August 2, 2023// Kovdor, the youngest industrial hub in the Kolar Polar Region, is situated 300 km from Murmansk and 20 km from the Finnish border. The name of the town originates from the Sami word ‘uft’, which means ‘a snake’. Since ancient times, these lands have been home to the ancestors of the indigenous Sámi people.
Kovdor's inception is directly linked to the exploitation of its local iron ore deposit.
Kovdor is a mono-town, with its primary enterprise being the Kovdor Mining and Processing Plant. Kovdor's main attraction is the Vars ski complex. While it cannot rival the Bolshoy Vudyavr resort in Kirovsk, it confidently holds its own niche among the ski resorts of the Kola Polar Region. Constructed in 2009 just a few kilometers from the city, the resort has been evolving annually and now draws both intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders and those new to extreme sports. The complex hosts regional alpine skiing competitions for both adults and children, attracting athletes for training camps and skill level confirmation. Winter enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here: three slopes including a training slope with a dedicated children's lift, three trails of varying difficulty, a rope tow lift, modern equipment rentals, a ski-pass access system, a café and a parking lot. The complex can accommodate 465 people per hour, ensuring no lift queues even during peak season.
The Vars ski complex, situated on the highest hill in the area, is known for its lack of avalanches, making it a safe destination for family vacations. A water source at the base of the mountain enables the use of multiple snow cannons, allowing the ski season to be extended until late April. The main track measures 630 m in length, the forest trail is 1.2 km long, with a height difference of 130 m. The track is equipped with artificial lighting. Vars has become a notable attraction in the district and a popular spot for outdoor activities among locals and city visitors. Each winter, the complex hosts festivities and activities for both adults and children, including the Winter Run extreme race, Bachelor Party at Vars, Hello, Sun, and Tsar of the Mountain, which involves Nordic walking enthusiasts climbing to the top. Each season, the Vars ski complex welcomes over 3.5 thousand visitors.
Those seeking a more relaxed and leisurely experience can visit the Chayka sports complex. Visitors can enjoy ice skating in an indoor rink that protects the ice from weather conditions. During the New Year holidays, guests are welcomed by Santa Claus and Snow Maiden, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and festive music. The rental shop offers skates in a variety of sizes as well as cross-country skis. Near the rink one can find a stadium with a football field with matches held throughout the year, on artificial turf in summer and on snow in winter. The workout area equipped with anti-vandal exercise machines allows for maintaining physical fitness all year round.
The ski stadium features trails of 1, 3 and 5 km in length. There is an additional 2.5 km ski track with artificial lighting, enabling evening skiing.
The Kovdor swimming pool welcomes everyone with five 25-meter lanes filled with pristine water, thanks to a modern filtration and disinfection system. The water temperature is maintained at a comfortable level for all ages, between 24°C–25°C. Those who enjoy outdoor activities can engage in volleyball or mini-football in the sports hall, participate in fitness classes led by an experienced instructor or test their eyesight and steadiness in the 50-meter shooting range.
In a serene and scenic spot on one of the city's most beautiful streets one can find a two-story building of unique architecture, combining an old cottage with a modern extension. This is a local history museum, a regional repository of polar curiosities, preserving the region's history. The museum's collection boasts nearly 7,000 items, including around 4,000 main fund items, about 3,000 scientific auxiliary items, and 288 items from the Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore (temporarily stored).
Nearby the museum, on Konovalov Street, there is a bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union F. F. Konovalov. A memorial complex dedicated to the border guards who fell during World War II is situated in the park area. Nearby one can find the Yakovlev Yak-9D airplane monument, honoring the pilots who defended the Soviet Polar Region. In the city center and in Shumi-town, there are memorials commemorating local soldiers who died while serving their military duty and partisan heroes.
Unique street performances take place in the Kovdor district. On December 22, during the longest and darkest night of the year, Kovdor celebrates the Hyperborean New Year. During the regional Winter Sámi Games festival, Kovdor's residents and visitors compete in winter sports (biathlon, snowshoeing), enjoy dog sledding and listen to authentic Sámi joik (traditional form of song). On City Day, the Bear Festival takes place, setting up an entire Children's Town for both adults and children, featuring attractions, trampolines, velomobiles, sports games, contests, photo workshops, vernissages, art spaces, historical reenactments, and other activities. The festival is organised by the City Council. Near the village of Yonsky, the international Hyperborea festival is held, where attendees can taste Komi-Izhemian fish soup, observe real reindeer and participate in the extreme Euro Challenge race.
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