Sheregesh: Ski Resort Guide

Do you love snowboarding or skiing? Have you tried it in the mountains? If so, you've definitely heard of Sheregesh and know how amazing it is. If not, we'll tell you now. This article is a detailed guide containing everything important you need to know about the magical and cold Sheregesh.

Where is Sheregesh Ski Resort Located

Sheregesh, a paradise for mountain recreation enthusiasts, is located in Gornaya Shoria, a region in the south of Kemerovo Oblast. It is an absolutely beautiful place at the junction of Altai, Kuznetsk Alatau, and Sayan Mountains. Previously, it was a settlement for mining complex workers, but in the 1990s, locals realized the resort potential of this place and built slopes, opening equipment rentals. 

Currently, Sheregesh — one of the country's main ski resorts. 

When to Go

Sheregesh has hot summers and relatively cold winters. Therefore, the best seasons for skiing are from early November to late December and from early March to late April. During this time, it's most enjoyable and not too cold.

During the resort season, the average temperature here is from -10 to -20 °C. In frosty weather, there's no wind and it's often sunny. Spring here is considered the velvet season: temperatures drop only to -10 °C, and rise to +15 °C during the day.

P. S. The mountain air here is magnificent at any time of year. 

How to Get There

This paradise for ski enthusiasts is located in Kemerovo Oblast, in the Tashtagolsky District. The closest way to get there is from Novokuznetsk: you buy a plane ticket, and then take a bus for about three hours. You can also try to get there from Kemerovo — then the journey will take about six hours.

By the way, in the future, an airport is planned to be built near Sheregesh so that it will be quick and easy to get to the resort. For now, you have to travel with transfers.

Skiing Areas and Ski Passes

All of Sheregesh is divided into sectors, each with its own distinctive feature.

Sectors A and B

There are slopes for beginners ('Bulochka' and 'Zapad') with a travelator on the slope, as well as for experienced riders ('Mustag', 'Vostok', 'Dollar'). All these slopes have one operator, so only one ski pass will be needed for them.

Last season, a ski pass cost about 1,700 rubles for four hours, 2,415 rubles for a day, and 4,315 rubles for two days. 

Sector E

Perfect for beginners. A travelator has been installed here for the training slope, making ascents easy. There is also a cable car for those who simply want to walk along the snowy peaks.

Last season, a ski pass cost about 1,700 rubles for four hours, 2,250 rubles for a day, and 4,000 rubles for two days. 

Sector F

The best sector for freeriding. It's almost impossible to get lost here: even if you're flying down a steep slope, you'll still be near the track and can easily return to the lift. 

Last season, a ski pass cost about 1,500 rubles for four hours, 2,000 rubles for a day.

Freeride in Sheregesh

Are you into freeriding? This is snowboarding or skiing off groomed trails. Sheregesh is considered the best place in Russia for such extreme sports. Here's why freeriding is so great here: firstly, the snow is excellent, it doesn't freeze or stick; and secondly, due to the gentle terrain and low altitudes, there are no avalanches in Sheregesh.

There are many schools and guides here who will help you begin your exciting immersion into freeriding. They will organize ski tours for you, help you find equipment rental, and show you the surroundings. And there's also beautiful nature here that you can only enjoy while freeriding.

But the main freeride area accessible from the lifts is the legendary 'Tomsky Forest', which covers almost all of Sector F. The clear taiga, without undergrowth or rocks, with wide clearings and a good slope, is pure joy for experienced riders, and cleared traverses make it easy to get to the lower lift stations.

For access to more remote routes, snowmobile guides will be needed. They usually take you to the summit of Mount Utuya, to the wild slopes of Mustag, Kurgan, and Komsomolka mountains. During periods between snowfalls, they can take you to little-known virgin fields where fresh powder still remains.

Clothing and Equipment

Here's a list of what to take with you to a ski resort:

– equipment. It's great if you have your own skis or snowboard — you can take them with you. If you're going skiing for the first time, find out in advance how to transport skis on a plane. You can also avoid carrying your own equipment and rent everything directly at the resort; 

– warm clothing. It's best to take two jackets with you. One for sports and mountain descents, the other for walks and going out to restaurants; 

– footwear. Ski boots are needed. Also, shoes, sneakers, or other footwear for going to restaurants;
– first-aid kit. It's not recommended to get sick at the resort; you'll have to go to the nearest town for medicine. It's much better to take a travel first-aid kit with you. Painkillers, fever reducers, anti-diarrhea medication, iodine and bandages, anti-inflammatory ointments will be useful;
– bath accessories. How wonderful it is to warm up in a banya after a busy day! In Sheregesh, there are places to go for such relaxation. So, take a couple of towels and everything you need for the banya. 

– cosmetics. SPF products, moisturizing creams, and lip balm will protect your skin from peeling, chapping, and redness; 

– thermal underwear. It will save you from the cold and help you enjoy the northern frosts longer. 

– sunglasses. Bright sun reflecting off the snow is blinding and very harsh on the eyes. Glasses will help protect against this. 

– thermos and thermal mugs. Hot tea is what you'll want most on one of Sheregesh's magnificent peaks. 

Where to Rent Equipment

There are about 15 equipment rental points at the resort. Typically, renting a snowboard or skis costs up to 2,500 rubles. But here's a life hack: the further you go from the base, the cheaper the equipment rental. For example, in the village, rental will cost you only 600 ₽.

You can also rent gloves, balaclavas, ski poles, and generally everything you need for an enjoyable vacation. 

Entertainment in Sheregesh

Besides the steep slopes and snowy peaks, Sheregesh has many other places to relax. For example:

– banyas and thermal complexes. They are available in almost every hotel. And even if you're not a guest, they can still accommodate you. By the way, a local favorite is the Russian banya 'Uncle Sasha's Hut';

– massage. There are spas offering both Thai and Balinese massages. Cool exoticism on snowy hills;
– tubing, trampolines, a rope park, and even a hot air balloon. Find all this in Sector E of the resort; 

– dog sledding. There's a husky club here where you can interact with the dogs, ride sleds, and even walk with the dogs; 

– diving. Dive into flooded quarries under the supervision of instructors and get a lot of emotions.

What to See in Sheregesh and its Surroundings

Extreme descents down the snowy mountains of Sheregesh — are cool, but sometimes you still need a distraction. We'll tell you about attractions worth visiting.

GULAG Museum

During the Soviet era, there were several labor camps in Sheregesh where thousands of people were imprisoned. Here you will touch upon the difficult history of this place.

The museum reconstructed barracks for prisoners, a checkpoint, and a punishment cell. The organizers collected a collection of documents, tools, and other exhibits from the local GULAG so that visitors could fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of hardships and deprivations.  

Upside-Down House

This attraction opened in 2014, and has been hugely popular ever since. Inside, there are two floors and several rooms. The name of the attraction speaks for itself: everything here is upside down. A great option for fun with family and friends. 

Gold Mining Site

In the 19th century, there was a real gold rush in Southern Kuzbass and Altai: thousands of people flocked here hoping to find gold and get rich.

To get a closer look at this interesting industry, sign up for an excursion to the gold mining sites. They will tell you how artels worked and how gold mining is organized now. 

Where to Stay

Sheregesh has many convenient areas for accommodation with luxurious hotels and apartments. The most convenient option is to check into a hotel at the foot of the cable cars in Sector A. There's direct access to the slopes, so you don't have to worry about how to get there. Additionally, there are bars, restaurants, shops, and rental points nearby. However, due to its popularity, this area is considered premium, and prices here are accordingly high.

There's a more budget-friendly option: apartments and flats in Sheregesh village itself, a few kilometers from the ski track. You'll have to get to the slopes by bus or taxi each time, but you'll save a good amount of money. 

Food in Sheregesh

Even though the resort is in the mountains, there are still many cafes, restaurants, and bars here. They all have different price policies: there are cheap burger joints, and there are luxury establishments with smorrebrods. Choose according to your taste and budget.

Interestingly, in Sheregesh, you can get acquainted with traditional Shorian cuisine. The most famous dish is dumplings made from rye flour with cedar honey, boiled in milk. There are also rich soups like tutmash, iurge, and pirozhki peregeshter. In short, gourmets have plenty to indulge in. 

Safety Rules

If you've never been to a ski resort, some features might catch you off guard, especially those related to the weather. Here are some tips to help you get the most enjoyment from your vacation without unpleasant consequences. 

– dress warmly. Real Siberian frosts rage in Sheregesh. It's best to dress in several layers, covering your entire body. You also need to bring a face mask, scarf, or something similar; 

– take a power bank. Phones quickly discharge in the cold; 

– take cash. Payment terminals don't work in some places; 

– don't ski without a helmet. Often not everyone follows this rule, but a helmet can save your life in case of a collision; 

– be careful with snowmobiles. Drivers often park them close to the lifts, and snowboarders don't always have time to change their trajectory. 

Well, are you ready to conquer the peaks? Then go ahead, get your tickets! And if you want to learn more about skiing, be sure to read our article on where else to ski.