Highland Abkhazia Heliskiing Week Package
Heliskiing Powder Tour in the Western Caucasus
Overview
Located just east of Sochi, mountainous Abkhazia is one of the best places for heliskiing in Europe: a huge territory, varied terrain & great snow! Here you will find everything from wide, endless powder fields to excellent tree skiing or steep narrow couloirs. Over 5 heliskiing days you will explore the amazing untouched mountains of the western Caucasus, flying directly from your 4-star hotel in its 'sub-tropical' coastal location!
Ski Terrain & Vertical
The skiing area includes the Tele-Bashe ridge, Mt Ah-Ag & Mt Arabica. These ridges & peaks are nearest to the Black Sea so receive the greatest amount of precipitation (snow!) to provide the best powder ski opportunities. During this program there are five hours of flying time. Under normal conditions there are two – three full days of skiing and approximately 20 unforgettable runs. Average vertical drop on the tour for a single descent is about 800m but runs vary from 600m to 1,400m vertical. The number of runs per day is between 7-15 runs, but depends on the group and weather conditions. The helicopter usually lands at an altitude of 2200 to 3,000m & picks up at 1,300-1,800m altitude for super, high-alpine & forest skiing. For more info see the Itinerary Tab.
Location & Transfers
The hotel & helipad are in Abkhazia, a 10-minute drive from the Russian border. Abkhazia is an autonomous territory, between Russia & Georgia. You will be greeted upon arrival in Sochi (Adler) & all ground transport (including transfers from Sochi-Adler (AER) airport) are included in the tour. The drive to the hotel in neighbouring Abkhazia is 30min from Adler. All guests will need the appropriate visa documentation with them (see important note below). Sochi Heliski will assist with the preparation of the appropriate documents prior to arrival. For more info see the Itinerary Tab. For information on the best ways to get to Sochi, see our Travel to Russia page.
Accommodation
Stay six nights in the 4-star Abaata hotel on the Black Sea coast in Abkhazia. For more information on accommodation & meals, see the Lodging Tab.
Helicopter & Guides
The helicopter is a 6-seat Eurocopter AS-350B3, manufactured in 2013 with very good mountain pilot. The helicopter operates with standard package groups of 4 guests & 1 guide. One helicopter will simultaneously serve two guided standard package groups. Private groups will have their own helicopter. All guides are certified RMGA ski guides with heliski experience since 2007 or UIFGM guides.
Heli time calculation: per minute, the time is calculated from the beginning of the blades rotation and stops with its stop.
The Week Package includes 5hr of flight time, but extra flight hours (or refund for unused runs) can be included from an additional €2500 per hour/helicopter, divided between the group.
Ski Ability & Equipment
The Highland Abkhazia Heliskiing Week Package can be 'demanding' & is only suitable for fit, strong intermediate or better skiers with previous powder & mixed snow conditions experience.
Visas & Entry - Important Information
Abkhazia is an autonomous republic within Georgia, with its own visa requirements. Passing through the Russia-Abkhazia border usually takes 30-40 minutes. Non-Russians, depending on their citizenship, may need a dual or multi-visa issued from the Russian Federation, as well as a visa to Abkhazia (issued upon entry). The dual or multi-entry visa is necessary to facilitate your initial entry into Russia & then, following your heli-ski tour in Abkhazia, your re-entry into Russia to return to Sochi. Contact with the tour operator in advance is necessary to assist with the preparation all the necessary documents.