2023 has been declared the year of active (adventure) tourism in the Murmansk region. The Murmansk region isn't just amazing landscapes and sights, the Northern lights and Arctic cuisine, it is also a place where you can try yourself in unusual and sometimes extreme sports. Some of them are available all year round.
SUP touring
The pecularity of this sport is that it involves a paddle which allows the surfer to control the board and keep the balance. Absolutely anyone can learn how to do it, regardless of age and how fit are. And it's your very first time, you don't have to stand on the board, you can just sit on it or stand on your knees.
Rafting
Rafting on catamarans, rafts and canoes is one of the most popular types of outdoor activities on the Kola Peninsula. There are several thousand rivers in the region, some of them are very rapid, so the region is perfect for water sports.
The water bodies of the Kola Peninsula are so close to each other that you do not have to travel long distances by land while rafting: you can visit several Arctic rivers in one trip.
The most popular rivers for rafting are Pecha, Varzuga, Umba and Kolvitsa. They are ideal in terms of length and possible route changes. It is possible to go on long trips with a combination of hiking and extreme water routes along the rivers Iokanga, Ponoy and Pana. Rafting in the Verkhnetulomsky reservoir area is suitable for family holidays – a leisurely hike south from the village of Verkhnetulomsky and rafting along the rivers of the southeastern part of the Kola Peninsula along the Indel-Pana-Varzuga route.
Sailing
In May, when the polar day begins, the Kola yachting season starts and lasts until September. Those who want to take their first steps in sailing can be assisted by the experienced yachtsmen. A vacation on a yacht is one of the best ways to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and breathe in the atmosphere of sea romance!
Snowkiting
Every year snowkiting fans wait eagerly for the first snowflakes. March on the Kola Peninsula is perfect for snowkiting. It is windy 9 days out of 10, the air temperature does not fall below 10 degrees, heavy snowfalls create ideal conditions for skiing. And of course, the vast expanses and hilly terrain of the tundra with a height difference of up to 300 m are excellent for this sport.
Ice swimming
Ice swimming is bathing in icy water in a special suit that completely covers the body and keeps it on the surface of the water for up to 6 hours. The suit is put on one's clothes and shoes so that they stay absolutely dry and do not freeze in icy water. Ice swimming in the waters of the White Sea is suitable even for those who do not know how to swim.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoes are the oldest device that allows a person to move quickly through deep snow without much effort. Snowshoeing is a great way to keep active in winter. You can go hiking on snowshoes no matter how old or fit you are.
Snowmobile excursions
Many travel companies offer tourists to see the beauties of the winter Kola Peninsula with the help of snowmobile tours. This type of transport allows tourists to visit otherwise inaccessible snow passes, ascents and descents.
Winter surfing
The Barents Sea is great for winter surfing. Every winter athletes from all over the region come to Teriberka. Of course, they all wear special wetsuits so as not to freeze. Surfing feels especially cool among the snow-covered rocks and polar beauty.
Ski tourism
Considering that the Murmansk region is completely part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and is almost completely located beyond the Arctic Circle, the most popular types of tourism in the region are winter ones: skiing, mountain skiing, snowmobiling, etc.
On the territory of the Murmansk region there are 11 ski resorts of different levels of complexity. The earliest and latest snow cover in Russia guarantees a long sports season for those who decided to ride on the slopes of the Murmansk region. The best skiing period is March – April. The polar night is receding, and the weather is clear and sunny.
One of the most visited areas of the Kola Peninsula is the center of ski tourism - the city of Kirovsk, located in the foothills of the Khibiny mountain range. Every year more than 70 thousand ski tourists visit the resort. The main tourist recreational area is the southern and northern slopes of the Aikuaivenchorr mountain of the Khibiny massif. Here is the highest mountain resort in the North-West of Russia, the Bolshoy Vudyavr ski complex - the total height difference on the routes is 550 meters.
The city of Kirovsk is located in the heart of the Khibiny mountain range at an altitude of 300 m above sea level. The unique natural landscape was a favorable condition for the development of ski tourism in Kirovsk. The territory is characterized by a long but mild winter, the presence of stable snow cover on the ski slopes for more than eight months a year. For today, there are 3 ski complexes on the territory of the city with a height difference from 260 to 550 m, with long trails for skiing from 550 to 2800 m. Khibiny Airport operates 40 km from the resort, with daily direct flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
