Enchanting winter scenes from Russia’s largest island - Sakhalin

These wonderful winter scenes are from the Enchanted Forest in the foothills of Pushkinskaya mountain, altitude 1,047 metres, the highest peak in southern Sakhalin, on Russia’s Pacific coastline.

As Denis said: ‘I didn't aim to reach the mountains, my target was the  so-called Enchanted Forest in the foothills of the mountain. 

'This is the highest coniferous forest in Sakhalin, with trees dressed in sparkling fluffy white coats every winter.  

'I had skis on, but to call this a ski-ing trip is a big exaggeration. 

‘The snow is not strong enough to hold you, and underneath there are bushes of cedar birch, so getting there is all about walking on skis, or snow-shoes. 

'The trip there took me about seven hours. 

'I don't use Photoshop, so colours of white and blue you see on my pictures vary in saturation only depending on the position of sun. 

'I don't use Photoshop, so colours of white and blue you see on my pictures vary in saturation only depending on the position of sun'. Pictures here and below: Denis Sergeev

'You can see the puffy clouds on the Sea of Okhotsk down below as you make your way up', Denis said. 

'You are surrounded by marshmallow-looking trees, especially impressive against a backdrop of dark blue sky. 

'The air is amazing. 

‘We are lucky to have snowy and warm winters on the island.

‘When I was in the forest it was only minus 10C.

'Trees looks like stalactites and stalagmites, bending in all directions under weight of snow.' 

'This is not a mass tourism place, so whoever goes to visit the Enchanted Forest should rely on own strength and resilience.

'The area is also avalanche-prone.' 

Happy New New from Sakhalin!

See more of Denis's pictures