Formation modern look The Khibiny, composed mainly of alkaline rocks and granitoids of Precambrian age, one of the oldest in Russia - about 2 billion years old, occurred mainly in the very recent past under the influence of glaciers. During the Ice Age, the entire surrounding area was covered with an ice shell, and in some places rocks towered above it. As the glacier advanced, leaving grooves in the rock, and melted, carrying away debris, and then returned again, a unique glacial landscape was formed, which is characteristic of the entire Kola Peninsula. The glaciers on the Khibiny reached their maximum size approximately 20 thousand years ago.
The rise of the mountain range began after the end of glaciation: the ice began to finally disappear here about 10 thousand years ago, freeing the surface from a colossal burden. The Khibiny Mountains continue to grow, and since the disappearance of the bulk of the glaciers, their height has increased by about 20 m. In general, the process of formation of the ridge is characterized by unevenness, which affects the structure of the mountains: their structure is concentric, this is manifested in the arc-shaped arrangement of various rock layers. In addition, there is a decrease in the age of the rocks from the edges to the center. The layering is due to the fact that magma entered the crevices.
One of the pioneers of the Khibiny was the Russian and Finnish geologist Wilhelm Ramsay, who studied both this mountain range and the entire Kola Peninsula as a whole.
The result of the scientist’s painstaking work, in particular, was the Khibiny map.
The first Soviet expedition to the Khibiny Mountains started on August 25, 1920. It included mineralogist Alexander Fersman, President of the Academy of Sciences Alexander Karpinsky and geologist of the Geological Committee Alexander Gerasimov. The main task facing the specialists was the search for apatites, which are also used in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. This expedition marked the beginning of the study of the Khibiny for industrial needs.
In 1929, the Apatit mining and processing plant was opened in Khibiny. During the Great Patriotic War It produced mines, grenades and other types of explosives, but already in 1944 the enterprise returned to normal operation.
By 1960, the mining of apatite and nepheline ore was put on stream in the Khibiny region, as a result, new cities began to appear for workers to live. Back in 1931, the city of Kirovsk was rebuilt here, and in 1966, the New City grew next to it, which was later renamed Apatity. Subsequently, other villages also appeared nearby, which were named in honor of the countless values of the Khibiny, including Titan and Nepheline Sands.
Ski resort among minerals
Khibiny is located in the central part of the Kola Peninsula. These are mainly plateaus, separated by gorges, with numerous passes and cliffs. The central region of the ridge is occupied by the Kukisvumchorr and Chasnachorr plateaus. At the foot of the Khibiny are the cities of Apatity and Kirovsk.Currently, many deposits are being developed in the Khibiny Mountains, and about five hundred minerals have been explored here.
The Khibiny Mountains to this day retain enormous potential for the development of the mining industry. There are many not only underground, but also open deposits. In particular, in the Khibiny region deposits of vermiculite and phlogopite mica have been explored and deposits are being developed precious stones(including blue sapphire) and ceramic pegmatites. In total, about 500 different minerals were identified in the Khibiny Mountains, 110 of which are found nowhere else.
In addition to minerals, the Khibiny Mountains also store invaluable underground reserves of water, and thermal springs were also discovered at a depth of more than 1.5 km.
The large scale of mining in the Khibiny region inevitably affects the environment. The problems are associated with the large volume of associated rock extracted from the ground, and with the need to cut down forests to start work on new deposits. This is why environmentalists are currently advocating the idea of creating national park in the Khibiny Mountains region.
Work on studying and preserving local nature began in the first half of the 20th century. In particular, the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden was created on Mount Vudyavrchorr. It gradually presents vegetation characteristic of the local tundra, spruce-birch and alpine tundras, as well as the Arctic desert. In general, more than 400 species of plants grow on the territory of the botanical garden.
The fauna of the Khibiny Mountains is represented mainly by birds; there are less than 30 species of mammals. However, a small number of species of the latter are characteristic of the entire Kola Peninsula.
After graduation ice age The ice did not retreat from the Khibiny Mountains for a long time. However, now there are practically no traces left of the glacial formations, except for the characteristic relief. At the moment, there are only four glaciers on the Khibiny, which occupy an area of about 0.1 km 2.
Seismic activity continues in the Khibiny region. The first recorded earthquake occurred back in 1758, and the last was recorded in 1988, with the epicenter near the city of Kirovsk.
Approximately a quarter of the territory of this ridge is at risk of avalanches. In addition, the Khibiny region experiences very difficult weather conditions: sharp changes in atmospheric pressure and strong winds are typical. In particular, at the peaks the wind speed can reach 50 m/s. In addition, the angle of climb gradually increases, and the path is blocked by numerous boulders. The situation is also complicated by the extremely changeable weather: conditions can change several times during the day.
However, the Khibiny Mountains invariably remain popular among climbers. Over the years of exploration of this mountain range, well-trodden routes have appeared, including options not only for experienced athletes, but also for beginners. In addition, there are ski slopes here, which are concentrated mainly in the Kirovsk area.
general information
Location: Kola Peninsula.Administrative affiliation: .
Largest cities : Apatity - 57,398 people. (2015), Kirovsk - 27,250 people. (2015).
Nearest airport: Apatity airport.
Numbers
Area: 1300 km2.Highest point: Mount Yudychvumchorr (1200.6 m).
Main peaks: Chasnachorr (1188 m), Putelichorr (1111 m).
Climate and weather
Characterized by long and snowy winters and cold and short summers.However, the proximity of the Gulf Stream causes a warmer climate compared to other polar regions of Russia.
The polar night lasts 42 days.
Average January temperature: -5°C.
Average temperature in July: +14°C.
Average annual precipitation: from 600-700 mm in valleys to 1600 mm on mountain plateaus.
Economy
Industry: mining (apatite, nepheline, sphene, aegirine, feldspar, titanomagnetite).Scientific research.
Service sector: tourism.
Attractions
■ Natural: Lyavinskaya and Poutelle hills, Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute.■ Kirovsk: museum and exhibition center of JSC "Apatit", local history museum, V. Erofeev Literary Museum.
■ Apatity: museum-archive of the history of the study and development of the European North of Russia, museum of geology and mineralogy of the Geological Institute of the KSC RAS, geological park under open air, museum-apartment of academician A.V. Sidorenko.
Curious facts
■ The Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden is the northernmost botanical garden in Russia and one of three botanical gardens in the world located beyond the Arctic Circle.■ The Khibiny tundra was often called the “Skull of the Earth” in the past. Thus, scientists have noted areas where ancient rocks come to the surface, the formation of which is associated with geological processes multibillion years ago. These formations are part of the Baltic crystalline shield.
■ The writer Mikhail Prishvin, during his long journey through the European and Russian North, visited the Khibiny Mountains in 1907. One of the stories, “The Khibiny Mountains,” is dedicated to them.
■ Most of the Khibiny peaks have Sami names. There are few speakers of the Sami language - the Sami, or Lapps - left; they live mainly in the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula and on the Kola Peninsula.
Many novice tourists are looking for the Khibiny resort, not realizing that this is a mountain system. She's really not tall. The largest peak barely reaches one thousand two hundred meters. Yes, not the Alps. But, unlike these European peaks, snow in winter is guaranteed for skiers. After all, they are located in the Arctic. The main city in this region is Kirovsk. It contains almost the entire tourist infrastructure of the four ski areas. There is also the town of Apatity nearby. There are also ski slopes and lifts there. What do tourists themselves say about the Khibiny Mountains? How to get to this harsh region? What period will be the most optimal for a ski holiday? Where to stay? What are the prices at the resort? Read about all this in this article.
Where are the Khibiny Mountains located?
This is a very old array. It is already more than 350 million years old. The highest point of the Khibiny is Mount Yudychvumchorr (1200 meters above sea level). Despite their modest size, they are the most high mountains Russian Arctic. And tourists report that the air here is thin. But this effect does not come from the height, but from the Arctic air itself. Khibiny on the map of Russia can be found on the Main city of Kirovsk is located near Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and Lake Bolshoi Vudyavr adjoins it on the fourth. The city arose relatively recently, in the 20s of the last century, as a result of industrial development of apatite rocks. Kirovsk lies on the southern slopes of the Khibiny. Apatity is located twelve kilometers from it, on the banks of the Belaya River. The entire territory is included in the Zasheikovskoye forestry.
Climate
The Khibiny Mountains are located north of the Arctic Circle. This means that from mid-December to the second half of January the sun does not rise here at all. But it lasts almost a month. Here in June and early July the sun does not set at all. The climate in the area where the Khibiny Mountains are located is not as harsh as you would expect from the Arctic. The proximity of the Gulf Stream has an effect - warm current, softening bitter frosts. Although tourists say that sometimes in January the thermometer here can show minus thirty-five. But winters here are mild and very snowy. The sparkling cover in some places continues into the summer. In the “hottest” July, the average temperature fluctuates around twelve degrees, although there are also really warm days when the air warms up to + 20 o C. Tourists assure that it is worth going to Khibiny Kirovsk in April-May. At this time it is not so windy, there is hope of clear weather, and there is plenty of daylight. But there is no shortage of vacationers at the resort in winter. They come here to meet New Year and Christmas. The trails are well lit during the polar night. During this period you can admire the northern lights.
How to get there
How to find Khibiny airport on an area map? The facility is located a forty-minute drive from the city of Kirovsk. It receives regular flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The airport is small and most tourists arrive through the Murmansk hub. Airliners from Nord Avia, Rossiya, RusLine, UTair and others fly there from various cities in Russia. Regular buses run from Murmansk to Khibiny. Travel time is about three hours. The distance between the capital and Kirovsk is approximately 1,400 kilometers. It takes about a day to travel by train. Moreover, you need to change planes in Apatity. Therefore, tourists recommend: choose air transport. A taxi will take you from Khibiny Airport to the hotel.
Natural attractions
At the entrance to Kirovsk (Khibiny) ski resort appears in all its glory. Two mountains rise above the city: Aykuaivenchorr (which means “Sleeping Beauty”) and Vudyavrchorr. On the slopes of the last peak there is a unique botanical garden - one of three on the planet located beyond the Arctic Circle. If you go up the slope, you can see a change natural landscapes: valley tundra, spruce taiga, birch forest, alpine mosses and arctic desert. In addition to the mountain trails, there is also a flat ski track that stretches for fourteen kilometers. You can ride along it on a snowmobile. Hiking lovers are recommended to take a helicopter excursion: it takes tourists to one of the four peaks, and you can go down, admiring the pristine nature of the Khibiny. The resort also offers plenty of entertainment for heli-skiing fans. However, both tourists and rescuers warn that the slopes here are dangerous for avalanches, and you need to go on such a trip with an instructor.
Where to stay
Khibiny is a ski resort that is currently experiencing rapid development. The infrastructure, as reviews note, still does not reach European standards, but last years Many new and comfortable hotels have appeared in Kirovsk and Apatity. You can also stay in the private sector. Tourists advise: when looking for accommodation, take into account the proximity of the route where you are going to ski. In total, there are four ski resorts in the Khibiny Mountains. Each of them has its own hotels and hostels. For example, in the KolaSportLand resort you can stay at the Sport Hotel. Of the ten hotels located in the center of Kirovsk, tourists highlight Severnaya, leaving exclusively positive reviews about it. The cost of living there includes a transfer to the Bolshoy Vudyavr ski area.
Trails
What should skiers coming to Khibiny expect? The ski resort provides many opportunities for active recreation. In addition to the usual tracks of varying difficulty, there are springboards, a modular stadium, and an ice skating rink. The ski track is compacted using Austrian snowcats. Seven ski lifts and two chair lifts take tourists to the top. There are cafes and equipment rental points. You need to choose a complex based on how confident you are on your skis. The Aesir are attracted to the slopes of Mount Kukisvumchorr. Those who prefer board skiing will find a lot of interesting things for themselves at Khibiny Snow Park. Beginning athletes have chosen the Northern Slope. They also ride on the so-called “Twenty-fifth kilometer”. A bus runs there from Kirovsk. There is a very developed tourist infrastructure there, and experts advise going to the “25 km” at least once. In Apatity, skiers ski on the slopes of Mount Vorobinaya.
Khibiny ski resort: prices
Tourists identify Kirovsk and Apatity as inexpensive holiday destinations. This is evidenced at least by the prices for the ski pass. They vary depending on the ski area and the length of the lift. For example, on the southern slope of Mount Aykuaivenchorr, a subscription for 60 trips will cost 3,550 rubles. On the northern slopes of the same peak, a completely different ski pass system is used. Temporary passes have been introduced there - for four hours (650 rubles) and for the whole day (850 rubles). The armchair costs 110 rubles. At the 25th kilometer, the cost of one lift will be 60 rubles, and for a baby lift you will have to pay 25 rubles. Equipment rental will empty your pocket by an average of a thousand rubles a day. Khibiny is a ski resort that is just developing. Perhaps in the near future its services, including Apres-ski, will be closer to European standards.
A very eventful trip to the Kola Peninsula took place in August 2009. In 20 days we visited only part of the planned points, well, that means there will be something to do next year. In the Khibiny Mountains, first of all, we examined Mount Eveslogchorr, with a unique astrophyllite deposit located on it. The world's best collection specimens of this mineral were mined here. In addition, on Eveslogchorra there are several bodies of corundum-bearing xenoliths that were explored for cutting sapphires in the 70s of the last century. There are also several points of mineralization with beautiful crystals of lilac vadeite, brown tablets of fersmanite - one of the first minerals described in the Khibiny Mountains, white fibrous perlialite and denisovite, as well as many other rare minerals. We then moved to Mount Kaskasnyunchorr, which became famous for the discovery of magnificent large crystals of manganneptunite. Also here lies a large xenolith of gneisses, in the pegmatite veins of which minerals completely atypical for alkaline rocks are described, such as corundum, topaz, akaganeite, rutile, various sulfides, including extremely rare ones - tungstenite, alabandine and the only niobium sulfide known in nature - edgarite. The last point where we worked in the Khibiny Mountains was Marchenko Peak - the northeastern spur of Kukisvumchorr, where in the mid-90s magnificent, transparent natrolite crystals measuring more than 10 cm were found, and on the neighboring pegmatite ilmenite in the form of comprehensively faceted shiny tabular crystals up to 7cm in diameter. Now, at these points, unfortunately, it is possible to collect only small, slightly transparent fragments of natrolite and small plates of black ilmenite. This arrangement did not suit us, and we decided to look for something new. After many hours of climbing along the rather steep slopes of the peak, we managed to find several untouched pegmatite veins, in one of which there was a large grain of zoned polychrome violet fluorite with numerous hollow hexagonal channels remaining from the dissolution of some mineral, and pegmatite with beautiful, bright red tabular eudialyte crystals. The final conclusions about the trip to Khibiny are as follows: don’t be lazy and you won’t return home with empty backpacks. Next was Kovdor. The Kovdor massif is one of the largest and best studied massifs of alkaline rocks with carbonatites. Despite the small area, just a little more than 40 square meters. km, more than 250 minerals have been described in the massif, and 19 have been discovered here. The world's best examples of boberite, quintinite, feklichevite come from Kovdor, and the crystals of transparent blue and pink kovdorskite, the most beautiful endemic of Russia, reach 7 centimeters. Numerous samples of magnetite, pyrite, forsterite, baddeleyite, diopside, and phlogopite adorn private collections and showcases of mineralogical museums around the world. Currently, 6 deposits of various minerals have been studied on the territory of the massif - deposits of phlogopite, vermiculite and complex apatite-baddeleyite-magnetite are being actively mined, the francolite (carbonate-apatite) deposit has been prepared for mining, and deposits of titanomagnetite and calcite carbonatites remain in reserve. The most interesting object in Kovdor is a complex deposit, where on the site of the 200-meter high Pilkoma-Selga mountain there is now a huge quarry with a depth of 350 meters and a diameter of more than 2.5 km. Here, in the very center of the ore body, there are dozens of veins of dolomite carbonatites containing numerous cavities with crystals of rare phosphates and carbonates. Samples of coarse-crystalline magnetite are confined to the contacts of early calcite carbonatites and magnetite ores. Its crystals here reach 20 centimeters, but due to severe fracturing it is practically impossible to extract. Another object fifteen kilometers east of Kovdor, which we managed to get to, was a manifestation of kyanite and garnet on Mount Keles-Wive. There, on the surface of weathered blocks of gneisses, peculiar druses of red garnet and blue kyanite formed.
There are many beautiful mountains in Russia. One of them is the Khibiny Mountains. Once here, you will see stunning snowy peaks, clear lakes, noisy waterfalls, mountain tundra and even the northern lights. Let's find out where the Khibiny Mountains are located and why they are interesting.
Geographical position
To get to this unique place, you need to go to the Murmansk region. The Khibiny Mountains are located on the Kola Peninsula, in its very center. On both sides they are limited by lakes - Imandra and Umbozero. There is always snow on the steep slopes, because the massif is located beyond the Arctic Circle (67th parallel). Forest-tundra is adjacent.
Initially the mountains were called Umptek. Translated from the language of the local residents, the Sami, this means “a place where reindeer come to die.” However, later another name took root - Khibiny (“plateau”). The shape of the array resembles two horseshoes, one of which is nested inside the other. From space it looks very much like a huge stone flower.
Formation
The Khibiny Mountains are the oldest mountains located in Russia. They are believed to be about 390 million years old. The formation of the massif occurred in several stages. Initially, where the Khibiny Mountains are located now, powerful streams of hot magma flowed. Giant volcanoes gradually cooled, laying down the main forms of the plateau.
The second stage was glaciation. It began 1 million years ago. Glaciers advanced from Scandinavia, and this happened more than once. They smoothed out crystalline protrusions, cut wide valleys and narrow winding cracks, which later became rivers.
The last glaciation (Valdai) occurred about 100 thousand years ago. The mountains turned out to be completely filled with ice, as evidenced by the huge boulders on the rocky peaks. The apogee was observed 20 thousand years ago, and then gradual melting began.
The third stage of the formation of the Khibiny Mountains has not yet been completed. It is characterized by tectonic uplift. It is known that 20 million years ago the mountains rose 500 m above the surface of the earth. After 15 million years, this height doubled. Over the past 10 thousand years, the massif has grown by 20 m. Every year the mountains rise by 0.3-1.2 mm. Sometimes this process is accompanied by earthquakes, mostly weak.
Relief
The Khibiny Mountains rise above the surrounding hilly plain by an average of 800-1100 m. The structure of the massif is circular. The plateau is dissected by deep faults earth's crust, which diverge radially from the Poachvumchorr ridge. Valleys divide the mountains into separate, fairly large blocks. They, in turn, are divided into smaller areas by less significant gorges. Steep ledges descend towards Lake Imandra.
There are no peaked peaks in the Khibiny Mountains. All of them are plateau-shaped. The slopes are steep, without ledges, many of them are covered with glaciers and snowfields. Through valleys have U shape, smoothed during glaciations (the so-called troughs). Huge boulders remained on the surface of the plateau. Also worth noting a large number of ancient glacial cirques and cirques (steep bowl-shaped depressions on the slopes). The youngest gorges are almost vertical, going several tens of meters deep. The sun's rays never reach their bottom.
Peaks
The height of the Khibiny Mountains does not exceed 1206 m. The highest point is the Yudychvumchorr peak ("humming mountain"). According to other sources, it is slightly lower - 1200.6 m. Yudychvumchorr received its name because of the strong winds that constantly blow on its flat top, as if cut with a knife. Climbing here, you can see almost all the plateaus and mountain ranges.
For a long time highest point The Khibiny Mountains were considered to have another peak - Chasnachorr ("woodpecker mountain"). It soars up to 1189 m. Today it holds an honorable second place. The third highest mountain is Putelichorr ("mass of alien people"). It rises into the sky at 1111 m.
But for the local residents - the Samami - the relatively low mountain Aykuaivenchorr (1075 m) is sacred. Its name translates as "head Mother of God"If you look at her from a great distance, you can see a woman's face facing the heavens.
Geology
The Khibiny Mountains are composed mainly of nepheline syenites, a crystalline alkaline rock of igneous origin. Associated minerals are apatites containing phosphorus. The Khibiny apatite deposit is considered the largest in the world.
The massif has a ring structure. The rock complexes form arcs, nested within each other and open on the eastern side. This is explained by the intrusion of magma between alternating faults.
The mountains are called a natural museum of minerals. There are about 500 of them in total. Interestingly, 110 minerals are not found anywhere else. Some of them are not typical for massifs composed of alkaline rocks. Examples include topaz and spinel. In addition to apatites and nepheline, micas, ores of copper, iron, nickel and some other metals are of practical value. Outcrops of rare minerals, in particular blue sapphire, used in the jewelry industry, were discovered on Mount Eveslogchorr.
Climatic conditions
The Khibiny Mountains are located beyond the Arctic Circle, so the average annual temperature here is minus 0.1 °C. The polar night begins on December 10 and ends on January 3. Polar day lasts from May 31 to July 13. Summer and spring here are cool and quite late. Snow begins to melt at the end of April, when temperatures rise above 0 °C. The frost-free period in the mountains lasts no longer than 60-80 days.
The average summer temperature is +12 °C. On the hottest days it can rise to +30 °C and above. Usually this weather is accompanied by thunderstorms. However, after the sun there may come a sharp cooling down to minus 1-4 degrees and wet snow.
From September to April, locals admire the northern lights. The snow cover finally falls in early November. Winters in the Khibiny are warm, which is explained by its proximity to the Barents Sea. Its waters are warmed by the Gulf Stream. The average temperature is -11 °C, but at the peaks it is usually 10-15 degrees colder. Mountain avalanches occur quite often, representing serious danger for tourists.
The average annual precipitation in the valleys is 600-700 mm. On mountain peaks this amount increases to 1600 mm. The winds blow very strong and gusty. Their average speed exceeds 5 m/sec. Instantaneous gusts can reach 60-80 m/sec. They are capable of blowing away a person standing on the edge of a plateau.
Flora and fauna
The Khibiny Mountains look very picturesque in the photo. Their slopes are covered with evergreen forests, moss and reindeer moss. Vegetation changes with increasing altitude. The foothills of 300-400 meters are covered in coniferous forests with a predominance of spruce and pine. Then the birch forest rises up about 100 m. After it the tundra zone begins. It is represented by lichens and small shrubs: crowberry, lingonberry, bearberry, blueberry. After the first frost, the leaves of the plants become brightly colored, creating an amazing multi-colored carpet.
As the height increases, the plants thin out and are replaced by rocky embankments. Here and there you can see patterns of green, gray or yellow lichens. The flora of the mountains is valuable; many plants are listed in the Red Book. The fauna is represented by 27 mammals. There are only 3 species of reptiles, 1 species of amphibians. Most of the birds are found in the mountains - 123 species.
Exploring the mountains
For a long time the Khibiny remained unexplored. Academician Lepekhin wrote about them for the first time, who in 1772 visited the Kola Peninsula and studied its central part. He notes that steep gorges may hide minerals. In the summer of 1834, mining engineer Shirokin began exploring the Western slope of the Khibiny.
In 1891-1892, an expedition led by geologist V. Ramsay arrived on the peninsula. She studied the area in detail over two seasons, collected a lot of geological information and compiled a map of the mountains. Further exploration of the region was prevented at first World War, and then - revolution.
Only in 1920 did the next scientific and fishing expedition, led by A. Fersman, arrive on the Kola Peninsula. They discovered previously unknown minerals. Already in 1921, the development of apatite ores began near Mount Kukisvumchorr. A year later, it became clear that the Khibiny deposits were much richer than originally thought.
Industrial development
1926 is considered the official date for the discovery of large deposits on the Rasvumchorr plateau. From that time on, miners began to flock to the Kola Peninsula. In 1929, the Apatity trust was created. A year later, construction of the enrichment plant began. In 1931, the city of Khibinogorsk was founded, later renamed Kirovsk.
In the Khibiny Mountains, ore mining was brought to normal production. In 1966, a New City appeared near Kirovsk, now called Apatity. Villages were actively created. In 2012, the Northwestern Phosphorus Company built on the shores of the lake. Umbozero Oleniy Ruchey Mining and Processing Plant. The construction of another mine was planned, which caused outrage among the local population. An environmental movement has started. People demanded to ban further development and recognize the Khibiny as a national park. This was completed in 2018.
Holidays in Khibiny
Many climbers flock to the Kola Peninsula in the summer. There are routes of varying difficulty, up to category 5B. But most passes have 1-2 categories. There are almost always shelves in the rocks for overnight stays; the danger of rocks is low. The descents are simple and picturesque. Many easy routes have been developed for hikers, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty of northern nature.
In winter, ski slopes open on the Aykuaivenchorr and Kukisvumchorr mountains. Sports lovers can go skiing, snowboarding or colorful buns. Extreme sports enthusiasts choose off-piste descents through virgin fields, the steepness of which can reach up to 55°, or along avalanche flows. Of course, such entertainment is associated with enormous risk. As, indeed, winter hiking in the Khibiny Mountains. Instead, tourists are offered exciting excursions on snowmobiles.
We hope that now you will not be confused when looking at the atlas. The Khibiny Mountains seem small on the map, but in fact this is a harsh region fraught with a lot of dangers. Despite this, it attracts people with its beauty and unusual combination of rocks, marshy areas and clear northern lakes.
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