Elbrus and Mamison Win SKI BUSINESS AWARDs.

Resorts managed by the development institution Kavkaz.RF have been honored with the SKI BUSINESS AWARD, a professional accolade for the ski industry. Elbrus was named the winner in the "Most Sports-Oriented Tourist Complex" category, while Mamison received an award for "Best Promotion and Advertising Campaign for a Ski Resort." The awards were presented during the "Forum of Tourist Territories"—the premier annual event for the country’s ski industry—held in Moscow from October 28 to 29.

"We take great pride in the sports-focused offerings at Elbrus and the growing popularity of Mamison as an 'art-resort.' This recognition from experts is especially valuable to us, as it confirms that our strategic direction for the development of both resorts is the right one," noted Rustam Tapaev, Deputy General Director of Kavkaz.RF.

The "Most Sports-Oriented Tourist Complex" category reflects Elbrus’s status as a year-round training and competition venue for alpine skiing, snowboarding, freeriding, freestyle, ski mountaineering, skyrunning, and mountain running. Key events in the resort’s sports calendar traditionally include stages of the Russian FWT Qualifier series and the Russian Freeride Cup, the "Elbrus Prize" national youth competitions, and festivals such as the Red Fox Elbrus Race, Alpindustria Elbrus Race, and "Rocks of Russia" (Skaly Rossii). Skiers train on the Garabashi glacier at an altitude of 3,800–4,000 meters, with training sessions continuing as late as August. Each year, the resort hosts over 15,000 professional skiers and snowboarders from 30 Russian regions and several foreign countries for training.

Mamison—which will debut as a ski resort in the upcoming season—has, in less than two years of operation, established itself as a promising art venue by focusing on cultural programming. Notable initiatives have included an art festival in Lisri, the opening of a contemporary art exhibition space at the resort’s information center, an artist residency, an open-air exhibition of monumental sculpture, the "Slow Life Workshop" project, and fairs featuring local artisans. In the autumn of 2026, the resort expanded its event offerings by hosting the first-ever mountain comedy festival, featuring stand-up performances by stars of the Caucasian entertainment scene.

Andrey Yumshanov, CEO of Kavkaz.RF, spoke at the plenary session of the FTT forum.

During the plenary session of the Forum of Tourist Territories (FTT) — titled "Hospitable Russia: New Territories, Routes, and Markets — Opportunities for Business and Investment" — Kavkaz.RF CEO Andrey Yumshanov presented his perspective on development trends within the Russian tourism sector.

The speaker noted that previous years saw significant growth in tourist traffic, driven by the expansion of domestic tourism, the emergence of new travel destinations, and the impact of the pandemic and sanctions-related restrictions, which shifted demand toward travel within the country. At the same time, the current slowdown in the growth rate of tourist traffic is viewed as a new challenge for the industry.

Kavkaz.RF will participate in the Forum of Tourist Territories.

The Forum of Tourist Territories begins on October 28 at VDNKh, in Pavilion No. 20. Representatives from Kavkaz.RF will take part in the business program and will also be available for consultations at the organization’s dedicated booth.

Schedule of presentations by Kavkaz.RF representatives:

10:00–11:50, Hall 3 — PR Director Tatyana Baeva will participate in a session on crisis communications.

14:00–15:00, Hall 4 — General Director Andrey Yumshanov will speak at a plenary session, presenting on shifts in the profile of the modern tourist and changes within the tourism market.

14:15–15:15, Hall 1 — An open dialogue regarding the certification and registration of new cable car systems.

Moderated by forum organizer Svetlana Danilina, the session will feature speakers Alexandra Gaymanova (Head of the product certification body "Kavkaz-Engineering"), Alexander Vasiliev (certification expert), and Alexandra Nesterova (Deputy Chief Legal Counsel at Kavkaz.RF).

15:30–16:30, Hall 1 — A session led by First Deputy General Director Vladimir Lapukhin. The discussion will cover industry challenges, import substitution, and collaboration with contractors. The session will also examine projects for various ski resorts—Elbrus, Mamison, Arkhyz, and Veduchi—as well as the development of a seaside resort on the Caspian coast. 16:30–18:00, Hall 4 — Executive Director Khasan Timizhev will participate in a meeting of the "Ski Tourism" working group under the State Council of the Russian Federation; the meeting will include an overview of measures aimed at stabilizing tourist traffic.

The Kavkaz.RF stand (C15) is located in front of the plenary session hall (Hall 4). It features a minimalist white design.

Kavkaz.RF proposes allocating a portion of the tourist tax toward the maintenance of infrastructure within Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Khasan Timizhev, Executive Director of Kavkaz.RF, presented this initiative at the 4th International Forum on Special Economic Zones during a session titled "A Long-Term Business Model for SEZs: From Concept to Achieving Performance Targets." The core proposal is to direct a share of the tourist tax revenue—currently flowing into local budgets—to the management company responsible for the upkeep and development of infrastructure within tourism-recreational SEZs.

According to Khasan Timizhev, the vast majority of management companies for tourism-recreational SEZs in Russia operate at a loss. Once infrastructure is established, the burden of its maintenance falls on the management company, while primary revenue streams—such as ski passes and lease payments (in the case of Kavkaz.RF)—fail to fully cover these costs. As a potential solution, the development institution suggests reallocating a portion of the tourist tax.

"It seems fair and appropriate to direct a share of tourist tax revenue toward the maintenance and development of SEZ infrastructure, which drives significant tourist traffic to the region," noted Khasan Timizhev. He emphasized that these funds should be earmarked specifically for the design, construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of facilities located within the SEZ boundaries.

This initiative is informed by 16 years of experience at Kavkaz.RF, which demonstrates that tourism-recreational SEZs can be profitable—provided they are guided by a long-term strategy (spanning 10 years or more) and ensure the synchronized launch of core tourism infrastructure alongside facilities developed by the SEZ’s resident businesses. "The experience gained from our first resort, Arkhyz, demonstrated that a phased approach is the right one—where initial residents synchronize their projects with the rollout of essential infrastructure, including ski facilities, utilities, roads, and public areas. Launching these elements simultaneously creates a synergistic effect, accelerating the timeline for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to reach operational profitability by rapidly building up tourist traffic. We are now applying this same strategy to the development of the Mamison, Veduchi, and Kaspiy resorts," said Khasan Timizhev.

Over the past decade, tourist traffic to resorts built and managed by Kavkaz.RF—a dedicated development institution—has grown more than sixfold, rising from 300,000 visitors in 2015 to over 2 million in 2025. According to the company, annual tourist traffic to these resorts has seen a steady average growth of 20% over the last five years, significantly boosting overall tourism numbers across various regions of the North Caucasus.

Khasan Timizhev also noted that Kavkaz.RF has introduced a competitive selection process for resident projects. As the investment appeal of these SEZs grows, competition for land resources has intensified, making it essential for the management company to allocate these assets effectively when selecting partners.

"These are not our only initiatives; we are also developing other mechanisms to improve the management efficiency of our SEZs. Ultimately, however, all of these efforts are rooted in a combination of long-term planning, precise business modeling, and the careful selection of partners," emphasized Khasan Timizhev.

Kavkaz.RF resorts invite you to spend your school break in the mountains.

Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi have planned an action-packed autumn program for children and their parents. From October 24 to November 4, all three resorts will host the annual "Mountain Holidays" event.

During this period, sightseeing tickets for children under 13 will cost 100 rubles, and two accompanying adults will receive a 50% discount on lift passes. Every young passenger on the resort’s cable car will receive a complimentary color-in bag and a set of wax crayons. On the weekend of October 31 and November 1, from 11:00 to 16:00, the resort plazas will host a variety of activities, including quests, outdoor active games, photoshoots, and workshops. Young guests can look forward to balloons, popcorn, and soap bubbles. The weekend program will conclude with an open-air disco.

For trekking enthusiasts, hikes along eco-trails are scheduled for November 24 and 25 at the Mamison resort (in North Ossetia) and the Veduchi resort (in Chechnya). At Mamison, guests will explore the "Peak 2727" and "Mamikhdon" trails accompanied by professional guides and a photographer. At Veduchi, visitors can choose from routes such as "To the Stone Clearing," "To the Omich Tract," or the "Health Trail." None of these treks require special training and are suitable for both children and adults. Participants will meet at 10:00 in the plazas in front of the resorts' information centers. Everyone will receive a safety briefing before setting off, along with a healthy snack for the journey. The hikes will last up to 2.5 hours and conclude back at the meeting point.

On October 31, at Mamison, both adults and children can learn to make Ossetian pies under the guidance of an experienced chef. At the "Talisman" café, located at the resort’s upper station, guests will learn about the republic’s traditional cuisine and discover the secrets behind preparing its most popular dishes. While the pies are in the oven, participants can test their culinary knowledge in a quiz. The workshop begins at 12:00.

An exhibition dedicated to the Soviet legacy of Mount Elbrus, titled "Infrastructure of Expectation," has opened in Moscow.

On October 14, an exhibition focusing on the Soviet modernist architecture of the Elbrus region launched at SISTEMA GALLERY on Bobrov Lane. The project was created by the development institute Kavkaz.RF and St. Petersburg-based curator Yulia Senina, known for her work with the Joseph Brodsky "One and a Half Rooms" Museum and the OBERIU Museum. The project was implemented with the support of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.

The exhibition’s first guests included Deputy Ministers of Economic Development Sergey Nazarov and Dmitry Vakhrukov; Alexander Klyachin, founder of Azimut Hotels; Evgeny Kozlov, head of the Moscow Tourism Committee; Vadim Trukshin, CEO of the Mantera Group; Vasily Shvets, CEO of Tourism.RF; Dmitry Volvach, head of the Federal Accreditation Service (Rosakkreditatsiya); Dmitry Litvin, head of "Rosmolodezh. Predprinimay" (Rosmolodezh. Entrepreneurship); and Dmitry Svishchev, head of the Russian Ski and Snowboard Federation.

"Elbrus is a truly special place. I first visited in 2021 and returned a few months later to climb to the summit. The sensations you experience at the top—and during the descent—stay with you for a lifetime. There are people who have been climbing Elbrus and guiding tourists there since Soviet times. Listening to their stories, you realize the immense respect they have for the mountain. Elbrus has its own history and philosophy; it is a true legend. The goal of this exhibition is to convey the sense of Elbrus's grandeur to visitors and show just how unique a place it is," said Sergey Nazarov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia. The exhibition marks the first attempt to restore Elbrus to the country’s cultural map—moving beyond its established status as a destination for sports and tourism. It is the first comprehensive look at that era through the lens of cultural research, encompassing its architectural dimension. The exhibit descriptions were prepared by art historian and Soviet modernist architecture specialist Olga Kazakova, while the exhibition design was created by architect Alexey Snetkov, who has extensive experience with international exhibition projects.

"The 1960s and 70s: Elbrus. A time that saw the peak of modernist architecture, the birth of high-altitude scientific research, and the flourishing of a mountain-exploration culture set to the music of Vladimir Vysotsky. Visitors to the 'Infrastructure of Expectation' exhibition don't need to imagine this era—they can see, feel, and touch it. Great things were born in these mountains before spreading across the country and the world. The exhibition offers a snapshot of that time. On the Elbrus of the seventies, everyone looked toward the future with anticipation: physicists awaited the detection of the elusive neutrino particle; mountaineers waited for good weather; and architects and engineers looked forward to realizing futuristic projects. In this regard, nothing has changed today: the resort is undergoing active modernization and eagerly awaiting a new ski zone currently under construction, the restoration of the legendary 'Shelter of the Eleven' (Priyut Odinnadtsati), and the addition of large, modern hotels," says Andrey Yumshanov, CEO of Kavkaz.RF.

Key exhibits in "Infrastructure of Expectation" include 1978 newsreel footage capturing the daily lives of scientists and residents in Tyrnyauz and the settlements of Neutrino and Elbrus. A seven-minute film titled *May There Always Be Sunshine* was discovered by researchers at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory (part of the Institute for Nuclear Research) while preparing for the exhibition; it was subsequently digitized and made available for display by the observatory team.

Photographs of mosaics adorning the apartment blocks of Tyrnyauz—the unofficial gateway to the Prielbrusye region—serve as a symbolic entrance to the exhibition space. It is difficult to imagine Russia’s highest-altitude city without the famous *Narts* mosaics created by artist Vladimir Ezdekov. Images of the buildings and mosaics in the Baksan Gorge were captured by distinguished photographers from various generations, including Roman Denisov—known as the "Golden Eye of Russia" (TASS archive)—and architectural photographer Alexey Naroditsky. Specifically for this exhibition, the grandson of Yevgeny Ablin—a renowned monumental artist and the creator of the innovative architecture of the Moscow Palace of Pioneers—provided sketches for the Tyrnyauz entrance monument (dating back to 1965).

"Infrastructure of Waiting" marks curator Yulia Senina’s first project in Moscow. Yulia’s work in St. Petersburg focuses on themes of memory and unconventional, "non-museum" heritage; she spent five years curating the Joseph Brodsky "Room and a Half" Museum and is currently a co-founder and curator of the OBERIU Museum. Yulia Senina was included in the updated 2026 "RBC Visionaries" list.

"Infrastructure of Waiting" is also the first cultural exhibition project in Moscow for the Kavkaz.RF team. It launches a major research initiative in the Prielbrusye region led by the creators of the "Elbrus: Archive of Altitude" project—the Kavkaz.RF communications department, Tatiana Baeva, and Maryana Belaya.

"Beyond developing heavy infrastructure and attracting investment to the North Caucasus Federal District, our development institution initiates and partners on key events related to tourism and visitor flows to the North Caucasus. Yet, this project holds a special, deeply personal significance for us. Exactly 60 years ago—on October 12, 1966—the father of our colleague Khisa Nazirovich Bekkaev (who dedicated his entire life to the Elbrus resort) made the first ascent to an altitude of 4,700 meters in an artillery tractor. To achieve this, he fitted the vehicle's tracks with steel spikes and devised a unique maneuver: driving the tractor up in reverse. It was through such daily feats of endurance that cable cars were built, lives and equipment were saved, and the Mountain was developed. For this and other achievements, Nazir Abuevich Bekkaev was awarded the USSR Council of Ministers Prize and the 'For Valiant Labor' medal." "This exhibition is just the beginning of our effort to craft a grand, collective 'thank you' to the people of that era—an expression of absolutely sincere admiration for the fruits of their labor," says Andrey Yumshanov, CEO of Kavkaz.RF.

The opening of the exhibition on Elbrus’s Soviet heritage also featured the presentation of the "Tourist" magazine, relaunched with the support of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development. First published in 1929, the magazine was part of the USSR’s cultural DNA; people lived by it, quoted it, and the entire country eagerly awaited new issues. A new team is preparing to relaunch the publication this winter.

Guests attending the opening included Elena Bondarenko (producer of educational programs at SKOLKOVO), Elizaveta Gavrilova (Executive Director of A-House), artist Ekaterina Pugacheva, sports entrepreneur Vladimir Voloshin, artists and "newnow" co-founders Margo Makarova and Ulya Savich, Elbrus Takulov (founder of Soroka Media), Grigory Tumanov (Content Director of "Pravila Zhizni"), communications expert Kermen Mandzhieva, and others.

The exhibition will run in Moscow until the end of October. In November, it will be presented in Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, and in December, it will move to the Prielbrusye region—specifically to the Soviet-era *Itkol* boarding house, one of the sites featured in the exhibition’s research.

Kavkaz.RF resorts have announced updates for the upcoming ski season.

Night skiing all winter long, new hotels, and more discounts.

The North Caucasus mountain resorts of Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi are actively preparing for the 2026/2027 winter season: the tariff schedule has been updated, an event calendar has been finalized, and discounted pre-sales for ski passes are underway. Resort partners are preparing new restaurants for opening, adding nearly 400 accommodation units, and have already launched early hotel booking options.

Base ski pass prices at the Elbrus and Mamison resorts will rise only in line with inflation—an increase of 6–7%—for the new season. Rates for night skiing at Elbrus are also changing; last season—which served as a trial run for this popular service—saw 17,000 guests take advantage of the promotional rate. Consequently, the decision was made to keep night skiing on the schedule for the new season. During the peak season, an adult night-skiing pass purchased online will start at 2,250 rubles, with lower rates for children. Additionally, night skiing access can now be purchased as part of a season pass or bundled with the "Fast Track" option, which provides priority access to the lifts.

"We are offsetting the rate increases—which are the minimum required for resort operations—with a system of discounts. For example, guests who plan ahead can save up to 30–40% on ski pass costs during the pre-sale period. There is also a 10% discount for online purchases. The website features a loyalty program where guests earn back up to 5% of the ski pass cost in points on every purchase." "In addition, this year we are working on hotel perks for season pass holders, and, of course, there are ongoing discounts for specific categories of guests," said Olga Kravchenko, Marketing Director at Kavkaz.RF.

The resorts have retained all the popular rate options from last year—such as 2, 3, and 5-day passes—as well as combinations of season passes with fast-track access. Conditions for group trip organizers (certified tour operators) have been improved, and the accreditation terms for official resort instructors remain unchanged from last year.

Bookings for the winter season at resident hotels in the mid-range segment are largely being made at last year's prices. As always, dates for the New Year holidays and weekends in February and March are selling out first; for instance, the Ozon hotel chain in the Prielbrusye area is already 85% booked for the January holidays, and other high-season weekends are selling fast. Hotels in Mamison are 30% booked for the winter holidays, while winter bookings at Veduchi are just getting underway.

"By the time the season opens, guests at Elbrus will be able to find accommodation directly on the resort's website; we are currently developing a booking module that will integrate with the resort's loyalty program. Eventually, we will roll these features out to our other resorts as well," Olga Kravchenko explained.

In total, 44 kilometers of ski slopes will be open across Kavkaz.RF resorts for the 2026/2027 winter season; a significant portion of these are equipped with artificial snowmaking systems, ensuring high-quality snow cover throughout the season. Skiing at Elbrus could begin in the first half of November, provided the snow forecast is favorable (the resort’s record-breaking early start last year was November 1). Skiing typically begins on the country’s highest-altitude run—the Garabashi-Mir slope—at 3,847 meters above sea level. As temperatures consistently drop below freezing and snow accumulates, the resort’s remaining slopes will gradually open, extending down to the Azau Glade.

This season, Elbrus will offer 23 km of slopes and five cable car lines. This includes a new skiing zone in the resort’s eastern sector, situated at an altitude of 3,300–3,500 meters, featuring two modern cable cars and six runs totaling 5.2 km in length. Developers also plan to open a restaurant in this new zone offering views of the Terskol Peak Observatory.

The official season-opening celebration at Elbrus is scheduled for the first weekend of December; this year, the event will take the form of a gastronomic festival, with local entrepreneurs showcasing their establishments and products at the Azau Glade. Additionally, an exhibition dedicated to Elbrus’s Soviet-era architectural, scientific, and cultural heritage will open at the resort this winter. Residents of Moscow will be the first to view it—before the end of October—after which the exhibition will travel to Nalchik and, by December, to the Itkol sanatorium in the Elbrus region.

At the Mamison resort, more than 20 km of slopes catering to all skill levels, along with two cable car lines, will be open throughout the season. Developers plan to add several hotel complexes providing 180 beds to the resort in time for winter. Thus, the resort will operate six 3-star and 4-star hotels offering a total of 380 beds—comprising capsule-style units, cottages, and standard rooms—along with three restaurants (located at the information office, the resort’s upper station, and the Astrobase village), as well as cafés and food trucks.

"By winter, we will add features to the resort that make a visit to Mamison more comfortable and engaging. For instance, the operations team is preparing several connectors between runs: a 1.5-kilometer bypass for the flattest section of the long green run—something snowboarders have been eagerly awaiting—as well as two short bypasses on the blue run designed to maintain momentum. For families with children, we are building a tubing hill with two 85-meter lanes, located at the base station near the gondola garage. A new exhibit playing on Mamison’s 'windy' character will also be added to the resort's exhibition space. Additionally, we have decided to designate only one peak season—the New Year holidays; at all other times, ski pass prices will remain at the base rate or feature promotional pricing," said Olga Kravchenko.

The Veduchi resort offers year-round riding on all-season ski and tubing slopes. Once snow cover is established, beginner and children's ski slopes are traditionally added to the mix. Cable car rides and children's go-karting are also available year-round. A restaurant and café are in operation, and accommodation options include a 3-star hotel and private cottages.

The core infrastructure for the new ski zone at Veduchi is largely complete: 18 out of 20 facilities have already been commissioned. The full launch of the northern slope depends on two key projects: the massive VL-1 cable car and the artificial snowmaking system. The snowmaking system is scheduled to launch before the end of the year (it is 95% ready), while the cable car is slated for 2027.

An exhibition dedicated to the Soviet legacy of Mount Elbrus is opening in Moscow.

On October 14, the "Sistema" Gallery will unveil an exhibition dedicated to the heritage of this legendary resort in Kabardino-Balkaria and the Baksan Gorge. The project was initiated by Kavkaz.RF with the support of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development and the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Curator Yulia Senina assembles a picture of the Elbrus region in the 1960s and 70s—much like a Soviet mosaic—where physicists attempting to detect the mysterious neutrino particle stand alongside experimental architects, mountaineers and skiers in *bolonya* (nylon) gear, and tourists awaiting the opening of new hotels.

Titled "Infrastructure of Expectation," the exhibition pays homage to the spirit of that era. On Elbrus, everyone looks toward the future with anticipation: physicists await the rare event of detecting an almost elusive particle; mountaineers hope for good weather; and architects and engineers look forward to the realization of futuristic projects. Vladimir Vysotsky has already starred here in the film *Vertical*, and the entire country is singing "Skalolazka" (The Rock Climber) and "If a Friend Suddenly Turns Out..." During the exhibition's preparation, a 1978 newsreel documenting the creation of the underground laboratory was discovered at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory and digitized; it will be shown to the public for the first time.

"For most tourists, Elbrus is primarily associated with mountaineering and skiing. Yet, it is also a place of scientific discovery, architectural experimentation, and bold engineering projects that shaped the region's visionary character. The exhibition invites viewers to see this heritage as traces of a grand history of exploration—a quest that continues to this day." "We believe that people will view Mount Elbrus with entirely different eyes if they travel to the Caucasus after visiting this exhibition," says Tatiana Baeva, Communications Director at Kavkaz.RF and the project’s visionary.

The exhibition centers on the neutrino—a particle that is notoriously difficult to detect. The quest to find it becomes a metaphor for the human drive toward things that can never be fully grasped: knowledge, discovery, the summit, and ultimately, happiness.

"In the Soviet era, scientific stations, observatories, mountaineering camps, and hotels were built here, transforming the high-altitude landscape into a space for exploration and overcoming challenges. During the Thaw, architects sought a new expressive language—now known as Soviet Modernism—that reflected the age of space exploration and faith in a bright future. The Modernism of the Elbrus region is a distinct regional variant: a unique symbiosis of 'cosmic' architecture, harsh mountain conditions, and the ambition to make the mountains accessible for science, sports, and leisure. Key landmarks include the Itkol Hotel—which marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Elbrus region as a ski resort in the 1960s—the Ai Café, the Cheget Hotel, and Yevgeny Ablin’s stele at the entrance to Tyrnyauz," explains curator Yulia Senina.

Architectural photographer Alexey Naroditsky captured the surviving examples of Soviet Modernism in the Elbrus region, while architectural historian Olga Kazakova prepared research-based descriptions of them. The exhibition team also included photographer Maria Gelman, artist Ekaterina Pugacheva, architect Alexey Snetkov, and producer Maryana Belaya. Artifacts bearing the legacy of hundreds of ascents and dozens of ski seasons are traveling from the Elbrus region to Moscow. Together with photographs, archival materials, and architectural studies, they tell the story of an infrastructure created with an eye toward the future. It was then that the foundations of the modern resort were laid, and the environment established during the Soviet decades continues to shape its development to this day.

The exhibition runs from October 14 to 31 at the Sistema Gallery (4 Bobrov Lane, Building 4). Opening hours are 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Guided sessions with the creators are scheduled for the opening day and weekends. You can follow the project via the "Elbrus: Archive of Altitude" VK community (@elbrus_archive).

In November, "Infrastructure of Expectation" will move to Nalchik, where it will be displayed at the Pavilion of Contemporary Art in the 100th Anniversary of the KBR Park. In December, it will be exhibited at the Soviet-era Itkol Sanatorium near Mount Elbrus.

Photo: Alexey Naroditsky

Kavkaz.RF is implementing 28 investment projects in Karachay-Cherkessia.

A meeting between Rashid Temrezov, Head of the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, and Andrey Yumshanov, CEO of Kavkaz.RF, took place in Cherkessk.

The parties discussed the implementation of investment projects in the republic with the support of the development institute. These projects total 28 projects with a total investment of over 6 billion rubles, half of which are funded by Kavkaz.RF.

Important areas of mutual cooperation include tourism development and the agro-industrial complex. Kavkaz.RF continues its collaboration with the anchor investor of the Arkhyz resort. Currently, construction of a new ski area on the southern slope of the resort is underway with the expert support of the development institute.

The project includes six domestically produced cable cars (three gondolas and three chairlifts) over 10 km long, as well as 30 km of pistes. The entire construction project is divided into two phases: 10 km of slopes and two cable cars will be built in the first phase, and 20 km of slopes and four cable cars in the second phase.

Currently, work is underway on 44 supports for five cable cars, ski slopes, hydraulic structures, and engineering protection facilities. The planned commissioning is 2030.

Another major new project is the establishment of an orchard and the construction of a wholesale distribution center by Arkhyz-FruitLogistics. The projected production capacity is 10,000 tons of apples per year. To date, 787 million rubles have been financed by Kavkaz.RF. This represents 80% of the concessional loan received by the investor.

Mandatory certification of cable cars will be one of the main topics of the Tourism Territories Forum.

The public discussion is being initiated by the Kavkaz.RF Development Institute, a pioneer in introducing domestic developments into the ski industry. The forum will be held in Moscow on October 28 and 29 at VDNKh in the new Pavilion No. 20 of VDNKh EXPO.

The FTT has historically brought together ski resort executives from across the country in anticipation of the new season. The most pressing industry challenges, from import substitution to crisis management, are being discussed.

A significant innovation for the industry in 2026 is the mandatory certification system for passenger cable car equipment: from September 1, 2026, a GOST certificate of conformity will be required for clamps, cabins and chairs, suspensions, pulleys, tensioners, brakes, and roller balancers.

An independent certification body was established in the summer. Equipment testing is conducted by the accredited laboratory "Center for Testing Ropeway and Transport Systems."

Kavkaz.RF will bring together the entire expert community at its booth and in a separate session, so resort managers planning to purchase new equipment can get answers to their questions and information on certification deadlines and mechanics.

The forum program also includes a trip to the Ropeway Certification Center and the Ruslet plant in the Tver Region.

The forum program also includes discussions on resort management, instructor regulation, the role of attractions in tourist areas, industry support measures and opportunities for investors, and the development of event-based and rural tourism. The forum will also feature the SKI BUSINESS AWARDS ceremony.

Kavkaz.RF supported 10 projects by young entrepreneurs to develop the Mamison resort.

Mamison hosted an intensive educational program for young entrepreneurs, "Potential of the Regions. The Economy of Attraction." Organized by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) and the Kavkaz.RF development institute, the event brought together 100 students from universities and colleges in North Ossetia, 50 young entrepreneurs from across Russia, and 20 experts in business, marketing, PR, and tourism.

The program was fully immersive: from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., participants learned about the resort's infrastructure, received training, and prepared to defend their projects aimed at developing tourism in the ski resorts of the North Caucasus.

During the intensive program, participants studied the history and development prospects of the special economic zone. Khasan Bostanov, Operations Manager of the Mamison Resort, and Alexey Elin, Advisor to the General Director of Kavkaz.RF, spoke about the construction and opportunities for residents. They also served as experts and advised the participants during project preparation.

The excursion program for entrepreneurs included a cable car ride to an altitude of 2,950 meters and a tour of the infrastructure and facilities of existing residents.

Particular attention was paid to the region's human resources potential. Svetlana Kulova, Head of HR at Kavkaz.RF, discussed job openings with the students. The future specialists were assigned to resident locations: the Alfredo (Mercada Group) restaurant, Grand Galaba, the Bayray Mamison eco-village, and the Rox Alania project, which is currently under construction. The students visited production facilities, learned about current job openings, and the most adventurous ones were interviewed by potential employers.

"Kavkaz.RF is ready to offer college and university students practical training and internships at the Mamison, Veduchi, and Elbrus resorts, as well as with our resident companies. We also offer targeted training tailored to specific employers, participation in Kavkaz.RF project-based intensives, feedback through the career portal and fairs held by our Association for the Development of Human Resources of the North Caucasus Federal District, and, for those in technical fields, a pathway to rare mountain specialties," said Svetlana Kulova.

Following the four days of work, the projects were presented. The organizers and partners of the intensive supported the best ideas. Kavkaz.RF presented certificates and gifts to the authors of three projects. Among them were Olga Ladina with her laser show project "Kavkaz Cosmos," Vera Sysolyatina with her tourist quest "Mountain Code: A Family Adventure," and Nadezhda Solovyova with her macrame installation "Living Code." The entrepreneurial teams will receive assistance in implementing their ideas at the resorts of the North Caucasus Federal District. "There's a common misconception that government agencies are inflexible, heavy-handed, and slow, but our friendship with Rosmolodezh has shattered that stereotype. Just recently, we were discussing the intensive program at the idea level, and today, young entrepreneurs from Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Vladikavkaz, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, and other Russian cities gathered at Mamison. They created 50 great projects, and almost half of them received support from organizers and partners. We awarded three certificates to the winners, but approved seven more projects. We will continue to work with them individually," said Rustam Tapaev, Deputy General Director of Kavkaz.RF.

A total of 22 projects received support: 10 from Kavkaz.RF, six from Rosmolodezh, three from the government of North Ossetia, and three from Sberbank. The intensive program was titled "Potential of the Regions." The "Attraction Economy" project was implemented within the framework of the all-Russian program for the development of youth entrepreneurship of the national project "Personnel".

The Kavkaz.RF resorts invite you to hikes for World Tourism Day.

On September 26 and 27, Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi will host the "Trekking Weekend" event—organized hikes along eco-trails. As usual, experienced guides and photographers will accompany guests on the routes, and the hikes and cable car rides are free for all registered participants.

Starting at 10:00 AM, guests will gather at the resorts' main squares and be assigned to groups. Guests can choose their own route, and guides will help them choose a trail based on their level. Each participant will receive a snack. The trails will begin at 10:30 AM.

On Saturday, guests at the Elbrus resort in Kabardino-Balkaria will hike the Azau-Cheget route, the Garabashi Gorge, and the Victory Trail. The first two trails run along mountain rivers and are suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. They can be completed in 2–2.5 hours.

The "Victory Trail" introduces the history of the defense of the Elbrus region. This is a moderately difficult route: special footwear and sportswear are required—almost seven kilometers of the trail lie at altitudes between 3,000 and 3,500 meters; organizers estimate the route will take 3–4 hours.

On Sunday, groups will embark on moderately difficult trails. The six-hour trek through a pine forest to the "Maiden Braids" waterfall along the Garabashi River will take them: the highest point of the route is the Terskol Peak Observatory (3,127 meters). The "To Elbrus Lake" trail, at an altitude of 3,550 meters, can be completed in three hours, offering views of glaciers and waterfalls along the way.

At Mamison in North Ossetia, hikes start at an altitude of 2,950 meters, from the resort's upper station, along the "Peak 2727" and "Mamihdon" trails. The first trail is 3.8 kilometers along the ridge with an elevation gain of 240 meters. The second leads to a tent camp located at an altitude of 2,390 meters. Participants will walk along the bed of the Mamihdon mountain river.

At the Veduchi resort in Chechnya, three trails are participating in the hike. The "Health Trail" is an hour-long trek suitable for beginners and leads to Volchya Polyana with panoramic views of the Daneduk Ridge and the villages of Veduchi, Itum-Kali, and Tazbichi. In two hours, participants will complete the easy "To the Stone Meadow" route through a hazelnut grove and along rhododendron thickets. For those who enjoy long walks, there's the three-hour "To the Omichu Tract" hike: the trail follows the Khacharoyakh River valley and ascends a wooded mountain slope.

All routes end at the meeting point. A musical program awaits guests upon their return.

Kavkaz.RF, the North Caucasus Development Institute and the management company of the Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi mountain resorts, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, has laid out and developed over 250 kilometers of eco-trails in the North Caucasus. The trails are part of the large-scale "National Caucasus Trail" project, which will connect the region with a network of eco-trails totaling nearly 2,500 kilometers—from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea. For convenient and safe navigation along the trails, the company has launched the "National Caucasus Trail" mobile app.

Several thousand foreign participants at the Yekaterinburg Youth Festival took a virtual trip to Elbrus.

The "Discover Russia" booth, hosted by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the Center for Strategic Research, and the corporations Kavkaz.RF and Tourism.RF, was open throughout the festival in the "Cultural Code" pavilion next to the Russian literature fair in foreign languages ​​hosted by the Tavrida art cluster. On this 100-square-meter platform, participants learned about Kavkaz.RF resorts, planned trips for the coming season, learned to dance the lezginka, and climbed Elbrus.

The festival featured Russian wrestler Bozigit Islamgereev, sports entrepreneur Vladimir Voloshin, and Rustam Nabiev, the first person in history to climb Everest and Elbrus using only their arms. The Kavkaz.RF team, led by CEO Andrey Yumshanov, also participated in the festival's business program.

The event introduced guests from around the world to the diverse layers of Russian culture, using a wide range of lenses—from scientific to creative, as well as gastronomic, cinematic, and lecture-based.

"For many months, we discussed organizational formats with our partners, developing the most successful examples of how to demonstrate our capabilities to the world. Our President, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, declared 2026 the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. All peoples unite for the common good and goals, based on our 17 spiritual and moral values. These values ​​are shared by the festival participants, and this creates opportunities for development in all areas—science, culture, creativity, creation, and education," noted Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The flavor of the Caucasus was thoroughly represented in the festival program. For example, during a master class on making pelmeni from around the world, chefs from the all-Russian project "Gastronomic Map of Russia" showed guests how to make Chinese jiaozi and wontons, Buryat buuz, Korean pelben, Dagestani kurze, and Mari podkogoli.

Maminat Izieva, a chef from the "Dagestan Lavka" project, presented a Caucasian variation of pelmeni – kurze. According to her, the dish should be shaped like a braid, and fried meat, not raw, is used in its preparation.

The International Youth Festival, which is part of the national project "Youth and Children," was held from September 11 to 17, 2026, in Yekaterinburg. The decree establishing the festival was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 29, 2025. The festival is held under the motto "Follow Your Dream."

Ten thousand young leaders from 191 countries participated in the 2026 IFF, including five thousand Russians and five thousand foreign nationals. The Caucasus.RF Development Institute presented the regions and tourist destinations of the North Caucasus Federal District to festival guests.

Kavkaz.RF will represent the North Caucasian Federal District at the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg.

At the Russian Ministry of Economic Development’s unified "Discover Russia" stand, festival guests will be able to take a virtual trip to Mount Elbrus, learn a Caucasian dance, and explore the textures and motifs of the country’s most hospitable macro-region.

Kavkaz.RF staff will be on hand at the stand throughout the festival to conduct immersive tours of the Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi mountain resorts. Modern technology will play a key role: a virtual immersion experience is planned for the "red" run at Elbrus—the country's highest-altitude ski resort. Visitors will also be able to stroll along a popular eco-trail beside the Baksan mountain river and take a cable car ride to an altitude of 3,847 meters above sea level.

To engage the young audience, Kavkaz.RF has prepared two interactive activities: North Caucasian folk dances and a tactile panel featuring various textures. During a short dance sequence, a neural network overlays traditional costume elements onto the participant's image and applies a cinematic visual effect. The program allows users to choose from the costumes of the various peoples inhabiting the North Caucasus. Visitors leave with a short, stylized video clip that they can share on social media.

The tactile panel continues the company's exhibition experiments from other venues. Here, visitors can touch sand from the Caspian resort currently under construction, mosses and lichens from Mamison, and sheep's wool—a product made in virtually every mountain village.

"It is important for us to tell the story of our beloved North Caucasus through emotions and images that resonate with people all over the world; there will be many international guests at the festival, with 191 countries confirming their participation." "We deliberately integrated the North Caucasian Federal District into the Russian Ministry of Economic Development’s large stand dedicated to tourism as a whole. We believe that the regions do not compete with one another but rather reinforce the image of our country as a multifaceted and diverse territory. It is significant that the entire space is titled ‘Cultural Code’—a concept we focus on heavily when developing the vision for each new resort," said Rustam Tapaev, Deputy General Director of Kavkaz.RF.

The "Discover Russia" stand will be located in Pavilion 2 of the Yekaterinburg-Expo exhibition center. Sharing the "Cultural Code" space will be the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Znanie Society, the Museum of Contemporary History of Russia, the House of Peoples of Russia, and the Russia National Center.

The International Youth Festival will take place in Yekaterinburg from September 11 to 17. As part of the interregional program’s off-site component, participants can visit nine regions of the country—including Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia—as well as the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Kavkaz.RF promotes import substitution and entrepreneurship development in the North Caucasus Federal District.

Kavkaz.RF assisted the developer Domelitstroy (Chechen Republic) in selecting a supplier of rare white cement for fiber-reinforced concrete production—the material was found in Dagestan. The building material will be used in the construction of the "House of Writers" residential complex in Grozny. The complex's buildings will be named after Chechen authors Abuzar Aidamirov, Magomet Mamakayev, and Raisa Akhmatova.

According to Olga Kolomoitseva, Director of the Department of Investment and Support for the Implementation of State Programs at Kavkaz.RF, the organization systematically assists North Caucasus Federal District companies in finding reliable suppliers and contractors, with a focus on import substitution and the use of local products. To date, support has been provided to 11 companies from the Republic of Ingushetia, the Chechen Republic, and Stavropol Krai, including producers of flour, mineral water, radiators, and workwear.

Non-financial support measures provided free of charge include: procurement, assistance with marketplace access, obtaining "Products of the Caucasus" certificates, and assistance in obtaining federal and regional support programs.

Slavyanovskaya mineral water has received the "Product of the Caucasus" quality seal.

Slavyanovskaya medicinal mineral water from Kavminkurortresursy has joined the list of certified products in the North Caucasus Federal District: it is the 91st product to receive the "Product of the Caucasus" certificate from Kavkaz.RF and Roskachestvo. For nearly 110 years, Slavyanovskaya has been used in sanatoriums and resorts—it is beneficial for the skin, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.

Products from all regions of the North Caucasus Federal District have received "Product of the Caucasus" certificates. Stavropol Krai remains the leader in the number of quality seals issued, with 37 issued. Kabardino-Balkaria has issued 19 certificates, Dagestan and Ingushetia have each issued 8, Karachay-Cherkessia and North Ossetia have each issued 7, and Chechnya has 5. Recipient products include fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, juices, water, alcoholic beverages, honey, confectionery, baby food, carpets, furniture, and building materials.

"In three years, 'Products of the Caucasus' has become a truly trusted regional brand. We see demand for certification from businesses in the macroregion: we already have 86 certified producers, three of which are receiving quality seals for various products to increase trust," said Andrey Negovora, Director of Investment Project Control and Monitoring at Kavkaz.RF.

The "Products of the Caucasus" voluntary certification system was created by Kavkaz.RF jointly with Roskachestvo in 2023. The certificate increases consumer interest and trust in local products from the North Caucasus Federal District, promoting them in both Russian and international markets. To obtain the certificate, companies and their products undergo a series of regular inspections, ensuring product safety. The "Products of the Caucasus" certificate allows products to obtain the halal and organic labels through a simplified process.

Kavkaz.RF is the unified development institute for the North Caucasus and the management company of the Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi resorts. Under the supervision of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the company builds and develops resorts, manages tourism and recreational special economic zones, creates conditions for business development in the region, and fosters a favorable investment climate. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak oversees the North Caucasus Federal District in the Russian Government.

The Lisri Contemporary Art Festival has opened in Mamison.

For the second time, the mountain resort in North Ossetia has become a creative space at the intersection of contemporary art, nature, and the region's cultural heritage. Boris Dzhanayev, Chairman of the Government of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, attended the opening ceremony.

The festival will run for three days, from August 21 to 23. Events are planned at three venues: the resort's fairground, the upper station of the Zaramag cable car, and the contemporary art gallery in the service center. On the evenings of August 21 and 22, there will be a light and music show against the backdrop of the ancient towers of the village of Lisri. The Ossetian band Ragon Bal will perform, followed by a light show.

The art festival was attended by Boris Dzhanayev, Chairman of the Government of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Oleg Bykadorov, Acting Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, and Archbishop Gerasim of Vladikavkaz and Alania.

Boris Dzhanaev, along with Andrey Yumshanov, CEO of Kavkaz.RF, participated in the opening of two exhibitions. The first was by the master of Russian sculpture, Vladimir Soskiev, whose works adorn the slopes of the Zaramag cable car's upper station and the resort's square. The exhibition, titled "Pilgrim," is dedicated to the artist's journey; all sculptures are accompanied by poems by authors from the Daryal magazine—friends of the festival.

The second exhibition features young artists from across the country, participants in the first art residency at Mamison. All works are inspired by the nature of North Ossetia. For example, Georgy Orlov-Davydovsky presented an acoustic project—the sound of the melting Tsei Glacier—which plays in the gallery instead of musical accompaniment.

"Today's festival is further proof that Mamison has become more than just a tourist destination, but a creative cluster where nature, art, and cultural heritage are harmoniously intertwined." This is something that interests visitors and makes the residents of our republic proud. "Mamison" is a living backdrop for renowned artists from across the country. Their paintings will then travel to other cities and exhibitions. This way, Ossetia will become increasingly known. Contemporary art is already being created here. The festival's rich and innovative program is a true gift to everyone who visits the resort during these days. We see great interest in this format, so, of course, together with Kavkaz.RF, we will continue to develop the creative sector, especially since it, like tourism, is becoming an important part of the region's economy," notes Boris Dzhanayev, Chairman of the Government of North Ossetia.

During the festival, a fair of local crafts and gastronomy will be held in the resort's main square, along with children's master classes and lectures. Experimental electronic ethno music will be played at the top cable car station, and botanist-led tours will be available. Especially for the festival, the team published a botanical guide to the plants of the Mamison Gorge, immersing tourists in the wondrous world of flora.

"Our dream is for Mamison to become a place where creativity blossoms in everyone, be they an accountant, an IT specialist, or an agronomist. To create such an environment, we invited artists—people with a keen sense of this world and the ability to speak the language of sensory experience. But this story is for everyone, especially those tired of their phone or computer screens and wanting to remember what real life and inspiration are," said Andrey Yumshanov, CEO of Kavkaz.RF, after visiting the exhibition.

Kavkaz.RF resorts have launched pre-sales for seasonal ski passes.

Mountain resorts managed by the North Caucasus Development Institute have announced the start of pre-sales. Seasonal ski passes to Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi are available at maximum discounts of up to 40% until the end of August. These ski passes for the resorts' cable cars will be valid for any day of the 2026/2027 ski winter.

The top offer of the month at Elbrus in Kabardino-Balkaria is a seasonal ski pass with a fast track for day and evening skiing at a 35% discount. This August pass for adults will cost 78,000 rubles, while a child's pass will cost 46,800 rubles.

You can also now purchase a season ticket for the resort without additional options—no priority access to the cable cars, and only daytime skiing—for 25% and 30% off their winter season prices. Summer prices are 55,000 rubles and 45,000 rubles, respectively, while children's tickets are 33,000 and 27,000 rubles.

A season ski pass for the Mamison resort in North Ossetia is available for purchase in August with a 25% discount. Until the end of the month, the price for adults will be 30,000 rubles, and for children, 18,000 rubles.

The best deal is valid until the end of summer for a combined ticket for three Kavkaz.RF resorts: a season pass with a fast track, allowing access to Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi on any day of the season, is available at a 40% discount for 90,000 rubles.

The first days of pre-sales are the best time to stock up on seasonal ski passes, which allow you to ski at the lowest price per day all winter long, including New Year's holidays. This year, we highly recommend this combined ski pass for those who are ready to ski frequently, want the freedom to choose resorts based on the weather, and want to be first on the cable cars any day. By purchasing this pass early, the cost per day of skiing is significantly lower than it would be during the season at the resorts. This is especially advantageous because Elbrus has the longest season in the country. "Essentially, you can ski from November to July with a single ski pass," explained Olga Kravchenko, Marketing Director of Kavkaz.RF.

Tickets can be purchased during the pre-sale period only on the resorts' official websites. You can also explore all the available rates there in more detail.

Kavkaz.RF is the unified development institute for the North Caucasus and the management company of the Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi resorts. Under the supervision of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the company builds and develops resorts, manages a tourism and recreational special economic zone, creates conditions for business development in the region, and fosters a favorable investment climate. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak oversees the North Caucasus Federal District in the Russian Government.

Kavkaz.RF has prepared instructions for checking in tourists via MAX.

Kavkaz.RF, as an industry development institute and the first certified industry competence center (ICC) in the real sector of the economy – tourism – has created a ready-made solution and instructions for hoteliers on checking in tourists via the MAX messenger. These materials will help reduce time and standardize the check-in process, reduce staff workload, eliminate errors in manual data entry, and comply with migration registration requirements.

"Our development is aimed at increasing labor efficiency in the tourism industry. With its help, hotels will be able to implement check-in via the national messenger by September, when it will be required by law. By following these recommendations, a hotel can implement this feature within a month on average, and within a few days if they have QR code scanning equipment. "The technology, packaged in an industry-standard, out-of-the-box solution, is available to any industry representative on the Proizvodstvennost.RF website," said Timur Kebekov, Deputy General Director of Kavkaz.RF.

"The check-in process using Digital ID in MAX meets the hotel industry's demand for simple and convenient digital solutions, saving guests and staff time. The prepared instructions help hoteliers quickly and easily implement check-in via MAX, as well as improve the overall efficiency of their accommodations," noted Rustam Khaibullov, Vice President of Strategic Projects at VK.

The advantage of checking in guests via MAX is the automatic completion of registration forms thanks to integration with Gosuslugi. Hotel staff don't need to waste time manually entering information, which helps avoid errors and speed up check-in. The OCC development explains in detail to hoteliers what equipment can be used, how to install it and connect it to the hotel management system, how to train staff to handle check-in via National Messenger, and how to inform guests about this option.

Implementing the solution reduces the operational workload of the hotel's front office by 20% and shortens guest check-in time from eight to two minutes. This increases guest loyalty.

The Proizvodstvennost.rf website also features several standard OCC solutions available to any tourism entrepreneur. They incorporate industry best practices for optimizing check-in, creating tour products, managing booking systems, and organizing cleaning and laundry services in hotels.

Kavkaz.RF has launched a "digital twin" of eco-trails.

A mobile app has been launched that provides navigation and safety for visitors on the mountain trails of the Elbrus, Mamison, and Veduchi resorts, as well as on all the equipped routes of the large-scale National Caucasus Trail project. The new digital app is available for download on the RuStore and App Store platforms.

Developed by the Kavkaz.RF development institute, the app contains all the information that can be useful both when planning hikes in the North Caucasus mountains and while actually traversing the trails. Using your phone, you can select a suitable route based on its difficulty and length, explore information about natural and historical monuments, explore views along the way, find key points along the trail, and mark difficult sections. The app also includes information about drinking water sources, alpine camps, and campsites near the routes, as well as find a hotel in a town near the trail. The "Safety" section contains all emergency contacts. During actual hikes, security alerts will be sent to your phone—the app works offline, even with a weak satellite signal.

"Digitalizing trails totaling over 2,500 kilometers is an ambitious project, unique in the world. We have now described and converted over 250 kilometers of trails into an online format. Our plan is to digitize all the routes along the main tourist artery of the North Caucasus, which will eventually connect the Black and Caspian Seas, allowing tourists to travel this route safely and comfortably, with all the necessary information on their smartphones," said Rustam Tapayev, Deputy General Director of Kavkaz.RF.

In total, the Kavkaz.RF development institute, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, has already laid out and developed over 250 kilometers of hiking trails in several republics of the North Caucasus. 112 kilometers of trails have been laid across the Elbrus region in Kabardino-Balkaria, 110 kilometers link the main resorts of the Chechen Republic—Veduchi and Kezenoy-Am—and 33 kilometers of scenic routes have been established near the new Mamison resort in North Ossetia. The digitalized routes include radial sections for light day trips with a return to the starting point, as well as treks that pass through resorts, national parks, and nature reserves.

All these trails are part of the large-scale National Caucasus Trail project, which will eventually connect the region with a network of eco-trails totaling almost 2,500 kilometers.

Since 2023, Kavkaz.RF has installed over 2,300 navigation signs and information boards along eco-routes. The trails are equipped with fences, metal cables, steles, benches, rest areas, photo zones, and observation platforms.