The Sports Complex “Raubichi”

A sports complex is a perfect place to spend leisure time with the whole family. For Belarus “Raubichi” is a unique complex that has a worldwide reputation. Along with family recreation, it offers many opportunities for holding mass sporting events including those of international standard.

 The idea of the establishment

When, in 1972, the International Biathlon Federation faced a problem of finding an optimal place for holding the coming World Championship, there were considered a number of variants. It was necessary to find an optimal balance of warm climate and right territory with cross-country terrain. Belarus was chosen, in particular, the forest area near Raubichi village that gave its name to the sports complex located 20 km fr om Minsk.

The area of 50 hectares is rightfully named “Belarusian Switzerland”. The ski trails pass through picturesque forests with a view over the Usyazha River; the complex presents a mini-country wh ere everything can be found. Here there is even a local museum.

The official opening of “Raubichi” was held a few days before the Championship, on 24 January 1974. The construction was carried out rather speedily; however, it has not influenced the quality of the sports complex. The credit for this goes to the project manager – Aladov. There have been held a huge number of international and national competitions on biathlon, skiing, freestyle ski and other sports afterwards. Unsurprisingly, in 1982, “Raubichi” was awarded the prestigious UIPMB Golden Mark. It rewards the creation of maximum comfort conditions for holding sporting event (in this case - biathlon).

Today, the sports complex falls into the higher category of institutions of that type that allows organizing almost any competitions and cup contests there.

The structure of the complex

Over the years of its existence, the complex “Raubichi” has remained virtually unchanged as originally it was provided with the required infrastructure. A lot was constructed: a 20 km ski trail for professional sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts, a biathlon shooting range with 30 targets, a famous K-74 ski jump, a freestyle slope, and an indoor skating rink that has become widely used for holding hockey, speed- skating competitions and other ice sports contests.

The sports complex is famous not only for winter sport activities. Well-equipped gyms, bike rental, tennis courts are at your disposal in summer. If you’d like to relax, you can visit the sauna or the steam bath at the local medical center.

Certainly, due to the relative distance from major towns, there is everything for comfortable accommodation for many people. In particular, there are two hotels and a camp of 16 houses. In your free time, you can visit the local café, the pizzeria or try national dishes of talented cooks at the restaurant. If you wish, the staff can organize recreation for a group of people as there are all facilities for holding buffets and banquets.

The sports complex “Raubichi” is really cross functional, and satisfies the demands of as demanding world-class sportsmen so families with little children.