Heliski in Kamchatka

The hotel is located 35 kilometers from the airport of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. It is 30 minutes by car. In good weather, along the road you can see six volcanoes — Avachinsky, Arik, Aag, Koryaksky, Kozelsky. Because of the proximity to the city, the locals call them “home” volcanoes.

Two guest houses of the hotel are located on the shores of Lake Mikizha, surrounded by Kamchatka stone birches. Each house has four double rooms with separate toilet and shower. There is a common living room with a seating area and a kitchen with all the necessary equipment. On the terrace there is a swimming pool with thermal water. There is also a barbecue area and a pier on the lake.

The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the heliport. Another 3 minutes takes a helicopter approach. This allows you to quickly select a ski area depending on the forecast and actual weather and snow conditions.

During your stay at the hotel, you will have two general massage sessions and three yoga classes. You can decide when to do yoga or massage. This usually happens on ski days. Yoga classes are held in the morning to warm up before skiing, and massages in the evening — to relax the muscles after descents.

The most accessible and easiest to climb "home" volcano of Kamchatka, height — 2,741 meters. In summer you don't even need any equipment and climbing skills to climb to the top. That is why mass ascents are held on Avachinsky in honor of the local holiday — “Volcano Day”. Residents and guests of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky climb the paved path with their families, including the old people and children.

In winter, it's not so simple — you will need special equipment, ice axes and the ability to use them. In addition, the climb will take at least 8 hours. Therefore, for off-piste skiing it is better to climb to the beginning of the descent by helicopter, so as not to waste time and not to risk. The slopes of Avachinsky hills are excellent for heliski — a slope of 20–35 degrees, the height difference is from 2,000 meters, and the length of the descent is about 7 kilometers.

Avachinsky is one of two active volcanoes of the Avachinsky-Koryakaya Group. The last time it erupted in 1991, but it is active regularly. On the slopes there are many fumaroles — cracks from which hot gas rises. The activity of the volcano is constantly monitored by geologists from the volcanological station located at the foot, in order to note all the changes and keep its activity under control.

Koryaksky is one of the two active volcanoes of the Avachinsky-Koryakskaya Ridge. The highest not only in its group, but in the entire southern part of Kamchatka, the absolute height is 3,456 meters. Koryakskay Hill is located in the center of the ridge. It makes the views of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky so memorable and easily recognizable.

The last time the volcano showed activity in 2008–2009, and the last major eruption was in the middle of the last century. There are lava flows on the slopes, a modern crater is located in the western part of the peak. The slopes are indented with furrows expanding to the foot, and the entire northern side is covered with glaciers and snowfields.

Steep slopes with an angle of inclination of 15–35 degrees make off-piste skiing extreme, and independent climbing without skills and equipment makes it impossible and deadly dangerous. Helicopters allow you to quickly and safely get to hard-to-reach slopes interesting for descent.

A small "home" volcano with a height of 2,190 meters. It borders the Avachinsky-Koryakskaya Ridge on the opposite side from the Aag volcano and is closest to the Pacific coast. Therefore, slopes and peaks offer views of the bays, capes and beaches. Despite the picturesque panoramas and relatively easy climb, it is not as popular among tourists as Koryaksky and Avachinsky.

Kozelsky closely borders the eastern slope of Avachinsky. Unlike its neighbor, the volcano has long been extinct and severely destroyed, and its slopes are dotted with potholes. The snow doesn't melt for a long time on the relatively flat southern slope, which is why people ski and snowboard even in summer, as well as on snowfields, which are much closer to the top.

Kozelsky volcano is known for deposits of carbonado — the most durable and very rare black diamond.

Together with Mutnovsky and Gorely, it forms the southern group of Kamchatka volcanoes. It rises to the southwest of the capital of the Kamchatka Territory, surrounded by the valleys of the Vilyuchi, Paratunka and Bolshaya Sarannaya rivers. Like the volcanoes of the "home" group, it is clearly visible from anywhere in the city.

The absolute height of the volcano is 2,175 meters. Although it has long been extinct, observers periodically record gas and vapor emissions at the top. At the foot of the southeast side there are hot springs, in the lower part of the southwest slope there is a waterfall. Partly Vilyuchinsky is located on the territory of the South Kamchatka Natural Park.

In winter, the volcano is completely covered with snow. In summer, rocky gray ribs interspersed with non-melting white snowfields suitable for off-piste skiing. For freeriders on Vilyuchinsky there are several suitable slopes, mainly on the southwestern and southern slopes. The slope here ranges from 15 to 35 degrees, the length of the longest descent is 6 kilometers.

Mutnovsky is the most accessible, and from this the most popular volcano in the south of Kamchatka. It is located a hundred kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. On the way to Mutnovsky, you can see the Vilyuchinsky Volcano, the Vilyuchinsky Waterfall, the active Gorely Volcano.

The features of the volcano are sulfur fields, soaring fumaroles, mud pots, ice caves and Opasny Waterfall. Around the volcano everything boils, smokes — this is one of the largest geothermal fields in the world.

At the foot of the volcano there is a geothermal power station. Through the wells, the station receives heat, which is converted into 62 MW of electricity. It covers 20% of the needs of the peninsula.

The capital of the Kamchatka Territory stands on the shore of Avachinskaya Bay, in the southeast of the peninsula, surrounded by the ocean, hills and volcanoes. This is one of the oldest cities in the Far East — it was founded 96 years later than Okhotsk, the first Russian city in this region. The difference in height in the city is 513 meters. The lack of man-made sights, uneven terrain and undeveloped infrastructure are more than covered by clean air, favorable ecology and nature. The tops of the hills and volcanoes can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, unless, of course, they are hidden by the evening mists.

There are not many tourists in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky — it is too expensive and takes a long time to fly — the fastest flight from Moscow takes 8.5 hours. In addition, the region is practically cut off from the rest of Russia — you can get into the city only by sea and air.

The region is famous for the base of the Pacific Fleet of Russia, active volcanoes, geothermal springs, mountain rivers and lakes. For lovers of extreme sports there are ski resorts and snow-covered slopes of the surrounding volcanoes and hills. Those interested in gastronomic tourism should pay attention to the local cuisine, which is based on fish and seafood. Also, in the region you can try Japanese and Korean dishes, which taste are close to how they are prepared "at home”. Elk and deer meat is a popular delicacy.

It is located in the South-West of Avachinskaya Bay, next to Vilyuchinskaya. From the North and South, it is limited by Capes Razdelny and Krutoy. From the mainland, the river of the same name flows into Zhirovaya. Its wide valley surrounded by narrow mountain ranges passes into the low-lying western shore of the bay - a three-kilometer sandy beach. Waterfalls fall from the rocky southern shore.

Hot springs and fishing attract local people and tourists to Zhirovaya Bay. Fish in the waters is caught so actively that you can often meet fishermen here, even competitions are held.

It is not so easy to get to the bay on the ground, because the road runs through rivers and mountain ranges, but it is not so difficult to get to the shore and the surroundings by helicopter. Before and during the descent to the coast you can admire the mountain, tundra and sea landscapes.

One of the most remote bays in our adventure. It is located 180 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. If we traveled by water, we would spend 6–7 hours only on the road to Listvenichnaya. But by helicopters we can cover it together with others during one day.

Listvenichnaya is famous for its water resources. The spawning river of the same name flows into it. In the valley, through the narrow isthmus from the bay, there is a Lake Listvennichnoe — it is also spawning. Therefore, in summer you can go fishing here. Also, lovers of diving, sea hunting and kayaking come to the bay.

The bay is located between capes Povorotny and Pyramidny. It is bordered by a narrow sandy beach. From the South there are mountain slopes, which have places for off-piste skiing.

The mountain array in the South of the Peninsula, 80 km from the capital of Kamchatka Krai. It belongs to nature monuments of regional significance. On its slopes, there are many local flowers and herbs — orchids, lilies, honeysuckle, juniper, violets.

According to one version, there used to be an ancient volcano. Due to eruptions, it was divided into three peaks, the highest — Vachkazhets — with a height of 1,556 meters. On the top and slopes there are several volcanic circuses, in one of which there is now a glacial lake — Takhkoloch. In another, there is the mountain river of the same name, which descends and flows into the Plotnikova River, simultaneously forming many small waterfalls.

On the peaks of the mountain array and on some slopes, there is snow all year round, which attracts lovers of freeride here.

Conventionally, ski areas are divided into three zones:

The North — five volcanoes, among which there is also an active one — Avachinsky 2,741 meters high. The height of other volcanoes is from 2,100 to 3,450 meters. There are also many unnamed peaks and passes. Heights of landings are 1,700–2,400 meters, the height difference for descent 700–1,500 meters. Mostly descents on wide couloirs and fields.

The South is probably the most diverse region in terms of the number of unique natural sites in the world. There are descents to the Pacific Ocean, to the crater of an active volcano, to thermal springs. Hundreds of options for descents from different peaks, passes and volcanoes — the extinct Vilyuchinsky and the active Mutnovsky and Gorely. Descents from heights up to 2,100 meters, the difference of descent is 700–1,500 meters.

The West is an interesting ski area without volcanoes, but with a varied terrain. There are many slopes with forest skiing.

Each zone is interesting in its own way and reveals Kamchatka from different sides. Which region to fly to, we determine, taking into account the weather forecast, the state of the snow cover, the actual weather and your wishes.

Around the middle of a day of skiing, we choose a place for lunch, which we have prepared in advance in the city. Guides set the table, feed guests and the helicopter crew. The menu usually includes: 

The program includes 8 hours of flight time — this is the time when the helicopter flies. It can be expired in 3–4 days. If the group has used the flight hours included in the program, you can take extra heliski days — $1,200 per person per day. Extra payment for additional flight hours — $450 per person / hour, per-minute billing.

The decision to use extra flight time is made by all members of the group. Refund for “non-used” flight hours — $300 per person / hour, per-minute billing.

The remaining days are needed for rest and in reserve in case of bad weather. If the weather is not for flying, there are alternatives: