Russian Elite Flock to Luxury Altai Ski Resort Amid Western Sanctions

The Manzherok ski resort in the Altai region has emerged as a premier destination for sanctioned Russian oligarchs, government officials, business figures, and hackers. Developed by the state-owned Sberbank and envisioned by CEO Herman Gref as the country's most luxurious destination, the complex features 13 guarded villas offering personal security, cars, butlers, and access to imported goods.

Sberbank acquired the unfinished property in 2011 after its previous owner ran into financial difficulties during construction. Initially considered a problematic and illiquid asset, Sberbank CEO Herman Gref attempted to sell the property for years before shifting strategies. Following the onset of the war in Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions, Gref pledged to transform the location into a world-class resort, stating that it would replace European destinations such as Courchevel for Russia's elite.

Internal documents reviewed by Meduza special correspondent Maria Zholobova detailed the prominent guest list frequenting the accommodations. To clear space and modernize the area, local residents in the village of Ozernoye faced ultimatum-style land buyouts under a comprehensive territorial development program permitting seizures for government investment projects. According to independent reports by Novaya Gazeta, local livestock grazing along roads were either impounded or slaughtered to prevent disruptions to the view.

The resort has also hosted high-profile state events, including an international environmental conference attended by prime ministers from several countries. Procurement records reviewed by Meduza indicate that Manzherok spent approximately 440 million rubles on a four-day cultural and entertainment program for the gathering, contracting Norm Production for services.

The high-level visits have caused friction with local residents. In July 2025, Altai traffic police closed the primary local highway, the Chuysky Trakt, for three days to accommodate motorcades transporting Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and government delegations to Mount Sinyukha. The road closure drew public criticism on social media from local residents attempting to navigate the restrictions, prompting temporary pushback from traffic police accounts before comment sections were closed.