to visit Khibiny Snow Park.
Ski resort prices
Apatity and Kirovsk are considered places for budget ski holiday... The cost of ski passes and lifts is completely different everywhere, depending on the length of the lift and the ski area:
This ski resort is which is only at the development stage, but the dynamics are impressive. That is why foreign and Russian investors are trying to invest in it to the maximum and make the Khibiny a worthy, and most importantly, an affordable replacement for expensive European resorts for everyone.
The first names for mountains and rivers Khibiny massif gave academician Alexander Evgenievich Fersman... It was he who immortalized the name of the Finnish explorer Wilhelm Ramsay, naming in his honor the pass between Poachvumchorr and Takhtarvumchorr, the Ramsay pass. A member of the Finnish expeditions, Ramzai has been studying the Khibiny and the entire Kola Peninsula since the end of the 19th century. The name Ramsay pass appeared in 1920, and in 1997 a memorial plaque was erected on the summit, reminding of the scientist's merits in the development of the Khibiny.
Ramsay was not a pioneer Khibiny mountains but is considered their pioneer. The first memories of the massif were found on the map of the Russian Academy of Sciences, dated 1745. At that time, the Khibiny was designated as an unknown mountain located south of Lake Imandra. The lake was marked on maps back in 1611, which confirms the travel of people on the Kola Peninsula already in those years.
If the Russians got to Imandra, then they could not help but notice the snow-covered Lopar tundra. Still the official discoverers mountain peaks steel mining engineer Nikolai Shirokshin and academician Alexander Middendorf. Scientists visited the Khibiny in 1834 and 1840, these years are considered the time of the discovery of the Khibiny mountain range.
Ramsay's predecessors were also Russian and French travelers Nikolai Kudryavtsev and Charles Rabot. However, Alexander Fersman singled out Wilhelm Ramsay most of all, considering his works to be the classics of scientific illumination and the basis for further study of the Khibiny. Wilhelm Ramsay was the first to start geological, petrographic and mineralogical research in the region. One of the minerals found in the Khibiny - ramsaite - is named in his honor.
The merits of Wilhelm Ramsay in the study of the Khibiny mountains
Wilhelm Ramsai took his first steps in exploring the Khibiny in 1887, when he was part of a Finnish expedition sent to the interior of Lapland. The geologist was not the formal head of the company of scientists, but subsequently the trip is certainly associated with his name. This trip began many years of work by the Finnish naturalist to study the geological features of the Lopar tundra. They continued for 40 years until the death of Wilhelm Ramsay.
During a campaign in 1887, Wilhelm Ramsay and his colleagues crossed the Kola Peninsula from the Kola River to Cape Svyatoy Nos, bypassing the Kildin Island, the Voronya River, Lake Lovozero and the Ponoy River. Allowing deviations to the north and south of the planned route, scientists were able to make more full map terrain, examining the "white spots" of the central part of the peninsula. Then the Lovozero and Khibiny mountains were discovered, which no one knew about before.
The Khibiny mountain range opened to Wilhelm Ramzai near Umbozero, when he climbed the peaks of the Lovozero tundra or Luyavrurt. But it was not possible to stop and spend a long time in those places. Only in 1891 and 1982, a group of scientists led by Wilhelm Ramsay spent two field seasons in the mountains, studying in detail the territory, relief and soil composition. The Finnish geologist was assisted by his faithful companions - expert in the field of petrography Viktor Gackman, surveyor and astronomer Alfred Petrelius and flora researcher Oswald Chilman. Each of them left their mark on the history of the Khibiny, giving their names to the mountains and rivers.
In honor of Alfred Petrelius, Alexander Fersman named three natural site: river, mountain and pass. It was Alfred Petrelius who made the relief map of the Khibiny. Thanks to him, the Kola tributaries to the Imandra and Umbozero rivers were identified.
Victor Gackman, together with Wilhelm Ramsay, collected a collection of minerals and rocks in the Khibiny. After completing the expedition, he processed the received materials at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. As a result, he revealed the presence of new minerals, hitherto unknown to science. It was in the mountains of the Khibiny massif that deposits of sphene, loparite, lovenite, eudialyte, murmanite and astrophyllite were first found. The name of Viktor Gakman was given to the river flowing in the middle of the Yukspor mountain.
Alexander Fersman named the Chilman mountain in memory of the Scandinavian botanist Oswald Chilman. The mountain is located in the western part of the massif, although the scientist was studying vegetation in the east of the peninsula. It was Oswald Chillman who discovered the Keiva Upland.
Official confirmation of the discovery by Wilhelm Ramsay of the main wealth of the Khibiny has not been found. There is no mention of apatite ore in his writings. Nevertheless, academician Alexander Fersman drew up his map of useful minerals, where he pointed out the ring structure of the mountains, based on the map of Wilhelm Ramsay. This information is presented in the multivolume publication "Geological Study of the USSR". Without the results of the work of the Finnish scientist, the apatite deposits would have remained unknown for a long time. Fersman himself said that the task of his research was a complete survey of the Khibiny Mountains based on the study of the works of Wilhelm Ramsay.
At the time of Wilhelm Ramsay, apatite ore was of no value for industry and Agriculture... The low level of technological development and special geographic conditions did not allow to really assess the benefits of apatite and use it in practice. Therefore, the interest of science in this mineral was purely theoretical.
The Finnish geologist paid tribute to his predecessors. He named the peaks of the Khibiny Mountains after Charles Rabo, Alexander Middendorf and Nikolai Kudryavtsev.
Wilhelm Ramsay described the exploration of the Kola Peninsula in 18 published articles and monographs. All works were published in German. Not a single article was ever published in Russian.
