Dombay- these are picturesque mountains, clean, one might say, delicious air, beauty and movement. Dombay is more than a ski and mountaineering resort, it is a place for everyone who loves active recreation, is looking for unforgettable, vivid impressions, and strives for recovery. Dombay is suitable for year-round holidays, because there is always something to do and see - in winter, spring, summer, autumn.
Elena Sebyakina I experienced the incredible attraction of these places. What else can you call the fact that she came here with her family many times over several years? The charm of Dombay.
When talking about Dombay, I want to write only enthusiastic epithets, everything there is so beautiful and breathtaking. Maybe I just love mountains... Yes, I’m not a skier or climber, but just relaxing in Dombay, walking, climbing higher and looking down - isn’t that great?
You can get to Dombay along the M4 Don highway - go to Rostov-on-Don and after that - near Pavlovskaya - go to Tikhoretsk and Kropotkin. Another way is to leave Rostov for Stavropol. In both cases, the road is good and the distances are the same - 1600 km.
While you are driving around Russia (regions - Moscow, Tula, Lipetsk, Voronezh and Rostov. - Ed.) there are no problems. When arriving in Karachay-Cherkessia, I strongly advise you to follow the rules; local traffic cops “love” visitors and do not commit atrocities, but what is possible for locals is not allowed for visitors.
Karachay-Cherkessia is a friendly republic; we have never had any problems with communication or anything else. We usually quickly pass Nevinnomyssk, Cherkessk, and Karachaevsk, although the cities are very colorful. But on one of our trips to Dombay we still visited all these towns. There's a lot to see. But about them some other time.
We always stay in the valley of the Teberda River, not far from the village of Dombay. Relict pine forests grow there. People from all over the country come here to treat asthma and pulmonary diseases. The air is incredibly tasty. Pleasure is just to breathe. Due to the healing nature of the local climate, there are numerous sanatoriums and health centers in the vicinity of the village. Therefore, Dombay is not just a ski holiday, outdoor recreation, Dombay is treatment and recovery.
The road to the village is good, one lane in each direction, there are very few cars, and every year it is necessarily repaired and restored.
The village of Dombay is located at the confluence of three mountain rivers - Amanauz, Alibek and Dombay-Ulgen. The rivers are incredibly beautiful. You can already feel the breath of the mountains here. Snowy peaks are already visible, because the resort is located at an altitude of 1,650 meters in the intermountain basin of the Main Caucasus Range.
We were in the village in summer, winter and spring. For me, it’s best there in the summer, but each season has its own charm of Dombay. 
Holidays in Dombay in summer have several advantages. One of them is the ability to choose the best hotel by location and price category. We lived in a hotel where a room in winter cost a little more than 10,000 rubles, but in summer it was only 2,000. The room was of extraordinary size, with a huge hallway, and it’s clear why. You can find rooms in the thousands, they say there are just beds.
We ate at the hotel restaurant. Local chefs love unusual recipes (I ate fried ice cream there for the first time), but they are very tasty and very inexpensive. Dinner with alcohol, meat and dessert for two cost us about one and a half thousand rubles.
The price of going up the cable car in cabins for one stage is 400 rubles, for all three - 900 rubles. The cost on other roads fluctuates within the same limits.
In summer, the weather changes at the speed of light. You can go out in the morning, and it’s drizzling outside, you get to the ski lift, the sun is already shining, then it starts to hail, the fog falls...
In the summer, only 4 stages of the lift operate, the fifth was not working, the sixth was being built, but we climbed the last two stages on foot. I can say that it is still extreme, not because it is cool, but simply because there is not enough air and it is very, very difficult for an unprepared person. At the top of Mount Mussa-Achitara (height is more than 3,000 meters) there is a chair that someone carefully brought, and sitting on it, you feel like the lord of the mountains. 
In winter, we went on New Year's holidays immediately after the holiday. It came out spontaneously. They say that rooms have been booked here since the summer, and that they just can’t find it... We convinced ourselves of this... We looked for a room for 5 hours. Found in a hotel on the outskirts for a fabulous 8,000 rubles. The room was a double, but four of us were allowed to live together and were given one folding bed. We couldn’t agree for so much money for a long time, so we spent only 2 nights there and left. Moreover, it was snowing before our arrival, an unusual amount of it fell, and cars were piled high in the parking lots. The winter charm of Dombay... But all the roads were cleared both during the snowfall and immediately after it.
The lifts did not work for days, and crowds of people who had nothing to do wandered around the village. And the next day there were extraordinary queues to get up. We took a short hike around the surrounding area, got a lot of positive emotions, rolled around in the snow, and upon returning drank unusually delicious mountain tea with thyme.
I highly recommend drinking tea not in a cafe, but on the street, on the main square, from a samovar. They give it away for free, but that doesn't make it any worse. This place has the most delicious tea. 
In the spring we arrived in Dombay for May, the village was half empty. There is still a lot of snow at the top at this time, and this must be taken into account. We arrived already wearing summer shoes and couldn’t walk there; the snow was getting into our sneakers, it was melting, and our feet were freezing. The skiers' season was not over yet; they were skiing.
We went up the cable car in the spring only in cabins and the second chair lift. Above it is very cold. In addition to cable car rides to the mountains, Dombay has a lot of attractions: mountain rivers, gorges, lakes, glaciers. It’s worth going to the climbers’ cemetery, honoring the memory and simply being amazed at the courage of these people. You need to pay attention to the plants growing there, for example, an unusual black tulip grows and blooms there.
It is simply impossible to list everything and talk about Dombay and holidays there. I can say for sure - you have to go there, look, and absorb everything like a sponge... the places are simply extraordinary!
And now photographs of Dombay, taken by Elena Sebyakina at different times of the year - winter, spring, summer, and perfectly illustrating her story.
Holidays in Dombay in winter
Holidays in Dombay in spring
Holidays in Dombay in summer
Elena Sebyakina,
Moscow
P.S. After reading Elena’s article, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by Dombay. Naturally, I immediately thought about the distance to here (to be frank, quite feasible), the price of the issue, etc. I decided to find out about the hotel - where exactly our respected author stayed in Dombay, and in which area of the village in general it is better to choose housing (hotel). Elena's answer was:
“We lived in “Orion”, “Golden Mustang” and “Chalet”. For me, the very center of the village, near Sberbank, is better, it’s close to the cable cars, there’s room for a car, and there’s no noise and fuss in the evening.”
What would you, dear readers, like to know from Elena about Dombay?
Dombay is one of the oldest winter resorts, located in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level. The resort has gained its fame throughout the world thanks to its unique, varied landscape routes, original untouched nature, beautiful views and clean air. Dombay is an excellent place to relax during the winter holidays; every tourist is welcome here and any guest will be greeted with Caucasian hospitality.
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Ski paradise
First of all, Dombay is a ski resort, everything is provided here for a great time in the winter, excellent slopes, instructors, shops with special equipment. For the convenience of vacationers, all slopes are divided into three categories:
- green slopes - for those who are just getting acquainted with ski equipment, with almost no slope;
- blue – with uneven terrain, for more advanced athletes;
- red – slopes with a steep descent, for extreme skiers.
More than 80% of the mountain slopes in Dombay are suitable for skiing; professional instructors and qualified medical care are on duty almost everywhere. Vacationers and professional athletes consider the southwestern part of Mount Mussa Achitara to be the best place. The slopes at the top are flat, marked in green (3200 m above sea level), and below there are sharp changes in relief; only real pros ski here.
In winter, the ski slopes open at 6 am and close at 10 am. Rental of sports equipment is paid, prices are determined immediately before the start of the season. The estimated cost of renting a snowboard is 300 rubles/hour, skis 150-200 rubles/hour.
Cable cars
From 2004-2088, construction of a new lift road was underway in Dombay, but the old chairlift is still in operation. But a larger flow of tourists is received by the modern “cable car”, which consists of three lines:
- gondola “Dombay-1” for 8 seats with a length of 1810 m. Equipped with special pockets for skis, comfortable chairs and automatic doors. Located at an altitude of 1600-2280 m. Ascent time 6 minutes.
- six-seater chair cabin with a length of 2182 m. Located at an altitude of 2280-3000 m. Ascent time 8 minutes.
- 4-seater chair cabin with a length of 660 m. Located at an altitude of 3000-3170 m. Ascent time 5 minutes.
Approximate prices for lifts for 2018:
- first stage – 500-60 rubles/person;
- first + second stage – 900 rubles/person;
- first + second + third stage – 1100 rubles/person;
Sights of Dombay
Here you will not see museums, historical monuments, palaces; the main beauty of this resort is its nature. Of course, in winter it is not always possible to see all the “charm” of Dombay sights; it also happens that snow prevents cars from driving along the road above a populated area. And it is there, in the mountains, that amazing, ancient places, untouched by civilization, are hidden:
- Gorge of the Amanauz River (translated as evil mouth);
- Crystal-clear high-mountain Azgek lakes in the Teberdinsky forest park. On the territory of the reserve itself there is a small museum and zoo.;
- Alibek Glacier.
True, in summer these places look more impressive, surrounded by greenery and filled with the sounds of wildlife, but even in winter they amaze “experienced” tourists with their beauty.
Where to stay
Every year Dombay receives more and more tourists, the hotel business here is developing rapidly. Moreover, as new recreation centers are built, old ones are reconstructed. The height of the winter season is the New Year holidays, so if you want to rent a room for an inexpensive holiday, you will have to use the “early booking” service in advance. For example, if you book a trip from a travel agency in the summer, it can cost from 10 thousand rubles per person (7 days); with the beginning of winter, exactly the same tour will already cost 15-17 thousand rubles. Families with children need to look for hotels with a playground and babysitting services so that they can leave their child under supervision while enjoying the beauty of Dombay.
If you want to save money, go on vacation as a “savage”. There are a lot of good houses for rent in the village for groups of 4 people or more. The cost of renting one day in the private sector can cost from 4,000 rubles. for everyone.
| Name | Address/official website | Price for the 2017-2018 season. |
| Hotel Dombai Palace | village Dombay, microdistrict Fir Cape, st. Alanskaya 5, dombaipalace.ru | from 3000 rub. per person without meals |
| Hotel “Snow Leopard” | village Dombay, lane Rodnikovy, 1, snezhny-bars-dombay.ru | from 1500 rub. per person without meals |
| Hotel “Metelitsa” | Dombay, st. Karachaevskaya, metelitsa-dombay.ru | from 1250 rub. per person without meals |
| Guest house “Pikhtovy Mys” | Dombay, microdistrict Fir Cape 10 | from 1100 rub. per person without meals |
| Guest House “Ice Cherry” | Dombay, gas station district | from 2000 rub. per person |
| Hotel “Star” | Dombay, Karachaevskaya st. 14 | from 2500 rub. per person (including breakfast) |
| Guest house “Dombay the Place” | Alanskaya Street, 2, Dombay, Russia | from 1300 rub. per person without meals |
What tourists say
The opinions of vacationers vary, but still everyone who visited this place wants to come back here again. Tourists note the following disadvantages of the Dombay resort:
- relatively poorly developed service;
- low level of safety on the ski slopes, no signs or net fencing;
- there are many buildings under construction that do not create an aesthetically pleasing appearance;
- queue for the cable car.
The positive aspects of vacation include:
Celebrating the New Year 2017 in Dombay will be a pleasure for all lovers of active recreation, mountain scenery and unique nature. This amazing place is located on the Caucasus ridge of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. The annual number of tourists visiting the region is over 100 thousand people, and the New Year holidays here are always original, exciting and unforgettable.
Where to stay in Dombay?
Prices for holidays in the winter of 2017 in Dombay are quite reasonable, and the cost of tours depends on factors such as:
- travel distance;
- “star rating” of the hotel;
- presence of power supply;
- room category (suite, junior suite, standard, etc.).
This resort has several dozen hotels and hotel complexes, many of which are thoroughly preparing for the New Year season, offering their guests various entertainment programs. You will have to pay separately to participate in a banquet, watch a concert or go to a disco. However, this is more of a plus than a minus, since tourists staying in one hotel can freely go to another hotel if the cultural and entertainment program there is more interesting and rich.
As for the cost of apartments, all useful information is given in the following table:
Choosing a suitable hotel in Dombay is not an easy task, since each establishment provides a certain level of service and has different infrastructure. For example, the Crystal Hotel has a sauna with a swimming pool, and the distance to the ski lifts is only 100-250 m. In addition, the administration independently organizes excursions to nearby attractions. The Snow Leopard Hotel has a massage room and a billiard room, but the distance to the nearest ski lift will be at least 350-400 m.
Almost every hotel complex in Dombay has its own website with an early booking option. Services and infrastructure are described in detail on Internet resources, and information about all events planned during the winter holidays appears in advance. Therefore, if you want to find out prices in Dombay for the New Year 2017, then you can do this now through the World Wide Web.
List of unforgettable entertainment
Most tourists come to Dombay for skiing, clean air and an atmosphere of tranquility. In addition to the memorable descent from the mountain, which will bring a huge amount of positive impressions, there are a number of other entertainments at the resort. The list of available ways to spend your time includes:
- driving snowmobiles;
- skating;
- horse rides.
Fans of extreme sensations will surely enjoy a ride on a cable car, when from a bird's eye view they have the opportunity to appreciate all the beauty and uniqueness of the region. The walk time is on average 30-40 minutes, and the ticket price, depending on the length of the route, does not exceed 1,400 rubles. for an adult or 850 rub. for a child (longest route).
In terms of excursions, Dombay also has something to see. The most visited attractions in the region include:
- the cleanest river in Europe Ullu-Muruju;
- Teberda Biosphere Reserve;
- "Devil's Mill";
- Bridge of Kisses, etc.
You can get acquainted with local traditions and experience Caucasian hospitality in local villages. New Year's festivities here are always noisy, original, colorful, and the festive table is laden with hearty dishes and amazing home-made wine. Hospitable Kabardians are happy to welcome tourists into their homes and tell them about their way of life and cultural heritage.
Tour operator offers
Hundreds of domestic tour operators are ready to provide tours to Dombay for the New Year 2017 to their clients. For example, the capital's Via Leto company offers a three-day trip with accommodation in a double room at the Snezhinka Hotel and breakfast included. The cost of the tour starts from 17,900 rubles, while you will have to pay separately for the rental of ski equipment, use of the sauna, swimming pool, gyms, as well as the services of an instructor and massage therapist.
The Volgograd company Exotic Tour offers a cheap option for visiting Dombay for the New Year 2017. The trip lasts 3 days and 2 nights, accommodation takes place in double rooms at the Snow Leopard, National and Golden Mustang hotels. The tour price starts from 11,900 rubles. per person, while the price includes only breakfast (buffet) with accommodation, and for additional services, ski trips, excursions you will have to pay extra.
Thus, the New Year in Dombay is a good opportunity to take a break from the bustle of the city, join the atmosphere of tranquility, and plunge into the aesthetics of mountain landscapes in one of the most amazing corners of our country.
The Dombay resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Russia. Dombay is located in the Caucasus Mountains, on the territory of the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia, at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. The resort is part of the Teberdinsky State Reserve; it is on its territory that three gorges are connected: Alibek, Amanauz and Dombay-Ulgen.
The highest point of Dombay is Mount Dombay-Ulgen (4046 meters).
The name of the ski resort is translated from Karachay as “bison”. Many centuries ago, huge herds of these animals grazed in the Dombay valleys. Over time, people exterminated the bison, but the memory of them remained in the names of the mountains. By the way, bison live again on the territory of the Teberda nature reserve - they were brought from North America several years ago.
Dombay is an all-season resort. Winter active sports are practiced here from December to April. From May to August, hiking is most in demand in Dombay. During the golden autumn, tourists come for a peaceful holiday in the mountains. In just a year, Dombay receives up to 200 thousand tourists.
Prices at the Dombay ski resort 2019
The cost of lifts in Dombay depends on the number of lifts (single lifts, several lifts or “Dombay ski pass” for a certain number of days) and the type of cable car. The resort operates:
- New cable car complex: 1 lift will cost at least 500 rubles (300 rubles - preferential); half-day ticket - from 1000 rubles (600 rubles - discount) at the second-line ticket office and 1,300 rubles (800 rubles - discount) at the first-line ticket office; ski pass for 1 day - 1700 rubles (1050 rubles - preferential); ski pass for a week - 9020 rubles (5450 rubles - preferential); ski pass for 12 days - 15,320 rubles (9,230 rubles - preferential).
- Old line of chairlifts: 1 lift - from 150 rubles (depending on the lift).
- "Yugoslavka": 1 lift - 100 rubles; ski pass for 1 day - 500 rubles.
- Pendulum cable car: 1 lift - 300 rubles for tourists, 200 rubles for skiers and snowboarders, 150 rubles for children under 10 years old, free for children under 5 years old.
- Network of drag and towing roads: 500 rubles.
The following have the right to purchase a discounted ticket: children from 3 to 10 years old; persons over 65 years of age; combatants.
Dombay Hotels
In the vicinity of Dombay there are several dozen hotels of different star categories. Most hotels are small, alpine-style chalets. There are also boutique hotels with a unique design, several large hotel complexes, recreation centers with a bathhouse and barbecue facilities, traditional Russian wooden houses and budget houses made of SIP panels.
The most unusual accommodation facility is considered to be the “Tarelka” hotel, designed in the shape of a UFO. The hotel is located at an altitude of 2250 meters. The rooms offer stunning panoramic views of all Dombay peaks.
Panorama: Hotel “Tarelka” at an altitude of 2260 meters
The most budget option is apartments in Dombay from private individuals or rooms in the houses of local residents. In reviews of Dombay, tourists note the unpretentious service and modest atmosphere, but a very competitive price.
Winter holidays
Winter holidays in Dombay are, first of all, an active pastime: skiing and snowboarding on slopes of varying difficulty; snowmobile trails; slides for sleds and snow tubes; ice rink. You can order a paragliding flight or heli-skiing service - transfer to a high mountain slope by helicopter.
Trails
The ski area is located at an altitude of 1800 to 3200 meters. For ski lovers, there is a wide selection of trails of varying difficulty with a total length of 20 km:
- Green trails. Simple and smooth trails for beginner skiers. The routes have no bumps or difficult terrain.
- Blue trails. Trails for intermediate skiing with varying terrain. An ideal option for those who want to improve their skiing level.
- Red tracks. The most difficult trails with increasing levels of steepness. Suitable only for experienced skiers and snowboarders, as there are practically no flat areas.
For more information about the Dombay routes online, see the special material “Dombay Webcams”.
Lifts
A developed network of lifts of different types allows tourists to choose the most comfortable ways to get to the mountain.
New cable car complex
The new complex was built from 2004 to 2008. Currently, this is one of the most modern cable car complexes in Russia. A European company was involved in the production of cable cars. Today the complex includes 3 stages:
- Dombay-1. The gondola-type cable car with 8 seats is located at an altitude of 1590-2277 meters. It can serve up to 2400 people in an hour. Travel time is 6.1 minutes.
- Dombay-2. The 6-seat chairlift is located at an altitude of 2277-3008 meters. The capacity per hour is 2000 people. Travel time to the top is 7.6 minutes.
- Dombay-3. The 4-seat chairlift is located at an altitude of 3008-3168 meters. Travel time is 5 minutes.
Old line of chairlifts
- 1st stage(1636-1751 meters) - single-seat 860 meters long, ascent time - 8 minutes;
- 2nd stage(1700-1800 meters) - single-seat 1142 meters long, journey - 14 minutes;
- 3rd stage(1719-2266 meters) - double chairlift 581 meters long, ascent duration - 18 minutes;
- 4th stage(2266-2500 meters) - double-seat, length - 1502 meters, travel time - 8 minutes;
- 5th stage(2500-3002 meters) - double-chair, length - 1700 meters, the whole journey - 18 minutes.
Other lifts
- "Yugoslavka"(2550 - 2980 meters, included in the 5th stage) - double-chair section with a length of 1700 meters;
- Pendulum cable car— on the slope of Mussa-Achitara, accommodates 35 people, ascent from 1600 to 2250 meters, 8 minutes;
- Network of drag and towing roads— 4 lifts.
New Year in Dombay
During New Year's time, Dombay resembles an Alpine town: street lights, decorated buildings, fairs with hot mulled wine and gingerbread men. The festive night includes a show program in the center of the resort's nightlife and bright fireworks.
The cost of accommodation during the New Year holidays usually includes a New Year's banquet. If your hotel does not have this option, you can book a gala dinner at another accommodation or restaurant. The main thing is to do this in advance, no later than November.
Après-ski infrastructure
The most popular place in the resort life of Dombay is Polyana between the 4th and 5th lines with cafes and restaurants, clubs and bars. You can have a tasty and inexpensive lunch in the village itself. There are cafes serving dishes of traditional Russian and Caucasian cuisine, and there are restaurants serving French and Italian cuisine. At the Crocus restaurant you can taste 17 types of shish kebab.
The hotel resort has many cultural and entertainment facilities: baths and saunas (including Finnish and Turkish hammam), swimming pools, spa centers, hookah bars and karaoke bars.
Dombay in summer
In the summer, Dombay becomes a center of hiking tourism. There are both simple trails for 1-2-day hikes and category routes with difficulty up to 3B running through the resort. There are several mountaineering schools operating in Dombay, where you can take lessons and immediately put your knowledge into practice. Tours to Dombay in the summer usually include excursions to the sacred places of the region, walks through alpine meadows, and swimming in mountain springs.
For those who do not like long walks, horseback and jeep tours are offered. UAZ tours include visits to various mountain waterfalls, gorges, picturesque river valleys and mountain ranges.
Weather
The weather in Dombay is mostly sunny all year round - up to 320 sunny days a year. The climate is slightly continental, without sudden temperature changes. The weather in Dombay in winter is warm, with frequent snowfalls. The average temperature in the winter months is 5 degrees. Snow falls as early as October, but stable snow cover is not established until November. In spring, snow lasts until mid-April, on high slopes until mid-May.
In summer the weather is sunny but not hot. The average temperature in July is +13 degrees. This time is the best for hiking: the alpine meadows are in bloom, the night temperature is comfortable for sleeping in a tent. In autumn, Dombay has the greatest number of sunny days and warm winds blow.
Dombay ski resort on Google panoramas. Maps
How to get to the Dombay ski resort
The Dombay resort is accessible both to motorists and to those traveling by public transport. The A-155 federal highway leads to the resort.
- By plane. The nearest major airport is (230 km from Dombay). Flight time from Moscow is 2 hours.
- By train. There is no railway station directly on Dombay due to the mountainous terrain. From distant regions you can take the train to Pyatigorsk, Nevinnomyssk, Nalchik or Cherkessk.
- By car. The journey by car along the federal highway (the surface quality is decent) will take about 2 hours from Cherkessk, 3.5-4 hours from Pyatigorsk and Mineralnye Vody.
Map of the road route from Pyatigorsk to Dombay on Google. Maps
- By bus. Intercity buses to Dombay from large cities in the Caucasus regions and the Russian south do not travel on a regular schedule - they are ordered by travel companies. Information about the main carriers is on the official website of Dombay Group of Companies. It is most convenient for tourists from distant regions to get to the Mineralnye Vody station and then use an organized transfer.
- Transfer. In the Caucasian regions, there are many companies that organize transfers to Dombay from Pyatigorsk, Cherkessk, Mineralnye Vody, Vladikavkaz and Stavropol airports. You can find out the cost and order a transfer in advance using the Kiwitaxi.ru service.
To order a transfer it is convenient to use the KiwiTaxi form:
Search for transfers to Dombay
Show transfers from Dombay
| Where | Where | Price | ||
| Dombay | Mineral water | from 4250 p. | show | |
| Dombay | Mineralnye Vody Airport | from 4250 p. | show | |
| Dombay | from 4250 p. | show | ||
| Dombay | Essentuki | from 4375 p. | show | |
| Dombay | Zheleznovodsk | from 4500 p. | show | |
| Dombay | from 4500 p. | show | ||
| Dombay | Pyatigorsk | from 4625 p. | show | |
| Dombay | Mineralnye Vody Bus Station | from 4625 p. | show | |
| Dombay | from 4875 p. | show | ||
| Dombay | Kislovodsk | from 4875 p. | show | |
| Dombay | from 6250 p. | show | ||
| Dombay | Nevinnomyssk | from 6875 p. | show | |
| Dombay | Stavropol | from 8125 p. | show | |
| Dombay | Vladikavkaz | from 8175 p. | show | |
| Dombay | Terskol | from 9375 p. | show | |
| Dombay | from 22950 p. | show | ||
| Where | Where | Price | ||
| Mineralnye Vody Airport | Dombay | from 4250 p. | show | |
| Mineralnye Vody Railway Station | Dombay | from 4250 p. | show | |
| Mineral water | Dombay | from 4250 p. | show | |
| Essentuki | Dombay | from 4375 p. | show | |
| Zheleznovodsk | Dombay | from 4500 p. | show | |
| Central bus station of Pyatigorsk | Dombay | from 4500 p. | show | |
| Pyatigorsk | Dombay | from 4625 p. | show | |
| Mineralnye Vody Bus Station | Dombay | from 4625 p. | show | |
| Kislovodsk railway station | Dombay | from 4875 p. | show | |
| Kislovodsk | Dombay | from 4875 p. | show | |
| Nevinnomyssk Railway Station | Dombay | from 6250 p. | show | |
| Nevinnomyssk | Dombay | from 6875 p. | show | |
| Stavropol | Dombay | from 8125 p. | show | |
| Vladikavkaz | Dombay | from 8175 p. | show | |
| Terskol | Dombay | from 9375 p. | show | |
| Abundant Stavropol Territory | Dombay | from 22950 p. | show | |
One of the most popular ski centers in the Caucasus, Dombay is good for both professionals and beginners: everyone will find suitable slopes there. The resort is very compact: all hotels are concentrated on Dombayskaya Polyana and are located in close proximity to the ski lifts; you can walk from one end of the village to the other in 20 minutes. The ski season lasts from December to May.
Dombay is located at an altitude of 1650 m in a clearing of the same name near the confluence of several rivers. The beautiful places here began to attract tourists here in the first half of the 20th century: the first tourist center appeared in Dombay in 1921. Before that, Dombay was a very modest settlement, and then remained so for quite a long time. But after the collapse of the Union, the tourist infrastructure of the resort experienced a powerful leap, and today in Dombay sports lovers will find more than a sufficient number of hotels and recreation centers.
The resort hosted international freestyle skiing World Cup competitions, all-Russian slalom, giant slalom and snowboard competitions. There is also a real haven for paragliders: several times a year the highest level competitions in this sport are held.
How to get to Dombay
The most convenient way to fly to Dombay is through Mineralnye Vody Airport. The optimal railway route passes through Nevinnomyssk. But regardless of the method of travel, the last 180-200 km from the airport or railway station will have to be traveled by public transport with transfers or by taxi. The only option to get to the resort without transfers is to go by car.
Read more about how to get to the resort.
Search for air tickets to Sochi (the nearest airport to Dombay)
Dombay Hotels
Dombay is developing, rebuilding and growing, so there are hotels in the resort for every taste and budget. What’s nice is that many old buildings have been reconstructed, some hoteliers have even been certified, receiving a pleasant 3-4* status. There are also plenty of cozy mini-hotels in Dombay, with only 10-20 rooms. In the private sector, apartments are actively rented out - this is perhaps the most economical option for large companies. However, despite the apparent abundance, during the New Year and Christmas holidays, as well as on March 8, there are practically no places - everything is booked in advance.
The cost of accommodation greatly depends on the season - on New Year's Eve it is unlikely to find a room cheaper than 3,000 RUB, but at the beginning and end of the skiing period you can stay within 1,500 RUB. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Families with small children should pay attention to the Snow Leopard Hotel - there is a games room there.
Alpine skiing in Dombay
Fortunately for skiers who value not only the style of their suit and an exquisite mug for mulled wine, Dombay has recently been developing at a Stakhanov pace. This place is not as gingerbread as the alpine villages - the beauty of the local mountains is rather wild, powerful, and somewhat frightening. But on the other hand, the prices are not as high as the peaks of the Alps, but the conditions for skiing seem to be comparable very soon. In recent years, a lot of hotels have been built here, a new and modern line of ski lifts has been opened, excellent equipment has been “caught up”, and a competent team of instructors and rescuers has been recruited. Of course, in terms of infrastructure, Dombay is still far from Courchevel, but give it a couple of years and we won’t recognize it.
Dombay trails
The descent from the top of the Mussa-Achitara ridge (3012 m) - the main skiing area in Dombay - can be carried out along a dozen route options of varying degrees of steepness, difficulty and speed. Accordingly, the ski area here is located at quite impressive altitudes: 1630-3012 m, and the total length of the slopes reaches 20 km. There are both red sections for pros, and a lot of gentle slopes for dummies.
Most slopes provide comfortable skiing: moderate slope, smooth terrain, few bumps. All the slopes end in a large, gently sloping clearing, where you should be attentive: sleds are frolicking here, beginners and children are learning how to stand on skis and boards, skiers who have barely descended from the slope are sitting and chatting.
Experienced athletes who love risk can recommend untrodden slopes. Tourists, together with an instructor, are delivered by helicopter to the top of the slope, and after descent they are picked up (“heli-skiing”, from the English helicopter - “helicopter”). A total of 6 similar routes have been developed. This pleasure, it must be said, is expensive, but the impressions from it are unforgettable.
Vacationers in Dombay have the opportunity to compare its ski slopes with the slopes of Krasnaya Polyana, flying there and back by helicopter within one day.
Lifts
Not long ago, a new cable car ski complex was built in Dombay, but the old line of chairlifts was not closed either. So there are fewer queues, and the pleasure of riding has at least tripled.
The new complex consists of 3 stages - this is an 8-seater gondola “Dombay-1” with pockets for skis, comfortable seats and automatically opening and closing doors, which covers almost 2 km in 6 minutes; 6-seater “Dombay-2” and 4-seater “Dombay-3”.
Pay attention to the opening hours, they vary: “Dombay-1” is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, on weekends from 8:30 to 17:30, “Dombay-2” closes half an hour earlier, and Dombay-3 is open all week from 09:30 to 16:00.
Maps of Dombay
Ski passes
For the new complex you can buy a ticket only for the gondola (400/250 RUB adults/children 6-12 years old), for the gondola plus a chairlift (700/500 RUB), or for all 3 lifts (900/550 RUB), which will take you to the very top. There are also ski passes for 1 day - 1400/850 RUB, 2 days - 2540/1500 RUB, 5 days - 5850/3500 RUB and others.
At the old complex, the cost of one lift on the chairlift is 150/75 RUB, on the pendulum road 200 RUB (excursionists without skis 300 RUB), a ski pass for the day for a network of ski lifts will cost about 500 RUB.
What to bring
Most (and the best) part of the souvenirs in Dombay are edible - aromatic honey, jam from young fir cones to strengthen the immune system, goat cheese, mountain tea, Praskovey wine or first-class mineral water.
Of course, the standard set of gifts is sold everywhere: magnets, plates, figurines of bison and deer. There are also expensive unique gifts, for example, Kabardian daggers with carved handles of amazingly fine workmanship, as well as products made from sheep wool - socks (from 150 RUB), sweaters (from 400 RUB), hats, shawls. There are also sheepskin coats that are quite high quality, but expensive. The largest selection is at the market, which is in the center of the village, and at the top near the ski lifts.
Cafes and restaurants in Dombay
It is not surprising, given the size of the village, but there are more than 20 cafes and restaurants open in Dombay, some of them are right on the slopes, so you can easily refresh yourself without going far from the slopes. Moreover, they say that the most budget-friendly options for lunch and breakfast will be on the mountain (except, of course, for home-cooked meals in rented apartments). The cuisine is mostly Caucasian, that is, manti, kebabs, all kinds of cheese pies, chakhokhbili and similar delicacies can be found really everywhere. If you want to have an elegant dinner, it is better to pay attention to one of the hotel restaurants and order trout - it is good here. You can eat inexpensively the famous khichina - pies with potato, cheese and other fillings. On average, the cost of lunch depends on appetite - from 300 to 800 RUB.
Young skiers, as you know, are passionate and enthusiastic people, so in the morning after a hard night, do not hesitate to ask in a cafe for susab - an “anti-alcoholic” drink made from ayran and mineral water, which removes all the consequences.
The best photos of Dombay
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Most of Dombay's attractions are the mountains, gorges, lakes, and national parks located around it. You won’t find any cultural monuments or museums in the village; for this you will have to go to Kislovodsk or Pyatigorsk (about 3.5 hours one way). Is it worth going in and bowing to the climbers who have found peace in the Dombay mountains, whose cemetery is located halfway to the Alibek alpine camp, about 1 km from the center of the resort. Guests are greeted by a touching wooden plaque with the words of Vysotsky: “There are no scarlet roses and mourning ribbons, And the stone that gave you peace does not look like a monument...”
Of course, it’s worth climbing the main peak of Dombay, Mussa-Achitara. Most of the skiers will end up there one way or another, but everyone who does not risk skiing from its heights should at least once be on this peak and admire the views of the surrounding area.
A little further from the village there is freedom in terms of natural excursions. In the village of Teberda there is a visitor center for the famous Teberda Nature Reserve, as well as a small museum and a zoo attached to it. The routes are interesting even in winter, despite the snow there is something to see here. About 10 kilometers from Teberda along the highway towards Essentuki stands the Sentinsky Temple of the first half of the 10th century - a place of amazing beauty and spirituality. It is also worth visiting the Narzan springs in the Dzhamagat Gorge, where the easiest way to get there is by jeep with a guide.
Entertainment in Dombay is undemanding: bowling, billiards or a couple of discos at hotels, as well as a sauna in the building of the pendulum cable car. In the evenings, the best places to relax are cafes and restaurants. During daylight hours - sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, ATV rides and similar snow activities.
4 things to do in Dombay
- Buy warm and cozy sheep wool socks for home - authentic hand-made by local grandmothers.
- Go up to the “Tarelka” hotel, on the slope of Mount Mussa-Achitara. Using your phone and a couple of special effects, take a selfie in the “I was stolen by a UFO” style.
- To honor the memory of the climbers who died in the Caucasus Mountains, whose cemetery is located near Dombay.
- Spend an hour or two in the Party Glade: sunbathing, sipping mulled wine, enjoying the colorful ski crowd around and unreal views of the Caucasus Mountains.
Weather
Average monthly temperature, °C day and night