The Putorana Plateau (Russian: Плато Путорана) or the Putorana Mountains is a mountainous area in the Russian Federation. It is a large massif or plateau crossed by mountain ranges. The nearest large settlement is Norilsk, where foreign travel is restricted. The city is served by Alykel Airport. The area of the mountains contains some of the largest known nickel deposits in the world. The Putorana region is located above the Arctic Circle. The climate is harsh, sharply continental, with long, cold winters. However, in certain lake valleys, such as Lake Lama, there is a somewhat milder microclimate owing to the protection afforded by neighboring ranges from the northern winds.