Gridlock on major highway
Venturing into the Uncharted Territories: Arkhyz and Dombaй
Get ready for an adventure in the heart of Russia's North Caucasus! The resort areas of Dombaй and Arkhyz are set to revolutionize year-round recreation opportunities, with promising development plans on the horizon. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's recent speech highlighted the airport under construction in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic as a significant step towards making these destinations more accessible for tourists.
The upcoming airport has a rich history behind it, as the Karachay-Cherkess Republic only emerged on Russia's administrative map in 1992. Until now, Cherkesk, the region's capital, has been without its very own airport. Currently, the most straightforward way to reach Arkhyz from the capital involves flying to Mineralnye Vody, negotiating with a taxi driver, and driving for hours.
The development of a new road system is also in the works, aiming to connect the slopes of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic with those of Krasnodar Territory, notably Krasnaya Polyana. This artery, approximately 15 km long and featuring tunnels, could take another decade to materialize, while the airport, slated to be completed by 2029, is progressing steadily.
Arkhyz, with its current lack of an airport, has been the main hindrance for the influx of skiers. However, the temporary absence of lift queues, virtually empty slopes, and uncomplicated restaurant seating offer a unique charm that skiers and nature enthusiasts can still appreciate.
As for the Arkhyz resort itself, it's home to two charming villages, Romantica and Lunnaia Polyana, nestled near the lifts. The burgeoning villages of Festivnyi and Dukka are now under construction, offering contrasting atmospheres ranging from all-night discos to serene family vacations with a 23:00 curfew. The Mantera group, well-versed in the hotel business, manages the resort and has built two hotels in Arkhyz.
One of the notable aspects of the resort villages is the moderation in construction. Unlike some "Wild West" construction, Arkhyz boasts uniform accommodation styles, with touches reminiscent of picturesque Zermatt. Considerable private accommodation is sparse, but available. Moreover, the ski slopes are open to all, and parking is conveniently equipped at the entrances to the villages.
The resort's current offerings include 27 kilometers of ski trails, largely blue and red difficulty levels. Nine lifts serve the ski enthusiasts, both chair and cabin lifts, with the highest point reachable by cabin being 3030 meters. By 2030, they aim to launch six more cableways and extend the trail length to a substantial 57 km.
Some tantalizing tales about Arkhyz circulate, such as the legend of French specialists rapidly finishing the planned lifts in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their extended stay in the village.
The resort hotels cater to a four-to-five-star experience, blending comfort with refinement. The last two years have seen the addition of six new hotels, including the five-star Pino and Grand Snow. Villa Monte, a boutique apartment hotel, is also in the works, featuring an observatory on its roof, a nod to the renowned Bakсанskaya Observatory. With over 1600 rooms and active hotel construction and renovation ongoing, five new hotels are expected to open this year.
Interestingly, the summer tourist flow in Arkhyz has grown faster than the winter one, with a 32% increase in a year for non-skiers. All-season hiking trails are being created, and bike paths between villages are planned for the future. The highest bungee park in the country remains operational, as per general director of UК "Arkhyz," Roman Kiranchuk.
By 2024, over 1 million tourists visited Arkhyz, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Following the completion of the new airport, the tourist flow could reach as many as 2 million annually by 2030.
Stay tuned for updates on the Arkhyz Airport and more exciting developments in the world of tourism. Don't miss out on our Telegram channel, @expert_mag, for the latest news on #Arkhyz, #Tourism, #Airports, #AirTransport, and #Resorts.
Set against the backdrop of picturesque Arkhyz and Dombaй, these Russian resort areas are poised to redefine the travel lifestyle, offering year-round recreational opportunities to tourists. The development of the new airport and road system will further enhance accessibility, attracting more skiers and nature enthusiasts to these uncharted terrains of the North Caucasus.
