Skip to content

Latvian Ski Slope Gearing Up for Winter Kickoff

Ski resorts across the country are gearing up for the upcoming winter season, anticipated to kick off around the holiday season, closer to Christmas. Meteorological predictions hint at their imminent opening to tourists. The pricing structure is set to resemble last year's, with the usual cost...

Ski slopes in Latvia gear up for the forthcoming winter season
Ski slopes in Latvia gear up for the forthcoming winter season

Latvian Ski Slope Gearing Up for Winter Kickoff

In the heart of Eastern Europe, Latvia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, particularly from Estonia, England, and southern France. The allure of attractive ski conditions, combined with potentially more affordable and less crowded alternatives compared to traditional Alpine resorts, is drawing more tourists to Latvian ski resorts.

One such resort is the Zagarkalns Ski Center, which, despite the lower yield of snow at current temperatures, is working diligently to open its slopes. The center is currently producing artificial snow to ensure a winter wonderland for its visitors. The minimum temperature for producing snow at Zagarkalns is around -3 to -4 degrees.

Meanwhile, the ski slope "Briežkalns" in Ērgļi opened its season earlier than other slopes, thanks in part to enthusiasm and a lower temperature. Andris Stradiņš, the owner of the ski complex "Briežkalns", is delighted to welcome skiers and snowboarders. Currently, "Briežkalns" is only operating on weekends, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Riekstukalns and Ozolkalns are two other ski slopes that share similar turnover figures with Zagarkalns. However, the ski slope Sigulda had to close this season, a loss for the winter sports community in Latvia.

Learning the basics of skiing in Latvia is also proving to be a cost-effective option for many tourists. The average price for a two-hour ticket in Latvia is around €20, making it an attractive choice for those looking to master the slopes without breaking the bank.

Building a ski slope is a significant investment, with costs ranging approximately between 2000-3000 euros, including electricity, staff wages, and other expenses. Electricity, in fact, is the most expensive cost for ski slope owners, making this winter an expensive one due to high electricity costs.

Despite these challenges, the number of visitors to ski slopes in Latvia is gradually increasing. Last year, Żagarkalns welcomed around 15,000 people in the high season, generating a turnover of around EUR 350,000 in a good year.

As Latvia continues to improve its ski conditions and attract more tourists, it's clear that the country is becoming a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner looking to hit the slopes, Latvia offers a unique and enjoyable winter sports experience.

Read also:

Latest