Why travel to Russia in winter?
Take a winter holiday in Russia and you’ll see the country in completely different light. When the snow is thick, the tourist crowds in Moscow and St Petersburg are thin - many Russia travel aficionados say winter is the best time of the year to visit Russia. A Russian winter tour in Moscow or St Petersburg will take you on enchanting wanders down snow-covered cobbled streets, and through squares and parks lit up in celebration of Christmas and New Years. Beyond the city, explore breathtaking frozen lakes, mesmerising ice caves, winter sports, ski resorts and even the chance to see the Aurora Borealis on a Russian Northern Lights tour.
Russia Winter Tours are available from November to April each year, when Russia transforms into a world of cultural festivities and fun activities against a backdrop of sparkling snow and ice.
Why visiting Russia in winter is a must-do experience:
- Travel to Moscow in winter or embark on a St Petersburg winter tour and see Russia's world-famous landmarks appear like images from a storybook, nestled under a glittering white blanket of snow
- Go skiing in Russia or try one of an abundance of winter activities, such as ice skating across Lake Baikal, or husky dog-sledding through the forests of Kamchatka.
- Hunt for the Northern Lights, on an Arctic adventure tour chasing one of the most astonishing natural phenomenon on earth across the Kola Peninsula
- Immerse yourself in the cultures of ancient tribes such as reindeer herding Nenets of Yamal and the shamanistic Yakuts of Yakutia.
We’re not going to lie, winter temperatures in Russia can take some getting used to! However, we'll help you with what to pack for your Russian winter vacation - dress like the locals and you'll keep cosy outdoors on the coldest nights. Moreover, since the Russian winter Olympics in Sochi, winter sports have taken off in Russia. There things to do in Russia during winter on specially designed tours to make the most out of the cold season. Ride on a sled pulled by a traditional troika carriage, or warm up with a vodka tasting tour accompanied by blinis (Russian pancakes) with caviar. For winter adventure sports lovers, our Russia winter tours offer a wide range of high adrenaline activities, including heli-skiing down the mighty volcanic peaks of Kamchatka or speeding your way through the snowy forests around Lake Baikal on a snowmobile.
For an utterly unique Russian cultural experience in winter, follow the annual reindeer migration with the Nenets, on a Yamal tour where you'll experience an authentic Arctic homestay. Sleep in the nomads' winter camps and you might even spend a clear night under the glow of the Northern Lights.
