The city of Baikalsk is located in the Irkutsk Region, 150 km from Irkutsk, on the southwestern coast of Lake Baikal. In 1961, the construction of the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill began here, during which a working settlement was formed. The plant was launched in 1966, in the same year the village of Baikalsk was given the status of a city. Today, the Baikal plant is considered the main polluter of the waters of Lake Baikal, which is why many environmental protection societies are fighting for its closure.
According to CANCERMATTERS, Baikalsk stands at the foot of the Khamar-Daban ridge. The most popular ski resort of Lake Baikal is located in its vicinity. In the early 90s of the 20th century, a ski base was built near Sobolinaya Mountain, which was called Sobolinaya Mountain.. Over time, it turned into a whole ski complex. One of the advantages of the resort is its climate. Compared to other areas of Khamar-Daban and the inland regions of Transbaikalia, the climate here is mild. In winter, daytime temperatures rarely drop below -10 degrees. Also in the immediate vicinity of the resort are Lake Baikal, which is one of the main natural attractions of Russia, and many mountain ranges with nature protection zones where you can do ecotourism.
The ski season on Mount Sobolina lasts from November to May. The resort has 10 slopes with a total length of 15 km. The maximum elevation difference within the resort is 490 m. For beginner skiers, the slopes of learning (160 m gentle slope with variable speed lifts), Bounty (wide slope with a slight slope 1145 m long) and East (not very steep slope) are suitable for skiers. 2170 m long, ending in a flat area). Tourists with an average level of training can be advised on the trails – Lesovozka (a 1100 m long track with a sharp long descent, a slope of 34 degrees), Zapadnaya (a 1970 m long track, which is divided into two descents that merge into a single loop at the bottom), and Pologaya (the most popular track with breathtaking views of Lake Baikal). Thrill-seekers will love the Mogul freeride track, which is not processed by snowcats (length 1500 m), a narrow track with difficult terrain West Ridge (length 1540 m), a slalom slope with a slope of 50 degrees and a length of only 500 m, as well as a track Park for extreme sports with a steep descent, where “kickers” are installed “for jumpers. Tourists are transported to the slopes by 6 tow ropeways and 2 ski lifts for beginners. Not far from Sobolinaya Gora, cross-country skiing trails with a length of 5 and 10 km are laid, there is a biathlon shooting range. On weekends, the ski complex is crowded, because many tourists flock here from all nearby regions. The resort has equipment rentals, several hotels, dispensary, restaurants and bars, left-luggage office and paid parking.
From Baikalsk, you can go on an excursion along the Khamar-Daban ridge, in the eastern part of which, on the territory of the Republic of Buryatia, the Baikal State Natural Biosphere Reserve is located.
