I was keen to take the train to and from Rosa Khutor so I could explore the area at my pace. After checking the train timings online, I reached the Sochi Railway Station well in time. As is the case with many other cities in Europe, the Sochi Railway Station too is a classic building. But there was disappointment in store. At the ticket counter, I was asked for the original passport. I only had a photocopy but they declined to look at the photocopy. Going back to the hotel to fetch the original passport would have meant missing the train, hence I booked a tour by Bus, courtesy an agent who was hanging around the ticket counter.
The agent knew most foreigners face this problem! The good part was that the agent spoke English but none else did, including the tour guide. But the tour guide was instructed to call the agent if there was any problem.
The bus took the same scenic route towards the airport and took a turn to the mountains near the airport.
Impressive resort
I was quite impressed with the Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort. The base area is located next to Myzmta river at an elevation of little less than 2000 ft. Surrounded by mountains, the area was very lively. Most of the hotels and restaurants are located here. From here, I took the Gondala or the cable car all the way to Rosa summit, situated at an altitude of little over 7500 ft, with 2 halts in between, Level 1 at around 4000 ft and Level 2 around 5000 ft. At each of these levels, I had to change to a different Gondala. The Gondalas climb about 5000 ft in about 45 minutes.
Rosa Khutor base… 
Roza Khutor, view from the top
The views from the Gondala, all the way up and down, was breathtaking. There is nothing much at Level 1, also called the Rosa Khutor Plateau, just a café with rest rooms. The Olympic village, built for 2014 winter Olympics, is located near this level. The Gondalas operate continuously and hence there is no waiting tie at any of the levels. Level 2, the mid mountain area, has only the Gondala changing station and the ride from here to Level 3, the summit is very steep. I could see the skiing slopes and wondered how one can ski down such a steep slope. Possibly, snow covering during winter reduces the steepness.
I thought I had entered a different world when I stepped out of the Gondala at Level 3. There was snow all around and everyone was busy clicking pictures and trying not to slip on the snow that had hardened a bit and hence slippery. The area was not fully barricaded and hence one had to be careful not to venture too close to the edge. But the views were absolutely fabulous. Selfie junkies would loved this place.
