A modern resort in the Altai mountains of southern Siberia, on the Katun river near Lake Manzherok, developed rapidly over the past decade with new lifts and hotels.

The terrain is modest in vertical but well equipped, with a gondola from the base and a good spread of gentle and intermediate runs. It is aimed at Russian domestic tourism and works as a year round destination rather than purely a ski area.

The Altai is a region of considerable natural beauty with lakes, forest and a distinct local culture, and much of the appeal is the setting rather than the skiing itself.

Check entry requirements, flight routing and current travel advice carefully before making any plans, because getting here from western Europe is a long undertaking.