Snow, Skates, and Tea: Moscow's Winter Fun
From ice rinks and ski trails to hot tea and games in the snow, Moscow turns winter into an experience worth the trip.
For many travellers, winter in Moscow begins with a simple wish: to see thick, crunchy, and sparkling snow in real life. Here, winter isn’t something to hide from but something to play with. From skating and skiing to fun in the snow followed by some hot tea, we've made a list of the best ways to experience Moscow’s winter outdoors.
Ice Skating: Moscow on Ice
Moscow is packed with ice rinks in neighbourhood parks, as well as at the city's most iconic locations. Some are festive and theatrical, others — sporty and spacious, but all of them invite you to feel the ice beneath your skates and the frost on your cheeks.
You can glide under glowing lights in historic squares, take a beginner lesson if you’ve never skated before, or simply enjoy the vibe: music, decorations, laughter, and that unmistakable winter sparkle. Many rinks are beautifully lit, making them perfect for bright, memorable photos.
A recommended selection of Moscow’s ice rinks is available via our guide.
Cross-Country Skiing in the City
You don’t need to leave Moscow to go skiing. Several large parks offer smooth cross-country ski trails, all with rental options on site — just dress warmly and be ready to move.
In Sokolniki Park, two ski trails offer a gorgeous view of the winter scenery. Beyond skiing, the park is full of life: ice rinks, food stalls with hot beverages, and food on the go to refuel between laps.
VDNH offers four ski tracks set among its grand pavilions and open spaces, combining invigorating exercise with impressive architecture.
At the Palace of Pioneers at Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory), two ski routes let you pair an active outing with a walk to the famous observation deck — or continue your day as you head toward Gorky Park.
Another standout winter location is Luzhniki, where a free biathlon ski trail is open to the public. Designed for both beginners and experienced skiers, the trail allows visitors to hone their technique and boost their endurance or simply enjoy an active winter outing. Alongside casual skiing, visitors can take part in biathlon masterclasses, daily training sessions with professional instructors, and friendly competitions held on a specially designed ski track and shooting range.
Sledding & Tubing: Winter Thrills in Luzhniki
Luzhniki is аlso home to one of Moscow’s most exciting winter attractions: a multi-purpose tubing and sledding hill operating until 2 March 2026. Located in Festival Square, the slope is designed for children and adults alike and becomes especially lively during the winter holidays.
Luzhniki features four separate tracks: one for snowboarding, two for tubing, and a children’s slalom run. At around 7 metres high with approximately 45-degree descents, it delivers just the right balance of speed and fun. This season, a tubing lift makes returning to the top faster and less challenging.
Throughout the day, instructors supervise the area, ensure safety rules are followed, and provide free protective helmets. Nearby, a stall serves hot beverages and light snacks, and it's a perfect place to catch your breath between runs. During the holiday period, the hill also offers playful winter activities such as snow bowling, mini curling, snow darts, and family-friendly competitions.
Snow Games, Sleds, and Hot Tea
Not all winter fun needs equipment or experience. Snowmen appear overnight in parks, snowball fights break out spontaneously, and sleds — traditional or inflatable — turn small hills into playgrounds for all ages, with rentals usually available right next to the slopes. For relaxed winter fun in the city centre, head to Hermitage Garden or Bauman Garden — both are easy to drop into during a walk and perfect for light-hearted snow play and winter photos.
Street stalls and park cafés serve spiced drinks, Moscow's own blend of tea, and simple comfort food, which all make it easier to stay warm during your outdoor adventures. Winter in Moscow is as much about keeping moving as it is about slowing down afterward.
Winter the Russian Way: Play First, Warm Up Later
Winter in Moscow comes with its own set of traditions. Locals lace up skates, hit the ski trails, race downhill on sleds or inflatable tubes, build snowmen, and have fun snowball fights, often without much planning at all. The unspoken rule is simple: move first, warm up later.
And warming up matters. After time in the cold, it’s essential to stop for hot tea: strong, fragrant, often with spices, jam, or honey. Whether it’s from a cosy café, a street stall, or a festival pavilion, tea — especially Moscow's own blend — is an essential part of any winter day in the city.
