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The avalanche rescue service in Krasnaya Polyana
Rosa Khutor in southern Russia’s Krasnaya Polyana is one of the world’s newest ski resorts and the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Skiers and snowboarders from all over come here to carve up the slopes, but wherever there is snow and mountains, there is always the possibility of an avalanche. One of the main responsibilities of any ski resort is to prevent the chances of an uncontrolled avalanche. Nevertheless, there are some times when an avalanche is simply unavoidable, and that’s where Krasnaya Polyana’s avalanche control team comes in.
Active Recreation on the Mountain Rivers of the Caucasus
With their thrilling rapids, drastic jumps in height and deep canyons, the mountain streams in the Northern Caucasus have always attracted extreme sport lovers and those looking for active leisure. One such attraction is the Belaya River, which passes through a series of different landscapes and is known for its temperamental flow — one that constantly changes as it travels from its source to the mouth of the river. This river also hosts a number of international rafting competitions every year, but you don’t have to be a professional in order to test these rapids. Even a novice can try their hand at water tourism here, where interesting canyoning routes abound. Following one of the river’s tributaries, travellers come upon the Rufabgo Waterfall. Here visitors can discover the history of this epic giant and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the Northern Caucasus as they...
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Active Recreation on the Mountain Rivers of the Caucasus
Four Fortresses. The Battle for the Borders of Rus
The Baltic Sea and its rivers, which were part of the legendary trade route «from the Varangians to the Greeks», also serve as the North-Western border of Russian land. It is no coincidence that here, starting in the 9th century, several powerful citadels were constructed: Staraya Ladoga, Koporye, Ivangorod and Vyborg Castle. Medieval architects tried their best to design defensive structures that blended in well with the local landscape. This served as a type of camouflage, with nature and its cliffs, steep riverbanks and the Finnish Gulf adding another element of defense. These historic fortresses, located on important and strategic grounds, were passed back and forth between countries and were improved along with the development of wartime tactics and strategy. How did Ivan III trick the Livonian Order? Where is was the Swedish king’s treasure hidden and why is Russian chainmail bette...
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