Voronezh region > Outdoor leisure

Outdoor leisure

As strange as it may seem to die-hard fans of sun tanning on the beach, there are people who don’t enjoy passive rest. Rather, their hearts belong to kayaks, bicycles, skis, sailboats and other leisure activities.. . These activities are not only about playing sports outside, but also about something more interesting that takes one to the world of unusual sensations and excitement.

Enthusiasts of such recreational activities often form groups and unions and join clubs of common interest. Associations of kayakers, fishermen, cross-country and alpine skiers, divers, auto and parachute sports clubs can be found in the Voronezh region. They communicate all year round sharing their impressions and experience and with great impatience, they await the opening of their season.

No doubt, winter is a favorite season for cross-country skiers. The number of ski routes and paths in the city increases every year. And if the amateurs of skiing had to leave for the outskirts of the Voronezh city before, today special paths are created in almost all the city districts. A yearly cross-country ski race on a ski route 9 km north of the city attracts skiers not only from Voronezh, but from neighboring regions as well.

There’s alpine skiing available in the region as well on the slopes near the villages of Chertovitskoye and Kostenki for those who are not satisfied with just a quiet cross-country ski stroll. The Chertovitskoye ski area has different levels of complexity and will satisfy both novices and experienced skiers. The slopes are equipped with a lift. Several equipped mountain-ski routes of up to 400 meters long are open in the village of Kostenki as well.

Inflatable sleigh rides, or ‘tubing’ is also popular in winter. A special track for this extreme leisure sport is equipped on the picturesque banks of the Don River, on the Chernyshovaya Mountain in a village- town of Semiluki.

When winter transforms to spring and the river waters and the earth warm up it is time for water sport lovers to bring their equipment out. Die-hard kayakers get ready for rafting on the rivers of Voronezh, Don, Betug, Usmanka and Khoper... Each river has its own character! Voronezh is one of the cleanest rivers where underwater diving is a true pleasure. Motor boats are rare here, but it is wide and deep enough to swim and raft on, even at the end of a dry summer. Water routes on the Middle and Lower Betug are abundant with amazing views of meadows and white chalky caves. Pure waters and enjoyable overnight stays in quiet picturesque places will leave you with unforgettable memories. Father-Khoper, as the local people call it, is a favorite for ail fishermen who always leave with a rich catch from here. Some organizers of kayak tours can offer a water journey through the Khopersky State National Park.

Expeditions on the water are not the only popular leisure activity among local Voronezhians and tourists. Underwater diving of the Voronezh reservoir is a truly amazing experience. Before diving one needs special training and there are several diving clubs in Voronezh, where fans of the underwater world are trained and instructed and where they practice their skills before mastering the depths of the Voronezh reservoir. A recent tradition is to dive not far from the village of Karachun of the Ramon region. Young divers together with experienced instructors search the bottom of the Voronezh River for clay trophies. The pottery was developed in this area, and the earth and the river bottom keep many clay pots and ceramics fragments. The trophy hunters are proud of each finding and share their impressions with enthusiasm, telling stories of their underwater experience.

Those who prefer ground tours are invited for a yearly auto expedition of “The Middle Don”. Seeing picturesque places, enjoying pure fresh air and visiting historical sites are all entries on the program of an auto trip along the banks of Don. The route lies within the historical and picturesque sites such as: villages of Kostenki, Divnogorje and Kostomarovo with their sand quarries and Cossack farmsteads.

Race drivers adore a Voronezh auto-track called “White Well” located 8 km away from Voronezh in the Semiluki region. Rally drivers come here for traditional cross-country rally races. The race is a true show with a big audience of fans and spectators where drivers demonstrate their driving skills and technique. Sprinter speed races, or drag-races as they call them here, also take place at the “White Well”, on a specially equipped track.

The “Earth-sky-earth" project is definitely not the least extreme and breath-taking experience. All those who desire can experience unforgettable sensations of free falling and parachute jumps. There are several flight clubs in Voronezh where experienced instructors will explain safety regulations, teach you how to pack a parachute and how to land correctly before your first jump.

Those not inclined for risk will find some interesting pass-time activity as well, such as fishing. Rivers, lakes, ponds, and artificial reservoirs specially equipped for fishing are numerous in the Voronezh region.

Equestrian clubs have recently become quite popular as well. A personal instructor will teach a novice how to mount a horse and feel comfortable in the saddle, and experienced horsemen can take an enjoyable forest ride and have a professional photo-session if desired which will give one a truly enjoyable experience and memories to share with loved ones.

We choose our leisure activities according to our character, likes and habits. But in all cases it must be a holiday that compliments our emotions and brings unforgettable memories with benefits for both our physical and emotional health!