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Top five reasons to choose Russia – Skiing in Kamchatka

  • THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE
    Kamchatka is also the most extensively glaciated region of north-eastern Asia, As well as one of the most outstanding volcanic regions in the world.
  • SKI ON A VOLCANO
    There are more than 300 to choose from
  • EXCEPTIONAL SNOW
    One of the snowiest places on earth, skiing all the way up till June
  • SAFETY FIRST
    Skiing in Kamchatka is the oldest company that offer guided backcountry skiing with the most experienced heliski guides
  • UNIQUE KAMCHATKA EXPERIENCE
    Explore the unique flora and fauna, the valley of geysers, i.e hot mineral springs and its rich history and stunning scenery

Skiing in Kamchatka Quick facts

Location:Kamchatka is the peninsula directly North East of Japan and pretty much get the same famous JAPow snow as in north Hokkaido. Kamchatka is a, vast territory with thousands of kilometers of mountain ranges. Our lodge and helipad are situated 30 min heli ride from the main town of Petropavolvsk-Kamchatsky on the pacific coast.There are few flights per day from Moscow to Petropavolvsk-Kamchatsky (PKC). We recommend flights with arrival time around 10 AM. Upon your arrival drive 30 min to the helipad for a 30 min heli transfer to our lodge.On arrival we have a meet and greet the guides, and then have lunch. This is followed by safety briefings then you can relax in the hot springs before dinner.

Mountain Ranges:  Among others the Ganalsky and Sredinny range and Eastern ridgeAverage Snowfall:   Although Kamchatka lies at the similar latitude to Great Britain, cold Arctic winds from Siberia combined with the cold Ohotskoe sea current cover the mountains of peninsula in snow from October to late July. Its colder than Japan but similar type of snowfallRun Length:Our runs are varies depending on the terrain, but general its between 500 to 700 vertical meters with slopes between 25 to 40 degrees. But there are also very advanced steep skiing at 47-48 degreesSki Terrain:Kamchatka has every thing from the famous volcano skiing, which is obviously in alpine terrain.Another type of terrain is the Ganalsky and Sredinny ranges. Mostly sharp peaks with lots of interesting features and steep gnarly lines.At the tree line you find typical Japanese style tree skiing through birch forests. Average Runs per Day:On an average day we ski 10-12 runs. But its very weather dependent, some days mote some days less Grouping:10 persons per one helicopter, that are split up into 5 persons and 1-2 guides depending on terrain.

 

Helicopters Used

We use Mi-8 MTV is 30% more powerful than the Mi-8 T. It has a longer range and higher flight altitude (up to 6000 meters). Last but not least, this machine is way faster in climbing than Mi-8 T, which means you get more skiing with the same flight time, and at the end of the day you’ll notice the difference.

Lodge/Accommodation

While heliskiing in the North Pacific we understand the importance of having a comfortable place to lay your head at night after a long day of skiing or riding. We offer two different locations in Kamchatka to suit your group’s needs. Timonovsky Lodge is our main base of operations. It is reached within a 30-minute helicopter flight, in the heart of Ganalsky Range.Timonovsky LodgeThe Lodge is situated in the picturesque valley of Avacha river, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes of Eastern range.Timonovsky Lodge has a long history, and since the early 1990’s it was a simple mountain hut. A few years ago, it was rebuilt into a modern mountain lodge. The lodge has the highest ecological standards, to minimize disturbing the wilderness. The Lodge is run with modern ecological standards, such as solar energy, and waste-free production.Lodge facilities:

  • Cosy rooms, spacious lounge and restaurant with a mountain view
  • Two types of thermal outdoor pools, one right in front of the lodge and the other a few minutes’ walk away
  • Yoga room
  • Massage room
  • Spa
  • Russian Banya
  • Wifi

Equipment

We recommend that you bring all your own gear. That said, we do have several pairs of powder skis for rent. Contact us for details

Guides and Safety

Professionalism and the highest standard of service, we are proud to maintain the highest standards of safety possible. Each of our Guides is highly experienced, having passed a strict process of education, training and exams. We are working under the standards of ACMG (Association of Canadian Guides), RMGA (Russian Mountain Guide Association and Canadian Avalanche Association.We provide avalanche safety gear: transceiver Pieps DSP, probe, shovel, avalanche backpack Scott AlpRide.

Ability Level

Because of the nature of the backcountry terrain, we ask our guests to meet a certain level of fitness and skiing ability. To join our groups, you should be:- Intermediate or higher level of skiing/boarding, including in deep-snow conditions.- Healthy and in good physical shape.

Season

Skiing in Kamchatka operating season is from March to beginning of June

Down Days

Like anywhere in the world of heliskiing, down days may happen. Because of the nature of our terrain (mostly Alpine) and severity of snow storms in Kamchatka, there is chances of down days, think Alaska.But the good news, according to 10+ years statistics, is that on average we fly 4.5 days out of 6.If down days happen on your week, we have a variety of options to offer to make this time as unforgettable as a heliski day:

  • Skitouring on nearby slopes. A down day often means a powder day, so you get a chance to make powder turns in the trees. We have a range of touring skis and splitboards and offer them free of charge
  • Dog sledging.
  • Snowmobiling – a pleasant few hours riding through a birch forest. If you don’t have any sled riding experience, our guides will help you get started.
  • Cultural experience – museums, ethnography, Kamchatka traditional cuisine cooking class
  • Yoga classes, spa, wellness, massage: Relaxing and revitalizing experiences for your mind and body.

What Your Classic Package Includes

  • 6 days heliskiing.
  • 8 hours of helicopter flight time per 10 persons (two groups by 5 persons).
  • Experienced and internationally certified heliski guides.
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in Timonovsky Heliski Lodge (double occupancy). Single rooms are available at additional cost.
  • Full use of Lodge Spa facilities (massage is an extra surcharge).
  • Daily Yoga class for enthusiasts
  • All meals in Timonovsky Heliski lodge (breakfast, mountain lunch, aprés ski soup and snacks, dinner).
  • All ground transportation.
  • Safety equipment: transceiver, probe, shovel, and avalanche backpack.

 

Not included:

 

  • International and domestic airfares.
  • Travel insurance/travel cancellation insurance.
  • Personal expenses, (massages, lodge shop).
  • Wine and spirits.
  • Activities beside the program.
  • Single rooms.
  • Extra flight hours – 490 Euro per flight hour (in group of 10).

Rates

Check the price list here.