Mount Smirnov (2,519 m) rises above the valley of the Arkhyz River and the village of Upper Arkhyz, where the lower stations of the ski lifts are located. In winter, they climb the slopes of the mountains for skiing. In summer, you can climb up here to take the easiest walk, which will allow you to admire the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
To climb the slope of Mount Smirnov, you need to take the Northern Lights ski lift and climb to a height of 2339 meters. From the upper station there is a path to Mount Smirnova. It goes with a small climb of 180 meters, so the walk is not difficult even for children.
The top of Mount Smirnova is not of any interest. It`s just an viewing point. It offers a very beautiful view of the Abishira-Akhuba mountain range, towering over the village of Arkhyz. The highest mountains of Arkhyz are visible in the distance: Pshish (3790 m) and Sofia (3637 m).
If you have a wish to walk through the pine forest, then from Mount Smirnov you can walk down to the village. The distance from the top of Mount Smirnov to the Taulu Glade or to the Vertical Hotel, where there is a bridge over the Arkhyz River, is 7 kilometers. The height reduction will be from 2519 m to 1558 m, that is, you should be prepared for quite significant physical exertion.
If there is no desire to go down to the village on foot, then after walking around the observation deck on Mount Smirnov, you need to go back to the ski lift station. Here you can climb even higher or go down to the Upper Arkhyz village. You should remember that the ski lifts in Arkhyz work until 16.30 in summer. If you are not on time, you will have to go down on foot.
