The Sbera Manzherok resort in the Altai Republic is moving toward a major expansion, with the ski area planned to grow to 40 kilometers by March 2024, as announced by German Gref, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sberbank. The commitment signals a significant upgrade in capacity and access for visitors, aiming to strengthen the resort’s appeal as a year-round destination.
According to Gref, the resort will reach 40 kilometers of groomed slopes by March 2024. The current footprint stands at 30 kilometers, and two additional chairlifts are slated to begin operation to realize the full 40-kilometer network. The leadership envisions tourist traffic rising substantially, projecting annual visitation to reach about 1.2 million within five years, reflecting an ambitious plan to position Manzherok as a premier skiing and leisure hub in the region.
On the resort’s opening day, December 3, 2023, a 10-kilometer portion of the slopes was already accessible. Further progress is planned, with an additional 30 kilometers slated to become operational following favorable snowfall anticipated in the coming week. This phased approach aims to deliver a robust winter experience while expanding capacity to meet growing demand.
Beyond skiing, Manzherok is prepared to host guests with substantial lodging capacity, capable of accommodating up to 1,200 guests in hotels and up to 6,000 visitors on the slopes at peak times. This readiness underscores the facility’s goal of supporting large, destination-style tourism while maintaining a focus on guest comfort and accessibility.
Gref outlined a broader development strategy for the area, including three new hotels totaling about 1,000 rooms over the next three years. The plan also includes a congress center and an embankment project near Lake Manzherok, designed to create a multi-use complex that blends winter sports with leisure, events, and scenic enjoyment. In addition, a 26-hectare children’s park is planned within the resort’s grounds, reinforcing the site’s appeal for families and longer visits.
Manzherok — the Sberbank resort — sits in the Altai Republic and is positioned as a year-round destination at the base of Malaya Sinyukha mountain, about 30 kilometers from the Gorno-Altaisk airport. The facility has already attracted more than half a million visitors in 2022 alone, highlighting its growing role in regional tourism and its potential to drive economic activity in the surrounding communities. The ongoing development aligns with broader efforts to diversify tourism offerings in southern Siberia, drawing visitors with a combination of motorized snow sports, scenic beauty, and expanded hospitality and event infrastructure. (Source: corporate announcements and regional tourism plans)