Turkey Heliski!

Included in the package:
• Transfers: Trabzon Airport - Ayder - Trabzon Airport
• Accommodation: 8 nights in a double room with full board. 
• The heli-skiing package: 7 heliski days, 30'500 m/vert. of skiing
• Safety equipment: Airbag, Avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe

NOT included in the package:
• Access flights to Trabzon Airport
• Drinks
• Single, Deluxe or Suite supplement
• Extra Vertical meters: € 130.- / 1'000 m/vert.

This trip is suitable for individual bookings. Please check the trip's status prior to arranging your flights.

Vertical meters: 30'500 m/vert. are included in your package with a guarantee of 20'000 m/vert. 

Refund policy:

If, for weather reasons, you do not reach the 20'000 m/vert. guaranteed, You will be refunded at a price of € 90 .- / 1'000 m/vert.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Your Financial Protection
ATOL
£2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
ABTOT
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information.
Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34

We accept the following payment methods

This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming on one of our Heliskiing trips.
On these trips you’ll be staying in a comfortable hotel. This means when skiing you only need to carry just a day pack, which contains your safety equipment and any personal items or extra clothing layers you may need.
Many heliski operators now demand that all skiers have ABS packs. These can is included in a package.
For heliskiing you also need to have a harness as many of the runs are glaciated. 
Heli dropzones can be above or close to 4000m and so temperatures can be very cold. A good down jacket is therefore essential.

You can use your own ski equipment or rent the equipment that we have in place at your disposal.
You can bring your own ski equipment or rent the equipment we have available:
• Scott Scrapper skis, 165 to 189 cm and ski poles from 110 to 140 cm.
• Salomon “Sick Stick” snowboard in 157 and 163 cm with Hologram M, L bindings.

Rental price for the duration of the stay: € 100 paid to your guides locally.

• Off-Piste Adventure - Clothing
  This season, we’ve partnered with Ortovox to provide us with the very best safety kit and clothing. Our guides will all be decked out in the latest Ortovox jackets and trousers and will keep warm, dry and comfortable thanks to their technical wool base- and mid-layers. Our guides couldn’t recommend their kit more highly.

   

  • A good quality pair of ski trousers. They must be made from a waterproof and breathable fabric like Gore-Tex or similar. It’s useful to have some venting zips on the legs either inside or outside thigh or full-length side-zips. Integral snow gaiters and some pockets for handy items are good features.
  • An outer shell jacket made of waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex or similar with a built-in hood. We advocate the ‘layering principle’ and so a shell is recommended rather than an insulated jacket.
  • Comfortable underwear with good wicking properties. Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Ortovox. They are comfy, breathable, warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
  • Several thin (rather than fewer thick) layers between your skin and the outer shell - an approach that gives better heat retention and good flexibility. These tops are known as ‘mid layers’.
  • Insulation layer like a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.
  • Roll neck rather than a scarf. We use and recommend the ‘Buff¹ ¬ a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name! They do both a fleece/cotton version for warmth or just a cotton one (to keep the sun off).
  • Headwear to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Mountain Tracks fully supports the wearing of helmets for skiing, although not mandatory for any of our trips we do recommend them.
  • Good quality, ski gloves or mitts if you suffer from cold hands and 1 thinner pair of gloves made from a softshell or fleece material if the weather is warm. These are particularly useful if you do any ski touring or hiking on the trip as thick gloves quickly become too hot.
  • Silk inner gloves can be useful if the weather is cold and you suffer from cold hands.
  • Technical Socks - Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs.
• Off-Piste Adventure - Ski Equipment
  We continue to see big changes in ski, boot and binding design and technology, which make off-piste skiing and ski touring much more accessible. For our Adventure courses, we prefer you to ski with” freeride” skis, ski touring boots and ski touring bindings. If you have your own skis but they do not have ski touring bindings but are suitable for off-piste then you are welcome to bring them with you. Downhill boots are also acceptable but please bear in mind that you will do some touring on ALL our Off-Piste Adventure courses so you made need to hire suitable skis and boots in a resort.
  
  Skis

  This winter our lead guides are using Salomon Explore MTN and Salomon QST touring skis. The MTN 95 is an award-winning ski with great stability at high speeds whilst the MTN 88 is a best-selling lightweight touring ski. The QST’s are slightly heavier and therefore suited to charging; perfect for day-touring. 

  Lockwoods Ski and Outdoor are supporting our guides and we suggest that if you’re interested in any of the MTN or QST skis, you should make Lockwoods your first point of call. This winter our lead guides are using Salomon Explore MTN and Salomon QST touring skis. 

  There are many ‘all-mountain/freeride’ skis to choose from and we highly recommend skis from Salomon, Dynastar, Movement, Black Crows, Trab Skis, Scott and Volkl. Look for a ski that is the right size for your height, typically the tip of the ski should be somewhere around your nose height. As for the width of the ski or “side cut” a mid-fat ski – 90-110mm under the foot is a good place to start; this offers plenty of flotation off-piste while remaining suitable for day tours and they should also handle reasonably well on piste and mixed terrain.

  Dynastar Skis: www.dynastar.com 
  Movement Skis: www.movementskis.com 
  Black Crows Skis: www.blackcrows-skis.com/
  Trab Skis: www.skitrab.com/en-us/
  Scott Skis: http://www.scott-sports.com
  Volkl Skis: http://www.voelkl.com

  There are plenty of other great skis to choose from so if you’re planning on buying skis for ski touring or general skiing and have any questions do not hesitate to call us, or Lockwoods, to discuss the options available.

  If you are planning on buying skis for ski touring and general skiing and have any questions do not hesitate to call us to discuss the options available to you.

  
  Boots
  For our Off-Piste Adventure courses its best to have a pair of ski touring boots – they have great skiing performance and with the vibram soles, they are much safer for scrambling around on the rocky or icy ground. However standard downhill ski boots are also acceptable. We do not recommend you come on a trip with brand new boots.
  
  If you are going to be getting into off-piste and ski touring, then rather than having a pair of downhill boots and a pair of ski touring boots, we strongly suggest that you opt for a good pair of ski touring boots. With advances made in plastics, mouldings and materials in recent years you can now get a ‘hybrid’ touring boot that offers as much downhill performance and stiffness but they come with a walk mode and good flexibility for the uphill too. Many boots fall into the category "hike & ride" so a 3 or 4 buckle boot, walk mode, vibram/grippy sole and possible Pin binding compatible.
  It just makes more sense - not only are they much more comfortable to walk in compared to ordinary ski boots, they are great to ski in too.
  
  Scarpa has lead the way in touring boots for many years but they have been joined by other manufactures like Dynafit, Salomon, Scott, Black Diamond, Dalbello and K2; all producing their own versions of a ski touring boot.

  • Scarpa’s Freedom boots are their Hybrid offerings, great ski performance, a walk mode and vibram sole. Their Maestrale (men’s) and Gea (women’s) boots are also highly recommended.
  • The Scott Celeste and Cosmos boots have stood the test of time and are good all-round choices.
  • Salomon’s Quest Max series offer boots with a walk mode in various flex’s with good downhill performance.
  • Dynafit offer the Mercury or Vulcan boots plus a range of lightweight options like the TLT6.

  The best of the rest are:
  Fischer - Transalp
  Black Diamond – Quadrant and Factor
  K2 – Pinnacle boot
  Dalbello – Lupo or Sherpa
  Langue – XT series offer a ski boot with a walk mode in various flex options
  
  Boot Liners
  These days many manufacturers offer ‘thermo-fit’ liners as standard equipment. You may also want to consider a custom liner. Heated and moulded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit, they can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable
  ‘off-the-shelf¹ boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner.
  
  Custom Footbeds
  Essential kit – to provide additional comfort and ski control. If you want to get footbeds made or a pair of new boots fitted then we suggest you visit somewhere like Profeet for a professional fitting. Don’t forget if you have footbeds in your downhill boots but need to rent touring boots then you can bring the footbeds with you and put them in the hire boots.
  
  Bindings
  We prefer you to have ski touring bindings on your skis for our adventure courses but if you have downhill bindings mounted on your skis then this is perfectly acceptable. The new touring bindings are every bit as safe for downhill as alpine bindings, yet you have the additional advantage of being able to walk uphill with them to access the real off-piste. Fritschi Diamir and Marker both have great bindings which can be used with ski touring boots and downhill boots. Many more people are seeing the advantage of the “pin” binding system now offered by a number of manufactures; they are light and offer ever improving security despite their minimalist looks!

  Although Pin bindings have been around since the Dynafit Low Tech bindings over 30 years ago. Since their patent expired the technology has advanced substantially. Salomon, with their Shift Binding, are at the forefront; they’re ‘multi norm compatible’ so fit a selection of boots and are lighter than most freeride bindings. Our lead guides are using the Shift binding this winter, so if you’d like to know more about them give Lockwoods a ring.

• Off-Piste Adventure - Technical Equipment

  Although our Off-Piste Adventure courses rely heavily on the lift systems in resorts, access to and egress from runs sometimes involve climbing and walking a short way and you may undertake 1 or 2 day ski tours, for this reason its best to have skis with ski touring bindings, skins and ski touring boots.

  • Ski Skins – these are skins which, now made of artificial fabric, stick to the bottom of your skis and allow you to walk up hill. They must be cut to fit your skis exactly, so if you are bringing your own skis you must provide your own skins.
  • Ski Crampons (aka Couteaux) - most ski touring bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case. Again if you are bringing your own skis and touring bindings you must provide your own ski crampons.
  • When skiing on glaciated terrain you will need a harness and occasionally boot crampons and possibly an ice axe. Your can guide can supply you with these items if you do not have your own.
• Off-Piste Adventure - Safety Equipment

  The “Safety Trilogy” - applicable for all our off-piste courses and ski tours.

  Avalanche Transceiver/Beacon 
  Snow shovel
  Avalanche probe

  We recommend simple and intuitive ORTOVOX AVALANCHE RESCUE KIT 3+.

  Avalanche airbags/rucksacks – if you wish to ski with one of these on our courses you are welcome to do so, they are not mandatory but we always support the use of available safety items.
  You can hire avalanche rucksacks in a lot of resorts, makes are usually Snowpulse/Mammut, ABS or Ortovox AVABAG. Prices vary from shop to shop and resort to resort but a guide line price would be from €20-30 per day or around €100-120 for 6/7 days.

  Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; you have to know how to use it.
  How about joining one of our specialist avalanche courses – check out https://mountaintracks.co.uk/discipline/winter-mountaincraft

• Off-Piste Adventure - Accessories
  • Good pair of goggles – essential. Useful to have 2 pairs on powder days in case of head plants! A pair with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
  • Good quality sunglasses – UV factor category 4 recommended
  • 20-30 liter rucksack is usually suitable for most off piste skiing. Key features are a method of attaching your skis in either a A-frame (one either side) or both together on a diagonal ski carriage; easy access into the main compartment without having to empty the sack to get something at the bottom; separate pocket for avalanche shovel, handle and probe; small top pocket for items like wallet, sunglasses/goggles etc; an ice axe loop and possibly a built in rain cover and a secure method of attaching/stowing a ski helmet (if you use one). It’s essential that the pack has a good hip/waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps.
  Avalanche airbag rucksacks can be used but please remember that they are heavy, adding somewhere between 5-8kg just for an empty pack with cylinder in; so unless you are sure you can carry it and fit all you need in, we do not recommend you use one.
  • 1-1.5 Liter water bottle – we don’t recommend hydration-systems (e.g. Camelbaks) as these often freeze in winter
  • Suncream and lip salve (factor 30 or higher recommended.)

• Insurance

  It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

  For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

  For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
  If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
   

• Off-Piste Adventure - Guides and Group Sizes

  We are fortunate to be able to count on a team of exceptional professionals with multiple and complementary skills.
  
  The sum of their skills is both the wealth of our company as well as the guarantee of your safety.

  
  The team
  
  OUR GUIDES
  Come from different countries of the Alps. They spend most of their season in Turkey or other heliski bases around the world. Some are also professional helicopter pilots, renowned Himalayan climbers or professional rescuers.

  PILOTS AND ENGINEERS
  Are employed by Air Zermatt, our "helicopter" partner. They are all professionals who work all year round in the mountains conducting various forms of transport or rescue missions, some of our pilots are also mountain guides.
  
  OUR MASSEUSES
  We find the same complementarity and diversity in our Massage team. They cover a variety of different fields, such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, reflexology or various sports massage specializations.

  INTERPRETER AND TOUR GUIDE
  The team is completed by Celal, our interpreter and mountain guide. He will introduce you to the region and its customs and facilitate communication with the hotel staff.

• Accommodation Information

  We are based in Ayder in the heart of the Kaçkar range at 1'100 m altitude. This small village in the Rize region is 2 hours away from the Trabzon International 
  Airport. The helicopters are based next to the hotel.
  
  We are based at the Hotel Hasimoglu ***.

  This 70-room hotel was completely renovated in 2016. It has the friendly atmosphere of a small family-run mountain hotel.
  
  The rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, sink and hairdryer. They come equipped with access to a satellite TV with international channels, minibar, a direct-dial telephone as well as wireless Internet connexion.

  Your package includes accommodation in a standard double room. For an extra fee, you can stay in a Single or Deluxe room or a Suite.

   

  The "Turkey Heliski Lounge"
  Is where we meet after skiing. There is also our bar and the pro shop. The lounge is equipped with a large screen for the projection of films. Board games and books are also
  available. 

  The ski room
  This where you get ready for skiing and where you can let your clothes dry. You will have a cubbyhole for your technical equipment as well as one for your ski-boots equipped with boot-dryers. A location is set up for drying your ski clothes and gloves. 

  Dining room 
  Where all the meals are served buffet style, we dispose of a private area for our guests. The play area is next to the dining room and includes various games such as table tennis, table-football, billiards, darts. 

  The health area
  The health area is a small fitness room with treadmill, rowing machine, bike, free weights, etc. 

  Entertainment: 
  The hotel is equipped with a wireless internet connection. The game room includes : a pool table, foosball, a ping-pong table, a set of darts as well as range of board games and multimedia supports.

  The massage rooms
  Where two massage therapists and physiotherapists welcome you to help you recover from the fatigues of the day.

  The workshop
  Is located beneath the helipad. This is where our powder skis and snowboards are stored, as well as the workbenches and machines for the maintenance and repair of our equipment.

  The thermal baths
  They are located at a two minute walk away from the hotel. The temperature of the water is about 40°C. Enjoy the benefits of this natural source throughout your stay.