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'On the Eve of the First World War, the single Siberian province of Irkutsk was larger than all of India'
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A day at the Siberian beach… in February

By 0 and 0 and 0
27 February 2016

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It's just that the ice crackled underfoot - Baikal is alive, it breathes, and sometimes it seemed that we swing around in its wake.' Picture: I'm Siberian

Our friends at 'I'm Siberian' like to challenge the enduring stereotypes (Western, and Russian, too) about this part of the world and they've done it again with this exhilarating day out at Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world. 

Under the ice, as they play volleyball, and enjoy the deep winter sun, is 20% of the planet's unfrozen freshwater: if it is also fresh romping around on the ice, or sunbathing on the snow, then they don't show it. 

Dressed in sturdy boots and not much else, these ten intrepid Siberians spent five hours on Baikal's thick frozen surface, warmed mainly by cocktails, tea, dancing, and an inevitable bear. 

White sands of Siberia


White sands of Siberia


White sands of Siberia

Dressed in sturdy boots and not much else, these ten intrepid Siberians spent five hours on Baikal's thick frozen surface, warmed mainly by cocktails, tea, dancing, and an inevitable bear. Pictures: Aleksey Lovtsov, I'm Siberian

One of the participants Alena Isaeva, 26, from Ulan-Ude, said: 'It was fun and not cold. It's just that the ice crackled underfoot - Baikal is alive, it breathes, and sometimes it seemed that we swing around in its wake.'

These images highlight something often misunderstood about the Siberian winter. Bright sunny days are frequent even - in fact especially - when the thermometer plunges. And this is a dry cold, with no wind, conditions which help locals enjoy nature even in the fiercest chill.

Mikhail Gubal, the organiser of this event, said: 'Winter vacations can be much brighter than in the summer. Dazzling white sand, beautiful blue waves to the horizon - such amazing views that you will hardly find in summer. 

White sands of Siberia


White sands of Siberia


White sands of Siberia


White sands of Siberia

'Dazzling white sand, beautiful blue waves to the horizon - such amazing views that you will hardly find in summer.' Pictures: Aleksey Lovtsov, I'm Siberian

'That's why you need to enjoy  every moment of the winter, every winter day, and most importantly - to appreciate the places in which we live, and to open them in a new way.'

For anyone wishing to enjoy Baikal's delights, winter or summer, we suggest you fly to Irkutsk or Ulan-Ude, journeys that are likely to be cheaper than you think.

From here you are in striking distance of one of the great sights on our planet. You will find hotels of all categories, and a warm Siberian welcome whatever the time of year. 

Comments (7)

Always admire people who go out and enjoy winter activities
B Sherman, windsor ontario canada
14/03/2016 21:08
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all bikinis and girls worth looking at more than twice only Russian could do that. Thanks for the quality of your articles.
François de la Grange., France.
05/03/2016 14:40
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Funny beach ! But what about the famous Baikal seals , if whole the lake is freeze?? Where do they breath??
Jocelyne, FRANCE
01/03/2016 21:55
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Without a doubt, you folks have some of the most beautiful people on the planet. The photographs of the folks in this article and other articles I have seen in the Siberian Times substantiates what I am saying.
Ozzie Finley, West Virginia, United States of America
01/03/2016 03:22
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Is this really what human progress looks like?
Lazar, Moscow
01/03/2016 01:39
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the black bikini, definitely worth a second look.
Benedikt, Moscow,Russia
28/02/2016 09:12
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I love your adventurous nature and love of nature....:-)!. Winter is indeed a much misunderstood season when people don't know how to embrace the positive aspects of it (bright sun, clear blue ski, sparkling snow, fresh air, outdoor activities that are exhilarating to all of our senses). Thank you as well for the suggestions on when, where and how to visit and maximize the enjoyment of experiencing Siberia.
Pamela Tetarenko, League City, USA
27/02/2016 20:34
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