tour timing
Heliski in Kamchatka
Kamchatka 51°1701 nl / 156°9443 el
Characteristics of the tour
Time: any dates from February 23 to April 26
Transport: minibus Mercedes Sprinter, MI-8 helicopter
Accommodation: Idealniy Kub Hotel
In 8 days you will have time to:
- go down the slopes of the "home" volcanoes — Aag, Aric, Avachinsky, Koryaksky and Kozelsky
- go down to the ocean coast and have a picnic in the bay
- visit the volcano crater and see the fumarole sites
- try the cuisine of sea delicacies
- swim in the thermal springs
- look from the helicopter at the active volcanoes
- see sea lions, orcas and bears
people
tour price
Kamchatka
Country
Russia
Area
270 000 km2
Highest point
4835 m
ABOUT THE REGION
Russia takes the second place after the USA in the number of active volcanoes. Most of them are 152 volcanoes, concentrated in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. Kamchatka is notable for the fact that volcanoes on its territory are located compactly, for a week you can visit at least ten. The territory of 3.8 million hectares, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
There are about 30 active and 300 extinct volcanoes, 112,000 lakes, 14,000 rivers and unique species of living creatures and plants. Kamchatka is practically untouched by human activity. Due to the inaccessibility and lack of roads, most of the natural objects have been preserved in their original form.
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.
- Two single beds with the possibility of transforming into a double bed
- Bathroom and toilet
- Wardrobe and desk
- Towels, toiletries
- TV
- Phone
- Mini bar
- Kettle and tea accessories
- Hair dryer
- Safe
- Wi-Fi
Aag Volcano
It is included in the group of “home” volcanoes of Kamchatka, which are considered to be the most famous and popular attraction of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. This is an extinct volcano which closes the Avachinsky-Koryakskaya Ridge from the northwest, with a height of 2,310 meters. It has not been active for a long time — it has never erupted in the historic era. Nevertheless, relatively fresh lava traces and side craters are found on the slopes.
The slopes are dotted with glacier and erosion, there are cliffs and deep potholes. Paved trails lead to the top of the volcano — there are no difficult climbing routes, so you can climb on foot. You will need only a good physical shape. However, in order not to lose time and focus on skiing, it is better to get by helicopter before the start of the descent.
Arik Volcano
The second volcano from the northwest of the Avachinsky-Koryakskaya Ridge. In fact, this is not an independent volcano, but a side cone, the second peak of the Aag Hill. Arik is slightly lower than his "elder brother", with a height of 2,166 meters, but just as destroyed by glaciers and erosion.
Like Aag, Arik is popular among off-piste lovers — there are steep slopes and cliffs.
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.
Vilyuchinskaya Bay
The bay cuts deep into the shore of Avachinsky Bay on the eastern coast of Kamchatka. From the mainland, the Vilyucha River flows into it, from the sea at the entrance to the bay there are reefs. They are called Laperouse Stones in honor of the French sailor who visited the peninsula. From the South-West and North-East, Vilyuchinskaya is surrounded by mountains and rocky steep banks. In the lowlands, the coast is covered with white beach sand.
Vilyuchinskaya Bay and the surroundings attract local people and guests of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky with sunsets, nature, views of the volcano of the same name, mountain slopes and the ocean shore. People come here to go diving and catch flounder, herring or halibut.
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.
Falshivaya Bay
A small bay south of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Like many other bays of Kamchatka, the river of the same name flows into the bay. Despite the fact that it is very small, from the sea it seems that it is a vast bay. This effect is created by a wide lowland river valley framed on both sides by steep rocky shores.
Snow-covered slopes that go down to the coast of the bay are suitable for free skiing and snowboarding. During the landing, you can see the mountain slopes and the ocean.
Russkaya Bay
A narrow long deep bay in the southwestern part of Avachinsky Bay — in its structure, it resembles Norwegian fjords. From the water to steep banks, the same picturesque views open, so boat trips to this area are so popular among tourists. People come here by boats, catamarans and kayaks. Although the entrance to the bay from the ocean seems small and almost invisible, even large vessels without problems enter the bay 1.3 km wide, 10 km long and 26 meters deep.
The river of the same name and several streams flow into the bay, and a source of clean drinking water comes out of the mountains, which used to replenish the supplies of ships that entered here.
Tourists come here not only for the views, but also for deep-sea fishing and a rich wildlife. In the waters, on the shores, capes and reefs of the bay, you can see sea lions, cormorants, gulls, brown bears, whales, orcas and other animals. Deep sea fishing also attracts local people and visitors. Flounder, halibut, perch, cod can be caught here.
Traveling to the Russkaya Bay by sea usually takes a whole day. We will get by helicopter much faster. There is snow on the surrounding slopes in some places even in summer, so places for descents can be found easily.
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.
Balaganchik Ridge
The Balaganchik Ridge is quite popular among freeride fans. Locals and tourists come here to ride mainly on snowmobiles. However, not all interesting slopes can be reached by land. Helicopters remove this limitation.
From Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the Balaganchik Ridge is about 70 kilometers. Not far from it there is Tolmachevo Lake and Vilyuchinskaya Sopka, and on the slopes the Karymchina River originates, the valley of which is surrounded by the high rocky peaks of Balaganchik. On the western part of the ridge, the Volcano Bolshaya Ipelka rises, which adds beauty to the local landscapes.
Khalzan Ridge
It is located near the Balaganchik Ridge — from the peaks of one you can admire the slopes of the other. Together with the Bystrinsky Ridge, which includes the Vachkazhets Array, encircles in a semicircle the valley of Lake Nachikinsky, one of the largest high-altitude reservoirs in Kamchatka. Water surface dilutes the harsh mountain landscape.
Snowy areas on the slopes of the ridge are preserved even in summer. So that we can not only admire nature and meet bears that come to the lake for fish, but also go down to the lake valley.
Features are special services that can diversify the journey. Add an individual menu, a test drive of a sports car or a master class on helicopter control. Features make the rest individual.
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:
- Main dish: fish soup, shurpa, seafood soup or chicken broth
- Cutting: red and white fish, cheese and salami
- Delicacies: crab, shrimp, scallop
- Tea, coffee, sweets
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:
- Sled dogs kennel — excursion, horse riding, acquaintance with the ethnics and history of the indigenous peoples of Kamchatka. The time of the visit is 5–6 hours, with a transfer from the hotel and back. The average cost is $125 per person.
- Winter surfing is an incomparable feeling of being in the icy water of the largest body of water on earth — the Pacific Ocean. To keep you warm, you will get wetsuits. The program is suitable for experienced surfers and beginners, there is training. The time of the program is 5–6 hours along with a transfer from the hotel and back. The average cost is $120 per person.
- Ski tour / backcountry — independently climbing to the place of the beginning of the descent. Time 5–6 hours with a transfer from the hotel and back. The average cost is $120 per person.
- Skiing at the ski resort. The cost of transfer and ski-lifts is $35 per person.
- Skidooing — independent riding a mountain snowmobile with a guide. It can be in a format of training or passing a specific route. Time 7–8 hours with a transfer from the hotel and back. The average cost is $550 per person.