Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Ambassadors of the "Youth of Moscow" project have compiled a list of places in Moscow where sports enthusiasts can exercise even in winter. Guinness World Record holder and International Master of Sports of Russia in freediving, Olga Markina, spoke about the importance of an active lifestyle during the cold season and compiled her top sports spots in the Russian capital.
Advice from a professional athlete
Olga Markina noted Moscow's well-developed infrastructure. Having traveled abroad many times, she noted that other cities should emulate the capital's experience, as Moscow's infrastructure is exceptionally high. She noted that the city's large parks, skating rinks, and well-maintained ski trails are the main reason Muscovites continue to engage in sports during the winter.
In December, Olga spoke at an open dialogue with young Moscow residents at the "Youth of Moscow" multi-format space on Kholodilny Lane. The athlete shared her journey to freediving and advice on choosing a career and overcoming the fear of uncertainty.
The record holder emphasized that the most important thing in exercise is not intensity, but consistency and enjoyment. It's better to choose a form of exercise that brings joy and relaxation rather than chasing results. Then, movement becomes a way of life. Big cities typically lack fresh air. However, Olga Markina found places in Moscow where fresh air is available and where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle.
"I breathe best in the forest. That's why, even in a huge city like Moscow, I choose large parks for walks—Serebryany Bor, Losiny Ostrov, Filevsky Park, or the Botanical Garden. The air there is truly fresh. And any long, active walk, complete with games and interaction with loved ones or pets, is a great way to relieve stress and get the physical exercise our bodies need," Olga shared.
The athlete noted that the Moscow winter is helping her prepare for setting a world record for ice diving on Lake Baikal in March. To toughen up, she douses herself with cold water, takes cold showers, takes frequent walks with her dog, and looks for a place to swim in the winter. Moscow offers all the necessary conditions: there are designated winter swimming areas and specialized clubs.
Students' Choice
The "Youth of Moscow" project ambassadors also confirmed that parks offer plenty of opportunities for exercise. For example, Anastasia Evdokimova, a student at the Moscow City University of Management and the Moscow Government, chose Gorky Park as her favorite, as she offers winter equipment rentals, skiing and skating, and a workout area. She also noted that the best walking routes are in Sokolniki and Izmailovsky Parks, but the most scenic one is in Tsaritsyno Park—a trail running along the palace and ponds.
For running enthusiasts, Anastasia recommends visiting the Luzhniki Olympic Complex and Dynamo Stadium with their rubber tracks, or the central alley in the Muzeon Arts Park, which also has a sports field. Beginner figure skaters can try the skating rink in Gorky Park, which offers private lessons. Furthermore, a new inline skating rink opened this winter at the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve, covering a 1.7-kilometer route.
According to Anastasia, the skating rink in Gorky Park is one of the most romantic, with a festive atmosphere created by the evening lights and music. And the skating rink at the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve isn't just located in a historic location—it offers skating along the picturesque embankment of the Moskva River.
Yegor Kvasnikov, a student at the Academy of the State Fire Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia and an ambassador for the "Youth of Moscow" project, recommends Sokolniki Park for winter sports. The "Led" skating rink is open daily, and speed skating classes are held there on Thursdays from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The park also has three hockey rinks.
Zaryadye Park and the Moskva River embankment are ideal for winter jogging, while two eco-trails on Vorobyovy Gory, approximately 1.5 kilometers long, are ideal for walking. The first route begins at the southern exit of the Vorobyovy Gory metro station, and the second at Andreyevskaya Embankment. Extreme sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Vorobyovy Gory sports complex, which boasts four ski slopes, three ski jumps, a snow park (an area for skiers and snowboarders equipped with special tricks), seven ski lifts, and a ski school. From there, a cable car takes you to the Luzhniki Olympic Complex.
"Luzhniki is one of the largest sports centers in Moscow. Even in winter, you can run on the stadium's indoor tracks, visit fitness clubs, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an ice rink with artificial ice. Thus, the complex combines virtually all types of activities in one place," Yegor emphasized.
Direction Moscow Youth. Sports Provides opportunities for a healthy lifestyle and invites young city residents to competitions in various sports and meetings with famous athletes. Throughout the year, the "University League" sports and intellectual game is held, featuring student teams from Moscow universities. With the support of football clubs, meetings and master classes with famous players, sporting events, and a football league for amateur teams are organized.
Moscow is a city of youth. The capital offers ample opportunities for youth development, creative self-expression, comfortable living, and engaging leisure activities. It boasts a well-developed infrastructure and hosts thousands of events of varying scale and scope.
Even more opportunities for young Muscovites can be found on the portal Youth of Moscow and project pages in social networks.
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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.