Frost and skiing, a wonderful day. When will the Ski Arrows go?

The Ski Arrow is not just a free commuter train. This is a whole program for skiers, which was especially popular among residents of Leningrad in the 1960s - 1980s. After the ski trains were forgotten, only in 2007 they were resumed. And now every year the demand for them is only growing. How to get tickets, what program is being conducted, what to take with you and whether such trains will be allowed in other cities, we understand these issues.

«Ski arrows» will begin their movement from January 5, 2020, the final departure will take place on March 15, 2020. Once a week (on Saturday or Sunday), trains will depart from Finlyandsky and Moskovsky railway stations. In the first case, the final stop will be the railway station of Shapki, in the second - Orekhovo. There will be 10 trips in two directions during the year.

To get on such a train, you should get a ticket for it. It is free, but you will have to spend time getting it. They are issued by sports committees in every district of St. Petersburg. Therefore, only those who have a residence permit in the city can get it. Unfortunately, guests of the city, as well as residents of the Leningrad region, will not be able to receive a boarding pass. Most often, the queue for them is lined up on Monday. Each citizen of St. Petersburg can receive no more than two tickets for the next departure. They indicate the time and date of departure of the "Ski boom" from a particular station. Therefore, for example, if your ticket is to Caps, then you will not be able to get on the train to Orekhovo.

Moreover, the receipt of a boarding pass is regulated by the committees themselves and each may have its own rules. For example, they may request a health certificate or from the place of study or work. Therefore, this information should be clarified in your area. One thing pleases that getting a ticket is the most difficult stage.

Next, on the specified date, you need to wake up early, since the departure of the train is about 9 am. In addition to the participants of mass skiing, rescuers, a doctor and a senior instructor are traveling as part of the train. Therefore, if you don't know something, they will tell you everything, they will provide first aid. And besides the sports program, there is also an entertainment program. They say that the fifth car is "song". Unfortunately, we cannot verify this information today. But if you have previously ridden a "Ski arrow" and found yourself in the 5th car of the train, share in the comments, does the whole car really sing on the way?

All sports equipment is better to take your own. Rental is not provided. Of course, there are ski bases near the stations, but it's more than two kilometers to get to them, besides, there won't be an instructor next to you. But you can risk going in search of skis. Also, if you are not a fan of skiing, but you just need an active holiday. Then you can enjoy Nordic walking or just a walk in the woods. There are several routes for skiers: 15, 10 and 5 kilometers. You can take them yourself, or with an instructor.

Many are worried about where to leave things and what to take with you. Roughly speaking, for the entire journey time, the train belongs to the ski group. There will be no strangers there. The train arrives at the final station in the route, drops off the skier and does not leave anywhere. Therefore, everything that you do not need for active recreation remains inside the "Arrow". In addition, if you are cold or just want to have a snack, you can do it on the train. During parking, it is heated. Therefore, do not forget to bring a thermos with tea and a dry ration on this trip. After a walk through the forest, all participants will have a sports and entertainment program. As a rule, it is announced in advance in the official sources of this sporting event.

People of any age can go to mass skiing. Children and the older generation come. In addition, some take dogs with them. The rules do not prohibit this, an additional boarding pass is not required. The main thing is that your pet has a muzzle and does not interfere with other skiers. Return to the city on average in 16-17 hours, so get ready to devote the whole day to sports.

Such events are currently being held in St. Petersburg. But other "Ski arrows" are also appearing in the country. Unfortunately, not free. The purpose of the trains is to deliver ski and snowboard lovers to ski resorts. For example, the Rostov-on-Don – Rosa Khutor train will run during the upcoming holidays. The special "Ski Arrow" will begin its movement from December 20, 2019 to January 7, 2020 (except December 31). Not only will you be able to transport sports equipment there, you can buy a ski pass to a mountain ski resort right on the train from the conductor. This will save time, since during the holidays you can stand in queues for a long time.

The cost of such a train to the resort "Rosa Khutor" will be from 1,700 rubles. Depending on the location and class of service. The Ski Arrow will also make stops at the following stations: Krasnodar, Tuapse, Sochi and Adler. The composition differs from others in that it provides an additional luggage compartment where you can place your sports equipment.

It is possible that additional trains will be introduced for skiing enthusiasts. The demand for such routes is growing every year, so there is such a possibility. But if you are already planning how to spend the New Year and Christmas holidays, you can contact the current Red Arrows trains and plan an interesting and at the same time useful trip. Just imagine: a winter forest, fresh air, active recreation, spending time with people dear to you, a great mood and red cheeks. What could be better?