'New world record' for glamorous swimwear parade on skis and snowboards: Pictures show 1,835 men, women and children 'smash record' in the Siberian sun.
Smile, you are in Siberia! Picture: Vera Salnitskaya
The event was a highlight of the annual Grelka Fest - all about keeping warm (a 'grelka' is a Russian-style hot water bottle). Maria, 28, Novosibirsk, said: 'It's my second bikini ride and I think everyone should join us and come here. It's like a mini Switzerland, and it's fabulous that living in Siberia, it's just a short drive away.' Kristina, 18, from Kemerovo: 'I love being here. It's April, its sunny and very hot, it's like the air is filled with positive emotions.' Lyuba, 32, from Novokuznetsk, said: 'This is an absolutely fantastic idea, we fully support the organisers of the festival and we hope we've made a record today.' Ksenia, 23, from Barnaul, admitted: 'I even skipped my work to make sure I got here in advance and got a cool number.' Vitaliy, 28, from Novosibirsk came down the mountain with his West Highland White Terrier, Eva. Ivan, 24, from Myski, said: 'It's my 24th birthday. Me and my friends are so happy to be here. We want to get the record and we want to show just what a fun it is to be in Siberia.' Svetlana, 50, from Novokuznetsk, said: 'I love Sheregesh. A week ago I was snowboarding in a carnival costume, today I will be putting my bikini on. It's a great idea and I've been long wanting to take part.' Yuri, 54, from Kaltan, said: 'I am very happy to be here. Last year I watched the ride, and this year I decided to be with others on the hill. It's great here. As my grandson says, 'Grandpa, you are the coolest one because of how well you ski'.
'We want to show what great fun it is to come here, and encourage everyone to join us'. Pictures here & below: Vera Salnitskaya
Sheregesh, in Kemerovo region, is Siberia's most developed downhill skiing resort, located in the Gornaia Shoria region of the Altai mountain range. Originally built as a mining settlement, in Stalinist times there was a local Gulag nearby. Its 12,000 inmates built the local railway line. Now it is better known for winter sports, and superb snow. As http://www.worldsnowboardguide.com stated: 'If you are not a Siberian, you will probably have the only single reason to go to Sheregesh; the local snow, which is unique. Starting from the beginning of November until the beginning of March there's at least 1 metre of high quality snow. The local powder is dry and fast and is considered to be the best snow in Russia'. |