Sochi, Russia

November – April
(Long weekends available)

From £1800

Heli skiing in Russia may conjure up images of old beaten up military helicopters, bribery and kerosene-drinking pilots and to some extent this is true. But Russia is a big, mountainous country with lots of helicopters. Some of them are well maintained and flown. Some of them are not. We have hooked up with a very reputable company to ensure the former.

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Details:

Why Heliski Here?

• World class heli skiing / snow boarding in exciting and varied terrain
• Excellent tree skiing in well-spaced birch forests
• Travel from Europe is quick, relatively inexpensive and you will not suffer from jet lag
• Option to use local ski resort if weather prevents heli skiing
• Stable snowpack and possibilities to heli ski / heli board steeper terrain
• Cultural experience

Location
The town of Sochi is situated at the foot of Russia's Caucasus range, on the Black Sea. It is one of the main seaside resorts in Russia and the gateway to the ski resort and heli skiing base of Krasnaya Poliana. The Caucasus are an imposing mountain range ideally suited to heli skiing. The entire range is 1,450 km long with altitudes stretching from 0 m at the Black Sea to 5,672m at the top of Mount Elbrus. The development of the ski resort, has made tourism the main industry.

The Heli skiing / Heli boarding
Krasnaya Poliana and its surrounding area are ideally suited for heli skiing. Primarily you will heli ski on non-glacial terrain at elevations between 700 metres and 3,200 metres. A never ending succession of superb, wind sheltered slopes and bowls, magnificent forests of well-spaced silver birches and snow conditions that have not existed in Europe for a long time make Russia an exceptional heli skiing destination with an affordable price tag. Groups consist of up to 10 heli skiers or boarders with a UIAGM certified European guide and a local Russian guide. This allows the flexibility of heli skiing in two smaller groups with one guide, or in one larger group with a lead and a tail guide.

Accommodation and Facilities
Guests have the option of staying in a 4-star hotel or local guesthouse.
The Lazumaya Peak Hotel was built in August 1995 and is situated in the centre of the village at 550m altitude. The 47 bedrooms are equipped with telephone and satellite television. The living rooms, the bar, the indoor heated swimming pool, the sauna, the Turkish baths and the gym are all very well decorated and ensure a very comfortable stay. The buffet meals are served in the hotel restaurant with large bay windows overlooking the surrounding mountains.

The Guest House is the best option is for those wishing to stay in close contact with local people and culture.

Helicopters & Safety
The extremely powerful, Russian built M18 MTV, twin turbine helicopters are used to transport heli skiers and heli boarders to the peaks surrounding Krasnaya Poliana. They are chartered from a private company that follows all international maintenance procedures, and exports outside Russia. The helicopters are particularly well suited to the local heli skiing terrain and are rigorously serviced and maintained according to international maintenance procedures. Both pilots and engineers are highly trained and qualified professionals with a wealth of mountain flying experience. Each group of 10 heli skiers or heli boarders is accompanied by a U.l.A.G.M. certified European guide. All of the guides have a great deal of heli skiing experience and local knowledge, and this is one of the only operations to supply all its guests with avalanche air bags

Price: From £1800

Days off work: 2 - 6

Location:
Krasnaya Poliana, Russia

Nearest Airport:
Sochi (via Moscow)

Option 1 – Week long trip
Six days and seven nights with the M18 Helicopter and groups of up to 12 people.
 

For single occupancy add €60 per night

Included

• Return transfers from Sochi to Krasnaya Poliana.
• 7 nights accommodation (double occupancy) in 4 star hotel or guesthouse.
• All meals.
• 6 days heli skiing /heli boarding including 22 guaranteed drops.
• Service of European UIAGM certified guide and local Russian guide.
• All safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, ABS AIRBAG, shovel and probe.
• Powder skis.

Not Included

• International flight and flight from Moscow to Sochi
• Hotel nights in Moscow
• Heli skiing over the included number of runs (extra runs charged at €85 / run)
• Visas
• Insurance (specifically for heli skiing)
• Drinks

Typical Itinerary (7 day)

Option 2 – Long Weekend

• Three days and four nights with the M18 Helicopter and groups of up to 12 people.
• Arrive Wednesday evening, heli ski from Thursday to Saturday, return on Sunday
• Groups of 12 skiers/borders with 12 guaranteed drops

Included

• Return transfers from Sochi to Krasnaya Poliana.
• 4 nights accommodation (double occupancy) in 4 star hotel or guesthouse.
• All meals.
• 3 days heli skiing /heli boarding including 12 guaranteed drops
• Service of European UIAGM certified guide and local Russian guide
• All safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, ABS AIRBAG, shovel and probe.
• Powder skis.

Not Included

• International flight and flight from Moscow to Sochi
• Hotel nights in Moscow
• Heli skiing over the included number of runs (extra runs charged at €85 / run)
• Visas
• Insurance (specifically for heli skiing)
• Drinks

Option 3  - Private Trips
A Star or Bell 407 Heliscopter – Groups of 5 people

Included

• Return transfers from Sochi to Krasnaya Poliana.
• 7 nights accommodation (double occupancy) in 4 star hotel or guesthouse.
• All meals.
• 6 days heli skiing /heli boarding including 30 guaranteed drops, equivalent of 30,000 metres
• Service of European UIAGM certified guide.
• All safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, ABS AIRBAG, shovel and probe.
• Powder skis.

Not Included

• International flight and flight from Moscow to Sochi
• Hotel nights in Moscow
• Heli skiing over the included number of runs (extra runs charged at €75 / run)
• Visas
• Insurance (specifically for heli skiing)
• Drinks

For more information and to get a quote on a package, please email info@20days.co.uk or call Verity on 07968 478782