Life's better in hiking boots

Going to the mountains is going home

The greater Caucasus stretches about 1200 km from west-northwest to east-southeast. Moreover, our region features a high level of endemism and a large number of animals and plants which you can only find here. The natural landscape is one of mixed forests with a substantial area of rocky ground above the tree line. Endless terrain, a breathtaking scenery and untouched wilderness, these are just some of the reasons why we proudly call ourselves the home of outdoors.

At Rosa Khutor, you can enjoy wonderful and safe hikes with your family and friends or join a group guided by our passionate rangers. A brief list of what there is to discover and what you can expect:

  • More than 60 km of diverse hiking paths
  • For beginners, casual hikers and mountaineers
  • Certified hiking and mountaineering guides 
  • Breathtaking 360 degree views
  • Mendelikha Falls on the southside of the Aibga ridge
  • Half-day or full-day tours
  • Camping in the wilderness
  • Mountain biosphere reserve
  • Steep mountain cliffs
  • Exhilarating silence
  • Endemic plants and wildlife

 

Tours and hikes are offered weekly, ranging from beginners to advanced. Organized by our 'Active Holiday' center located at Mzymta square. Opened for you from 9Am to 6PM.

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Hiking tour

THE SCENIC TRAIL

The path lies on the south side of the Aibga ridge and opens up to a skyline panorama of the mountains, through the Psou river valley, up to the Black sea on the horizon. The hike itself feels like a therapy. Find peaceful silence, breath in fresh sea air and take in memorable scenery. All you have to do is look deep into the nature.

 

During spring and summer time, radiant red and a golden yellow adds to the stunning mosaic of colors while in fall and winter the cooler temperatures make the long backpacking days more comfortable. The hike can be done at any time of the year! What type of hiker are you?

For the individual hike:

  • Organize your tickets for the lifts and cable cars (Active Holiday Center, Mzymta Sq.)
  • Always wear your appropriate gear! We strongly recommend hiking boots and rain/sun protection.
  • Duration at least 2 hours

For the guided hike:

  • Register at the Active Holiday Center at the Mzymta Sq.
  • Meeting point is at Rosa Valley or upon agreement
  • Maximum participants 10 persons
  • No age restrictions
  • Price RUB 

 

 

OVERVIEW

Round trip, individual or guided tour possible 

moderate  5.8 km
80 m 1170 m
2-3 hrs July -September
Rosa Peak Rosa Peak
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Hiking tour

TO THE stone pillarS

The Kamennyy Stolb (Каменный столб) with its 2509 meters above sea level is the highest point of our resort. You can reach the peak easily. Go up to Rosa Peak Station by cable car and then continue to the stone pillars by foot, or, you guessed it, you hike up the entire trail from the valley. At the top you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama, overlooking the magnificent nature of our region.

 

We recommend this hike especially during the transition from summer to fall, when the entire nature around you is shimmering in thousands of shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. It is very likely that you’ll find snow even when the temperatures are still quite high. Therefore, we recommend this hike for more experienced backpackers, although less experienced hikers should be able to do it as well, if guided for example.

For the individual hike:

  • Organize your tickets for the lifts and cable cars (Active Holiday Center, Mzymta Sq.)
  • Always wear your appropriate gear! We strongly recommend hiking boots as well as rain and sun protection.
  • Duration at least 4 hours

For the guided hike:

  • Register at the Active Holiday Center at the Mzymta Sq.
  • Meeting point Rosa Valley or upon agreement
  • The maximum number of participants is set at 10 persons
  • No age restrictions
  • Price RUB 

OVERVIEW

Round trip, individual or guided tour possible

moderate 4.4 km
191 m 2509 m

2-4 hrs 

July -September
Rosa Peak Rosa Peak

 

 

 

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Hiking tour

YURIEV KHUTOR

The Yuriev hike starts at an altitude of 1350 meters and runs along the northern slope of the Aibga ridge. During the hike you will discover lots of green grass, majestic rocks and vibrant pink Ivan-tea plants. Untouched nature and fragrant blackberries – the perfect formula for an idyllic hiking day!

 

Our tour guides love this hike for various good reasons. The sound of chirping birds, a bunch of pleasant hiking companions and fresh ‘Chai’ will guarantee an unforgettable experience.
They can’t wait to share their knowledge of the local nature with you!

For the guided hike:

  • Register at the Active Holiday Center at the Mzymta Sq.
  • Meeting point Rosa Valley or upon agreement with your guide
  • The maximum number of participants is set at 10 persons
  • Minimum age 7 years
  • Always wear your appropriate gear! We strongly recommend hiking boots as well as rain and sun protection, sufficient water and snacks!
  • Lunchbox on request
  • Prices from RUB 1.190/person, includes the lift ticket valid on day of your tour

OVERVIEW

Round trip, guided tour only

moderate  7.7 km
580 m 1930 m
5 hours June -October
Rosa Plateau Rosa Plateau
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Hiking tour

from fields of snow to waterfallS

A little Russian lesson for you: Ot sneznikov do vodopadov - От снежников до водопадов is where our next tour brings us to. The hike begins on the southside of the ‘Aibga’ ridge, leading through alpine meadows and mountain forests. Your hike begins at Rosa Peak.

 

From there you will walk downhill on a picturesque trail passing the small ranch of a Greek shepherd and a mountain spring. Finally, you will hike through an old forest. Beware, even though the hike is mostly even ground you will have to overcome a few steep inclines. Consider this hike especially during July, when the rhododendrons blossom and the entire valley shines in a vibrant pink color. The route ends at the Mendelihka Waterfalls Park from where you can take the Edelweiss lift back to the Rosa Peak station.

 

For the guided hike:

  • Register at the Active Holiday Center at the Mzymta Sq.
  • The meeting point will be at Rosa Valley Station or upon agreement with your guide
  • The maximum number of participants is set at 10 persons
  • Minimum age: 7 years
  • Always wear your appropriate gear! We strongly recommend hiking boots as well as rain and sun protection, sufficient water and snacks!
  • Lunchbox on request
  • Prices from RUB 1800/person, includes lift ticket

OVERVIEW

Guided tour only

moderate  8.5 km
850 m 2320 m
4-6 hours July -September
Rosa Peak Park of Waterfalls
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Hiking tour

THE PATH OF HEALTH

The path of health starts at Rosa Valley and is located at a relatively low altitude. It is accessible all year round and recommended for all skill levels. We promise you: Passing this trail in the morning guarantees a perfect start into the day!

 

This tour leads through the forest. Doesn’t matter if you prefer to take a small hike or you want to pass the large ring, you will re-energize your body and mind. You can watch birds and follow the traces of wild animals or just find a spot to rest and admire the giant trees and waterfalls. The trail counts 919 steps, crosses 13 mountain streams and 2 waterfalls. The tour begins behind the Radisson hotel.

There are 3 rings:

  • Large ring tour - 1970 m long, moderate difficulty, takes 2 hrs 
  • Middle ring tour - 1630 m long, moderate difficulty, 1,5 hrs 
  • Small ring tour - 310 m long, easy to go, 15 min

For the individual hike:

  • Appropriate foot gear and rain/sun protection
  • Nordic Walking sticks

For the guided hike:

  • Register at the Active Holiday Center at the Mzymta Sq.
  • Meeting point Rosa Valley 
  • Maximum participants: 10 persons
  • No age restrictions
  • Duration up to 2 hours
  • Price from RUB 450 per person

 

OVERVIEW

Individual tour 

easy 4.4 km
140 m 700 m
2 hrs Year-round
Rosa Valley Rosa Valley
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Hiking tour

LAKE TRAVERSE

The lake traverse trail is located on the northern side of the ‘Aibga’ ridge. You start your hike at Rosa Plateau and it will take you all the way to the upper lake. This relaxing hike leads to the ethno-farm Shishin Dvor, where you can taste their homemade goat cheese and other regional specialties. By the way - these small lakes are not only a popular hiking destination, but...

 

are also frequented by people riding their e-bikes. The local reservoir supplies the water for artificial snow production during the winter months (swimming is not allowed). This route guarantees breathtaking mountain scenery and views of the northern valley of ‘Aibga’ ridge.

For the individual hike:

  • Tickets for lifts and cable cars (to Rosa Plateau)
  • Appropriate foot gear, sun/rain protection
  • Nordic walking sticks recommended

 

OVERVIEW

Individual tour

moderate  4.2 km
200 m 1170 m
2-3 hrs June - October
Rosa Plateau Rosa Plateau
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Hiking tour

Kharginskyy forest

This trail is located in the Eastern part of Rosa Khutor, starting at Rosa Plateau. Simply make your way up towards ‘Lake Traverse’ where you will then walk into the depths of the ancient beech forest aside the ‘Mzymta’ river. On this trail you’ll get to admire lush greenery...

 

large fern plants, and mysterious rock formations. Following the path and you will reach the ‘Kharginskyy’ waterfall named after the local mythological guardian. Upon finishing your hike, we recommend a visit to Berloga or Grusha restaurant. The regional delicacies and a pint of local beer will round up your experience.

Beware: As parts of this route lead through the border region with Abkhazia, you might not meet specific visa requirements.

 

For the guided hike:

  • Register at the Active Holiday Center at the Mzymta Sq.
  • The meeting point will be at Rosa Valley Station or upon agreement with your guide
  • The maximum number of participants is set at 10 persons
  • Minimum age: 7 years
  • Always wear your appropriate gear! We strongly recommend hiking boots as well as rain and sun protection, sufficient water and snacks!
  • Lunchbox on request
  • Prices from RUB 1200/person, tickets for lifts and cable cars are included

OVERVIEW

Round trip, guided tour

moderate  14 km
180 m 1290 m
6 hours June - October
Rosa Plateau Rosa Plateau
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Hiking tour

MENDELIKHA WATERFALLS

The Mendelihka waterfalls are located on the southern slope of the ‘Aibga’ ridge, In the plateau of the Mendelikha river, at an altitude of 1470 m. The Path starts from the lower station of the Edelweiss lift, where several observation platforms await you.

 

The Park counts 7 waterfalls, and it is divided into three routes:

  • the Small Circle
  • the Middle Circle 
  • the Large Circle

 

OVERVIEW

Individual tour

easy 900 m
80 m 1552 m
1 hour June - October
Edelweiss lift Edelweiss lift
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Hiking Tour

THE path of Champions

This spectacular trail leads from Rosa Plateau to Rosa Peak and is a breathtaking hike at an altitude between 1350 and 2320 m. On this trail you’ll get to walk through areas that are perfect for watching birds and the wildlife.

 

If you enjoy idyllic meadows, impressive mountains, fresh air and happy vibes, then this place is for you. Discover the endless biodiversity and capture impressive photos of our caucasian wildlife and birds. 

For the individual tour

  • Tickets for lifts and cable cars
  • Approproiate foot gear, sun/rain protection
  • The trail could be closed temporarily - please check before your hike
  • Nordic walking sticks are recommended
  • A camera and binoculars

OVERVIEW

Individual tour

moderate  6 km
970 m 2320 m
2 hours June - October
Rosa Plateau Rosa Peak

The appropriate gear for the Western Caucasus

Along the northern Black sea coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean - Mild winters and dry summers are the usual. 

We recommend wearing comfortable and water-resistant clothing that keeps you  dry in hot temperatures and protect you if things turn cold and wet. Never hike without a rain jacket - you just never know when you will be caught in a rainstorm. A sun hat might be useful as well - it prevents sunburn and keeps insects from dropping in your hair. In the colder time, gloves are most effective for keeping your hands warm. Your footwear should provide: Support, protection from rocks and roots and traction on wet and dry surfaces. 

The following hiking tours From fields of snow to waterfalls, Kharginskyy les and Yuriev Khutor are possible with a guide only. 

Please, book your tour in our 'Active Holiday' Center at Rosa Valley

Address: Mzymta square, Rosa Valley

Phone: +7 862 2 430 430

E-mail: school@rosakhutor.com

Opening hours: 9AM - 6PM

 

POST HIKING ACTIVITIES

After an exhausting day of hiking it is time for a reward! Ride down the summer tobbogan, relax in the russian banya or go to sleep under a starlit night sky!