Russia’s ski resorts brace for record-long 2026 winter season
Russia’s ski resorts are preparing for an unusually long winter season in 2026. Heavy snow has already blanketed Krasnodar Krai, with forecasts suggesting slopes could stay open until late March—or even mid-April. Experts describe the conditions as rare for the region.
The prolonged snowfall in Krasnodar Krai comes from cold air clashing with warm fronts. Roman Vilfand, head of Russia’s Hydrometeorological Center, links the deep early snow to an uncommon weather pattern. Such intense, late-season snow occurs in the country only 10-15% of the time.
No precise end date for the 2026 season has been set. Resorts typically close by early April, but this year’s heavy snow may push operations further into spring. Officials have not yet confirmed how much longer the season might last.
The extended ski season will likely benefit local tourism and winter sports. Resorts in Krasnodar Krai now face the possibility of operating well beyond their usual closing dates. Exact timelines will depend on how long the heavy snow persists.
