We just hope that people will come and see what's here, and not be afraid to explore the wilderness outside the cities. Indeed, Apatity, the Kola Peninsula's second-largest city, founded as a geological studies center in 1966 on the site of a former gulag, isn't very attractive to those outside scientific circles. But it's an excellent jump-off point for hiking, climbing and skiing expeditions in the nearby Khibiny mountains, and for hunting trips. Apatity is also a cultural center for arts and crafts. It's privately owned by, and shows and sells the work of, more than 200 Kola Peninsula artists.
Prices are low, and the management can arrange for customs papers to get the merchandise out.
And musicians and music lovers from all over the region gather for the free bi-weekly concerts and recitals held here. The city hosts the annual All-Europe Downhill Freestyle Competition. The center is tiny and easy to navigate, and all the skiing takes place near Kirovsk-25. The slopes may look easy but those mountains sure are steep. There are eight trails, as well as a children's trail and lift.