I love St. Andrew’s descent, living in Kiev, I visited there very often, for a while I even went to an art workshop directly opposite the St. Andrew’s Church.
The best time for walking is in the early morning, there are no tourists or sellers of souvenirs. Kiev generally wakes up quite late. St. Andrew's descent begins to "wake up" for dinner at 11-12, so if you want to walk in silence, get up early.
St. Andrew's descent today
St. Andrew's Descent is one of the most popular streets in Kiev; it is a center of artists, antique dealers and craftsmen. Only here you can purchase original souvenirs and cute little things, embroideries made by talented people.
The street is rich in various attractions, legends and museums.
The history of St. Andrew's descent
According to legend, the descent is named in honor of Andrew the Primeval. Once upon a time, the Dnieper looked more like the sea, and when the Apostle Andrew erected an Orthodox cross on the top of the hill, the water left. And then St. Andrew predicted the appearance of a great Christian city on this site. It was on the spot where the saint stood, and the church was erected. By the way, that's why the church has no bells. It is believed that their ringing can again “wake up” the water.
St. Andrew's Church
The St. Andrew's Church, which we observe today, was built according to the project of the famous architect B. Rastrelli, by order of Empress Catherine II. The terrace of the temple is considered a mystical place, many believe that if you stand at least once in this place, you can fall in love with Kiev forever.
If you climb the St. Andrew's Descent, then on the right you will see One Street Museum. I visited there, a very unusual and interesting place. Ticket price 30 UAH.
Going further you can see House-Museum of M. Bulgakov (Andreevsky descent, 13), nearby is his monument. They say that until now, at night, the shadow of the black cat Hippo wanders along St. Andrew's Descent, and you know, it seems, I saw him even during the day. At the entrance to the theater there is always a huge black cat.
Monument to Mikhail Bulgakov
On the same side you will see Castle of Richard the Lionheart. In fact, he has nothing to do with the knight. The building was built in 1904 by order of the industrialist Dmitry Orlov. He planned to rent apartments, but he was killed. The widow was unable to pay off her debts and sold the Castle at auction. After which people nevertheless began to settle there, but the tenants could not live there for a long time, since at night they heard terrible howls and groans. In fact, there were no ghosts there, just because of the non-payment for the work of the stove men, the latter decided to take revenge, and put glass bottles in the chimneys, which during a strong wind emitted a terrible howl.
Later, the editorial board of the Shershen newspaper was located here, for which Ivan Nechuy-Levitsky and Lesya Ukrainka wrote. In Soviet times, a communal apartment was arranged here, but over time, the tenants moved out. Currently, the castle is empty, it plans to open a hotel.
There is a staircase near the castle, you can climb it up the mountain and admire the beautiful panorama. On the observation deck there is a shop for kisses.
Shop for kisses
Hem View
View of Kiev from St. Andrew's Descent
On the opposite side there is another staircase leading to Castle Hill, it offers a magnificent view of the (elite city in the city). On the mountain itself there are dilapidated ancient gravestones and crypts.
Castle hill
Tombstones on Castle Hill
On castle hill
Having reached the end of the descent, in front of the church you can turn left and get into the alley, where paintings by local artists are sold.
Pictures on St. Andrew's Descent
Behind St. Andrew's Church you can see a bronze monument of Proni Prokopovna and Golokhvastov.
Monument to Proni Prokopovna and Golokhvastov
In addition to all the listed attractions, you can visit a lot of galleries, interesting shops and cafes. Very often on St. Andrew's Descent are free exhibitions of local artists and artists.
View of Vozdvizhenka from Castle Hill
View of St. Andrew's Descent from Castle Hill
Souvenirs on St. Andrew's Descent
The easiest way to do this is from the Pochtovaya Ploshchad metro station, you can start exploring the descent from above, for this immediately leaving the metro, take the funicular (fare 1.5 g) and go upstairs. From there pass Mikhailovskaya Square and turn right and go down Desyatinnaya Street.
And, as usual, a map.
- From the Golden Gate - purple line, 15-20 minutes on foot.
- From metro station Pochtovaya Ploshchad - lilac line, on foot 5-10 minutes.
- From metro station Kontraktova Square - red, 5-10 minutes.
- From metro Khreshchatyk and metro Maydan Nezalezhnosti - green, 20 - 30 minutes.
Graffiti on St. Andrew's Descent
Sam Andreevsky descent on the map is indicated by a red line.
Post Views: 357
Kavgolovo is a resort close to the northern Russian capital. This is a tourist-tested multifunctional vacation spot. It combines a picturesque landscape and diverse sports opportunities.
In the snowy period skis, snowboards, sledges reign here, and in warm time golfers, tennis players, rowers come to Kavgolovo ...
Resort Location
Kavgolovo lies in the reserve area, 20 kilometers north of St. Petersburg. The resort is based in the village of "Toksovo" - an old place rich in history and ancient sights.
The ski base is formed on the expanses of the Northern slope, at the foot of which is the hotel-complex of the same name.
Getting to know the resort
In the village of Toksovo, sporting events and competitions are often held, among which are international competitions. Therefore, tourists not only enjoy good tracks, but can also receive a reward for this when participating in tournaments.
The ski resort has a modernized, updated infrastructure system. Several lakes nearby expand the range of leisure opportunities.
Description of the resort's sports facilities
Despite the fact that the Kavgolovo base is run by the National State University of Physical Culture, Health and Sports, not only student athletes are allowed to the slopes.
Recent modernization has turned the center into an innovative, modern sports resort.
These conditions allow you to train all year round, which is even used by athletes of the Russian national winter sports team.
Ski resort opportunities
- The number of slopes - 3;
- The longest ski run is 450 m;
- Presence of a toboggan run and a running track,
- The presence of lighting on the tracks;
- The number of lifts - 10;
- Snow feed and ramming system;
- Equipment rental, service, repair and storage;
- The presence of quarter pipes, jumps, facilities for snowboarding;
- Training Instructor Service;
- Medical Center;
- Parking.
The sports area for skiing Kavgolovo is represented by several zones.
Complex "North Slope"
It uses the slopes “Ballet” (artificially formed according to the standards of the gentle sloping ballet) and “North” (consists of 2 parallel slopes).
The length of the ballet slope is 300 m with a difference of 20 °.
The length of the “Northern” slope is about 220 m.
In the Kavgolovo Group of Companies, they are proud of the three-kilometer ski-roller ski track with night lighting.
For tourists, skiers, this area is of greater importance. It includes 3 tracks. Their length is on average 250 m, and the difference is 50 m.
The slopes have different sections of difficulty, so it’s interesting to ride here everyone.
There are also ski jumps, a freestyle zone, a toboggan run and a quad-pipe that attracts snowboarders.
The snowmaking system and snow-sealing equipment provide high-quality and safe snow cover on the tracks.
Sports Park "Eagle Mountain"
The slope "Eagle Mountain" is also good, where the length of the slopes is 200 m. Thanks to the excellent snow cannons, you can even ride in the thaw - the thickness of the cover is about 1 meter.
Rental and service departments function here, there is an opportunity to contact a trainer.
The area is fully lit in the evening. Also, children's descent is highlighted separately.
"The slope of the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions".
Directly in the village of Toksovo, a “VTsPS slope” was formed. It is aimed at athletes of any degree of training. The length of the slope is about 200 meters. However, there is no care for the tracks.
"St. Andrew's slope."
For the training and accumulation of skills, the Andreevsky tracks are ideal. The slope is short (100 m), has 2 tracks.
The first is completely smooth, straight and with a minimal slope.
The second one is a bit more complicated and has slight landscape irregularities. However, the snowmaking system is absent here.
Other areas.
The slopes “Impulse” and “Polygon” have been prepared for mass skiing, but even here they do not take care of the tracks and give free rein to nature.
On the slope "Family" is more common among young people and groups of tourists or families. And the Toksovo Tramplin is dominated by energetic extremes.
Lifts
Most ski areas have several ski lifts.
- On the "Northern Slope" - 2 lifts;
- "Eagle Mountain" offers 2 mechanisms for the main routes and 1 for children for the corresponding descent;
- There are 4 lifts at the VTsPS, including 1 for children (its length is 30 m);
- In “Toksovo springboard” 1 lift is installed - the yoke “Tatrapoma”.
The purchase of ski passes is carried out according to several options:
- on 1 weekday (only on weekdays);
- for 1 day (applicable on weekdays and weekends);
- 5-day subscription;
- for 10 days;
- for 20 days.
About equipment and service
In Kavgolovo you can rent or buy full ski equipment. Here everything is rented and sold in sports shops for a tourist who has arrived at a ski resort.
Sticks, skis, boots, tracksuits and protective helmets, snowboard and equipment for it, skates, cheesecakes, sledges, sets.
Instructors and trainers teach beginners and children in the safest areas of the tracks. You can learn to ski and snowboard.
You can also get a master class on improving skills in ski jumping and extreme sports.
Apres ski
Establishments providing additional needs of tourists in Kavgolovo are provided and thoroughly developed.
Apres ski is represented by the following services:
On a note! Kavgolovo provides corporate services for organizing, conducting conferences, master classes, meetings for company employees and guests.
sights
The solid impressive history of the place explains the presence of interesting objects that tourists need to see:
- Lutheran Church;
- Cathedral of the Holy Archangel Michael of God;
- Museum "Forests";
- Zoo and ecotourism park Zubrovnik;
- Quest festivities according to old Russian traditions organized by residents.
Leisure
What to do in Kavgolovo besides skiing? There are a lot of fascinating entertainments for those who do not have the same skiing: luge and cheesecake skiing is a priority for family companies, an ice rink, fishing on a nearby lake, trails and hiking trails, gazebos with stoves and barbecue grills are rented.
There are frequent competitions, which are interesting to watch or be a participant in.
Accommodation
Hotels, hotels and cottages have been built for guests to stay.
Near the "Northern" slope is the largest hotel "Kavgolovo", which provides in addition to accommodation a number of other tourist services to customers.
It is also worth paying attention to multifunctional recreation centers, for example, Rainbow or Green Slides.
The level of comfort in Kavgolovsk hotels is generally high, with a different price range and number of rooms.
We are going to Kavgolovo
If you go by your own transport, the road is simple: we leave St. Petersburg through the village of Novoe Devyatkino, and then the direct road to Toksovo and then Kavgolovo.
Buses are convenient as public transport. They follow from the metro station Prospekt Enlightenment (minibus No. 205) and Devyatkino (No. 295 and 621).
The final stop is called Fantastico. From it to the ski center 10 minutes walk.
Another option is the train. She goes either to the station "Kavgolovo" - from the Finland station, or to "Toksovo" - from where again on foot.
The Leningrad region is known for its own, some of them are comparable in equipment and service with European ones. Some centers were reconstructed, some were built from scratch. For choice, outdoor enthusiasts are offered not only skiing and snowboarding, but also ice rinks, snowmobiles, tubing, sledges for children and adults.
From this article you will find out where to go skiing in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.
Ski slopes Toksovo (Kavgolovo)
In the area of \u200b\u200bKavgolovo - Toksovo, north of St. Petersburg, there are many ski slopes. In addition to skiing, rest can be diversified by field trips, dog sledding.
Ski center “St. Andrew’s slope”
“St. Andrew's Slope” in Toksovo
The Andreevsky Slope ski center is located near the village of Toksovo, a 30-minute drive from the northern capital. Just note that there is no need to rely on a high level of service, the infrastructure here is not particularly developed. There are not too many skiers. But if you are attracted by picturesque landscapes and not crowded skiing, then this center is for you.
“St. Andrew's Slope” offers 3 skiers of different difficulty levels to skiers and snowboarders. A gentle and wide slope is suitable for beginners, while others, abruptly and with complex terrain, are suitable for experienced athletes.
The maximum height difference on the tracks is 100 meters, the longest stretches for 100 meters.
There are 5 tows on the slope.
Going here, get ready for the fact that the tracks here are not well-groomed. Snowcat doesn't work here. You can visit the center only during daylight hours, as there is no artificial lighting.
Ski center "Impulse"
Ski center "Impulse" is located in Toksovo. This place is attractive both for family vacations and for experienced athletes. It is not known how long the center will last, because the land here has become a tidbit for developers.
Scheme of ski centers in Toksovo-Kavgolovo
While the center is operating in standard mode, snowboarders and skiers ride here. There is 1 track 150 meters long with a vertical drop of 40 meters. The slopes are not processed by snowcat, their surface is hilly. In the evening, the slope is not lit. 1 drag lifts to the top. If you want to calmly ride on a not crowded slope - this is the place for you.
Ski center "Eagle Mountain"
The Eagle Mountain ski center is located at the Toksov slopes. For lovers of winter active sports, 3 slopes of various degrees of difficulty are equipped here: for beginners, amateurs and experienced skiers. The longest route stretches for 700 meters, the vertical drop - 60 meters. 3 are raised to the top, and children can climb the baby elevator. Beginners will feel comfortable if they take a couple of lessons from instructors.
Layout of the Eagles Mountain Elephants
It doesn’t matter if you decide to go to the center spontaneously and don’t take your equipment with you, you can take everything you need at the equipment rental point.
By the way, if you want to teach your child skiing since childhood, you can send him to a sports school that works at the center.
Fans of "cheesecakes" will be able to freely ride on a separate tubing track.
In the evening, on the tracks include artificial lighting.
In "Eagle Mountain" the slopes are ideal, they are regularly groomed and put in order. And if suddenly winter is not rich in precipitation, snow cannons will help to apply the necessary snow cover.
Here you will not stay hungry. You can eat deliciously in the cafe or restaurant of the complex. And spend the night in guest houses, which can accommodate up to 8 people.
Ski center "Polygon"
Another ski center - Polygon - is located on the slopes near the village of Toksovo. This is a favorite place among snowboarders and skiers. The Polygon is equipped with 2 routes of blue and green difficulty level and 1 ski lift. Elephants are not processed in any way. You can ride only in daylight.
Ski center “North Slope”
Ski center "Northern Elephant" in the village of Toksovo, Leningrad Region offers many options for active winter vacations.
Map of the slopes of the "Northern Slope"
You can go skiing and snowboarding on any of 4 tracks designed for different levels of skiing. You can try to go down the virgin slope. 3 tow lifts work. From the top of the hill offers a very picturesque view of the lake Hepojärvi and the surrounding hills.
Snow groomers work daily on the slope. In the evening, include lighting.
For snowboarders equipped with a snow park, where you can try ski jumps and quarter-pipe.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, they offer tubing, flat skiing, ice skating, winter kite and snowmobiles.
You can stay for a couple of days at a local hotel, and eat delicious food at a restaurant or cafe.
Experienced instructors will teach you the basics of skiing.
Ski center "Semeyka"
Another ski center of the Leningrad region in Toksovo is “Semeyka”. Although the slopes abound with obstacles and jumps, they are safe at the same time.
There is only one descent here, 150 meters long, equipped with the 1st ski lift. No artificial lighting is provided here, and snow groomers do not drive along the slope - it is unprofitable.
"Family" is an ideal place for family holidays and small companies.
Ski center “Voronya Gora”
The ski center "Crow Mountain" has been known since the days of the Soviet Union. It is located south of St. Petersburg near the Red Village. “Crow Mountain” is by no means a place that can compete with European resorts. Rather, it is a club place for skiing. Like-minded people like to gather here, families with children come.
There are 3 slopes in Voronya Gora suitable for beginners, experienced skiers and aces. On one of the tracks are children's training. You can climb to the top with the help of 1 ski-lift. You will not find well-groomed slopes lined with snow groomers and evening lighting.
Ski resort “Red Lake”
Scheme of routes of the “Red Lake”
In a picturesque place of the Karelian Isthmus near the village of Korobitsyno, the Krasnoye Ozero ski resort is located. St. Petersburg is 100 km away. The resort is very developed and has a rich infrastructure. The ski season lasts from December to April.
All tracks, and there are 9 in the resort, are in excellent condition, thanks to snow-sealing machines, and in the case of a snowy winter, snowmaking systems work. The longest track stretches for 1200 meters, and the vertical drop is 120 m. There is a children's track.
To climb to the top of the mountain, you can use one of the 3 tow lifts or 1 chair lift. Everything you need to ride on the mountain slopes can be borrowed at the equipment rental. In the evening, the tracks are lit.
In addition to skiing entertainment, a snowpark, halfpipe, and an ice rink are built here. You can relax and eat in the hotel and cafe.
The resort is easiest to reach, of course, by car, but regular buses from the Ozerki and Parnas metro stations also go here.
Ski resort "Golden Valley"
Map of the slopes of the “Golden Valley”
The ski resort "Golden Valley" is located in the Priozersky district of the Leningrad region near the village of Korobitsyno. This is another complex in the area. The resort has the longest skiing season - from November to May. This place is for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages: children, beginner skiers and professionals.
The complex meets the requirements of European standards. There are 12 tracks of varying degrees of difficulty: green, red, blue, black. Trails of different lengths: 80-1100 meters with a height difference of 10-130 m. The resort is equipped with 6 ski lifts and one for children. Equipped with a fanpark for snowboarders.
On the territory of the complex there is a hotel with a large number of rooms, a pizzeria, a bar, a restaurant. There is a rental and a sports shop.
Ski resort "Igora"
In the Leningrad region near the village of Sosnovo, 54 km from St. Petersburg, the Igora ski resort is located, offering active recreation and a variety of entertainments. The resort meets European requirements.
“Igors” circuit
The slopes in Igor are long and with a good elevation of 120 meters. The maximum length is 1200 m. The slopes care for the slopes, and the required amount of snow during the low snow season is provided by snow cannons.
There are 4 lifts: 2 tow and 2 chairlifts, and a baby lift. There are 8 tracks of different difficulty levels. There is a training slope and a track for “cheesecakes”. In the evening, the tracks are lit. For snowboarders equipped with a snow park. There is a rental of equipment. There is a cross-country ski run.
In the restaurant and cafe on site you can eat and spend the night at the Apart-Hotel.
In the summer, “Igor” has a lot of entertainment from calm and measured to extreme: fishing, swimming, football, paintball, tennis, basketball, horseback riding and much more.
Ski center "Orekhovo"
The ski center "Orekhovo" is located next to the village of the same name, 50 km from St. Petersburg. In Orekhovo, most of the slopes are virgin, with a small length, natural obstacles and bumps. To the top of the tracks 3 tows are lifted to the top.
Ski slopes in Orekhovo
Ski center “Okhta Park”
Okhta Park is the most easily accessible center for residents of St. Petersburg, you can get to it by car in 15 minutes or use public transport.
Slopes in Okhta Park
The center has 6 ski slopes with different levels of difficulty. Each track is equipped with a tow rope. A separate track is reserved for tubing. There is a cross-country ski run. Evening lighting makes it possible to ride on weekdays after work.
Instructors teach children and adults alpine skiing skills; training can be done in groups or individually. For a bite to eat, guests can check out a cafe or restaurant.
The center will surprise fans of skating with a non-standard solution: they skate in the forest along the ice paths with a length of 1.5 km.
In Okhta Park you will be charged with positive emotions and unforgettable impressions.
Ski center "Pukhtolova Gora"
The ski center "Puhtolova Gora" is a 10-minute drive from the city of Zelenogorsk. The beauty of nature is breathtaking, and the tall green spruces enclosing the complex fill it with a fresh aroma.
Map of the Pukhtolovaya Mountain slopes
Ski slopes are presented in 3 variations, which will suit both beginners and thrill-seekers. On the top of the mountain 3 tow lifts. In the dark, include lighting tracks. There are instructors who will help beginners to master a new sport for them.
In addition, there is a tubing track and a large ice rink on Pukhtolova Gora. Organized test drives on SUVs in the forest belt.
Ski resort “Snezhny”
Slopes and lifts in the “Snow”
Ski resort "Snezhny" is located in the Vyborg region near St. Petersburg. “Snezhniy” is one of the veterans among the ski complexes of the Leningrad Region, it began to work in the distant 1999.
There are 6 ski tows installed here. The slopes are very well-groomed - snow groomers regularly work on them. In the evening, the track is illuminated, which allows you to ride in the dark.
A snowpark is open for snowboarders. Skate lovers will have a great time at the ice rink.
If you have small children - it doesn’t matter - feel free to come to the resort: they will be looked after in the game room while you ride. You can rent equipment at the box office, and change clothes in a warm room, leaving things in the storage room.
After a long ride, the body needs to regain strength and eat - for this, a restaurant and a sushi bar work in the resort.
Ski center “Yucca Park”
The ski center "Yucca Park" is located on the Yucca Upland, in the village of the same name Yucca. The nature here is very beautiful. Near the center there is an ancient Finnish sanctuary, a healing spring, a Far Eastern deer nursery, a lake with a sandy beach.
Plan of the Yucca complex
The center has 4 tracks of green and blue difficulty category with a vertical drop of up to 50 meters, and the maximum length of the descent is 250 meters. There are 4 tow lifts, there are no queues. The slopes are leveled with snow-sealing machines, snow cannons work, and in the evening the lights are on. A high level of service will ensure a pleasant pastime.
You can rent everything - snowboards, skis or tubing. The complex has experienced instructors.
Ski complex “Tuutari Park”
Ski complex "Tuutari Park" is the kingdom of sports and outdoor activities. Guests of the complex can offer skiing and cross-country skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, tubing or a snowmobile, you can even fly a paraglider or go swimming, play soccer or ride a horse. These and many other entertainments are available to everyone, and the service is at the European level.
Slopes in the complex “Tuutari Park”
Each season, Tuutari Park holds large-scale competitions in which any guest of the complex can participate.
The complex offers skiers a choice of 5 slopes, which everyone chooses depending on the level of training. Each slope is equipped with a towbar type hoist. The longest descent stretches for 600 meters. If you just started skiing, the instructors of the complex can teach the basic skills of skiing.
Snowboarders can ride in the snowpark.
The necessary equipment can be rented or purchased at a sports store in the complex.
The easiest way to get to Tuutari Park is by car: drive to the village of Retselya, in the Lomonosov district, and from there follow the signs. An electric train ride to the Mozhayskaya station is also available, although then you will have to go to the complex for another 6 kilometers, which is about an hour's walk.
Conclusion
As you can see, the choice of places for skiing in the Leningrad region is large. Good luck finding your favorite sports center! Leave your comments, corrections, questions and messages in the form at the bottom of this page.
- 3 tracks
- Max track length 100 m
- 1 1 1
- Vertical drop 30 m
Lifts
St. Andrew's slope - rest without complaints
A half hour drive from St. Petersburg is the Andreevsky Slope ski resort, the popularity of which has recently declined significantly due to the lack of developed infrastructure. Nevertheless, there is always a certain number of visitors who are attracted by the picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to ski in a small company. For the most part, lovers of family vacations with children and residents of neighboring settlements come to the Andreevsky slope.
Three slopes are equipped for skiing, one of which is gentle and wide, ideal for beginners, the other two, with a more complex profile, are designed for skiers with an average level of training. The length of the longest descent is about 100 meters. Five ski tow lifts deliver visitors to the summit. The surface of the tracks leaves much to be desired, because they do not align and do not compact. There is no evening lighting.
Visitors to the Andreevsky slope can diversify pastime by riding on dog sleds and sleighs, excursions in the vicinity. These services can be obtained in the village of Toksovo, which is located next to the slope.