On December 12-13, in Altai region the celebration "Altai wintering", dedicated to the arrival of swans and the opening of winter tourist season will take place.

"Altai wintering" will be held at several places: in the city of Barnaul, at the resort city of federal level Belokuriha, tourist and entertainment complex "Siberian farmstead" and on the lake Lebedinoye at the territory of the swan reserve to where whooper swans arrive to spend winter.

It is expected that the celebration will bring together more than 5,000 visitors, among them some 250 experts.

The event programme features scientific and practical conference "The use of the potential of specially protected areas for the development of eco-tourism", excursions to the place where swans are wintering, ethnographic activities by groups of Kumandin people – the "people of the Swan".

The photo exhibition "The Wildlife of Altai" will be opened. Exhibitions and fairs of handicrafts, health, beauty and eco-friendly products will operate, one may see ice scupltures, too.

The championship of Altai region in riding sports will take place, as well as team relay in Nordic skiing, race at quad bikes and snowmobiles, demonstration shows of Alpine skiers, competition in sports ballroom dances, "The White ball".

More detailed information on the celebration and its sites including the programme of activities is available at www.expo.visitaltai.info