Skiing near Sochi, Krasnaya Polyana

I'm afraid I know nothing about the area, but they are holding the winter Olympics there in 2014, so I hope there's reliable skiing and facilities...

Sorry not to be of more help,

Martin

I was in Sochi in August and went to Kransnaya Polyana.
The lifts were working then but expensive for single up and down trip. Perhaps a pass is cheaper.
It is possible to catch a bus up there but it is a long way.
Sorry don't know what a back country skier is.
You should have no trouble finding accomodation in Sochi. Head for the train station and babushkas are waiting for the trains from Moscow with rooms/apartments for rent. Bargain hard as it will be low season (except new year and first two weeks of january) and if your planning a long stay you should be able to get a good price.
You should be able to find accomodation at up at Krasnaya Polyana but the reverse will be true. If it's high season (skiing) prices will be higher. I found everything was much more expensive at Krasnaya Polyana than in Sochi.
Sorry, haven't a clue what the Natasha scene is.

...................just read through your post again and if i were you i would stay in Sochi if your only planning to ski 3 days a week.

What are the rates to stay with Babushkas? And has anyone crossed to Abkhazia from there lately?

Is it as expensive as Moscow in Sochi? The hostel in Sochi wrote to say last year a day ski pass was $30 dollars.

A Natasha is a prostitute.

Tanya

I paid 600 rubles per night for a nice room in an apartment 20 minute walk from the station and very near the center of the city. This SHOULD come down considerably during the winter but prices are a little heady these days with the recent successful olympic bid.
Can't comment on Abkhazia.
I would say prices in central Sochi are edging towards Moscow prices. But there are bargains to be found. Shop for food in the market and look around for the cheaper bars and restaurants outside the center. Sochi is a huge area and includes many other smaller towns along the coast. If, for example, you went to Adler, which is nearer to Krasnaya Polyana prices might be lower for accomodation etc.
I've run into many hookers called Olga too! ;-)

Yes you can cross into Abkhazia, with the necessary permissions (see the Abkhazia thread for details). There's no skiing facilities in Abkhazia at all. But its much much cheaper than Sochi, especially in summer.

OP's quesrion about the Natasha situation. If you're western you won't be mistaken for a Natasha.

hi, Im considering doing a similar thing next year, but probably skiing a bit more than three days a week... do you have any answers to the questions you asked in your first post????
thanks a lot