The Cold War - Secret #3 (Gold Skull) and Exit from Ice Cavern
After smashing the transparent cavern floor and sliding down to the lower level, as shown in the last section, you'll encounter 3 more spirit warriors (2-4) here, along with the one you met above.
Pay attention and they'll lead you to points of interest. SECRET #3, the gold skull (52), is behind some panes of ice near the middle of the cavern. Shoot the ice to get at it.
When you pick up the skull...
...3 mercenaries (24-26) appear near the end of the ice slide. The spirits will help you fight them. If you want to hang back and let your allies work, there are many places to hide. For example, roll...
...run out of the alcove where the skull was, and head forward and slightly right.
Hop down into the shallow pit...
...and watch the fracas from there. Afterward, if there are any mercenaries left alive, climb out and deal with them.
NOTE: Unlike "The End Doesn't Justify the Means" in Tomb Raider 2, the "Na Zdorovye!" achievement/trophy doesn't require you to keep all the spirit warriors alive. You just can't harm them yourself.
Search among the bodies for shotgun shells, 2 sets of Uzi clips, and a small medi pack (53-56).
In the corner of the cavern near the base of the ice slide there are two square ice windows. Shoot out the one on the right. (The other is unbreakable.)
As you start up this long tunnel, a leopard (27) will charge, but you should have plenty of time to bring it down before it gets to Lara. Just be careful not to shoot any spirit warriors patrolling here by mistake.
If necessary, you can run back out of the tunnel and climb onto the ledge on the left (i.e., left as you run out, right when facing the window from outside).
The big cat can't reach Lara here and she can shoot it when there are no friendly NPCs around.
Continue up the long tunnel to the top. Turn right into a small alcove with ice ladders straight ahead and on the right. Climb the ladder on the right...
...into a small, dark hallway. The door on the left opens as you approach.
It leads back into the CORRUGATED METAL SHACK. (Again, the switch here doesn't seem to do anything.) Exit through the other door.
Cross the pool and climb through the raised opening into the SNOWMOBILE AREA.
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