I spent the winter of 2002/2003 in the arctic region in the city of Norilsk - one of the northernmost cities of the world. Temperature in this region can be as low as -56°C (-69°F) with a velocity of wind as high as 138 ft/s. The polar night (the condition in polar areas when the sun does not rise above the horizon for some time) lasts for almost two months.

The area has one of the richest deposits of nickel in the world as well as rich deposits of copper and other nonferrous metals and precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum. In fact, the only reason the city exists is the activities of Norilsk Mining Combine.

During this trip (it is my second visit to the city) I stayed in the city from November 21, 2002 until March 17, 2003 gaining an experience of working and surviving in the arctic environment. Photo gallery.