We offer this adventure as custom programme for private groups by request. Please Contact us for more information.
Possible period: May-June
Price: 3050 EUR per person, in group of 8 people.
Price includes:
- 6 days of motor catamaran freight.
- Accommodation on the yacht, 2 or 3-persons cabins.
- 6 days of skitouring and guiding.
- Transportation according to the programme (airport transfers, port transfers).
- Meals during the yachting: breakfast, lunch in the mountains and dinner.
- Cooking service.
Extra expenses:
- International and domestic airfares.
- Accommodation in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 1st and 7th days.
- Meals in Petropavlovsk.
- Wine and spirits.
- Travel insurance/travel cancellation insurance.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Petropavlovsk; Don't forget to book a window seat - in good weather the view of the mountain ranges and volcanoes of Kamchatka is magnificent; Transfer to you hotel in Petropavlovsk; Meet the guides, gear check; Rest time.
Day 2: Early morning transfer to the yacht, accommodation. Start from the port of Petropavlovsk. Depending on location we choose, we might be able to ski this day in the afternoon.
Days 3 to 6: Yachting and skitouring. During the day we can stay in one bay, or change the location with quick passage in mid-day.
Day 7: Skitouring until late afternoon, taking our way back to Petropavlovsk. On shore around evening, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport, departure.
Depending on weather conditions and other factors, we can make changes to the programme.
Program Logistics
There are two daily flights from Moscow (SVO or VKO) to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (PKC), by Aeroflot and Rossiya.
Also, there are few flights fom Vladivostok (VVO) and Khabarovsk (KHV), which can work for flights from Asia or Australia.
Please, check current flight information on the air-company's websites.
Transfer from airport to Petropavlovsk takes 40-50 minutes.
Meal
We do our best to make the meals, as well as the skiing, a remarkable part of your trip. We include traditional Kamchatka products, such as fresh fish, seafood, reindeer meat and wild plants. Our chefs are all greatly experienced in cooking and will provide meals that are tasty, healthy and nutritious. There are two hot meals a day and lunch in the mountains (sandwiches,chocolate bars, dried fruits/ nuts).
We don’t serve any alcoholic drinks, but you are welcome to bring a reasonable amount of beer, wine or spirits.
We can accommodate special dietary requirements and food allergies. Our guests are asked to complete a registration form, and mention any dietary needs so we can be fully prepared for your arrival. Please note that all food is purchased before the trip starts and we don't have another opportunity to change the menu during the trip.
The yacht
We will use comfortable 40ft motor catamaran, which has excellent seaworthiness and stability to rolling. The catamaran provides a stable way to travel while in open ocean and the shallow draft allows unique access to the rugged shoreline. It has 2 engines with 250 horsepower each, 3 guest cabins, stern and bow deck, sofas, tables, hot showers and other features makes your travel nice and comfortable.
The crew
Crew is 2 people, with 10+ years of experience in sailing along Kamchatka coast. Both crew members are skippers and also qualified motor mechanics. One of them is also diving and fishing instructor, which means we will have fresh sea food every day of trip.
Sea sickness
Comparing with the single-hull yachts catamaran is more stable ship and passengers rarely get sea sickness cause of the softer rolling. Anyway, sea sickness can come only during short passages from one bay to another, but during stay in harbour you will not have any issues.
However, to avoid uncomfortable situations, we suggest to bring a medications for motion sickness.
Guiding &Group Size
Maximum group size is 8 persons. There are two guides per group.
Prerequisites
Because of the nature of the backcountry terrain, we ask our guests to meet a certain level of fitness, skiing and ski-mountaineering abilities. To join our groups, you should be:
- Intermediate or higher level of skiing/boarding, in any snow conditions, with at least 1 year ski-tour /backcountry experience.
- Healthy and in good physical shape.
- Able skin up at least 1200 vertical meters per day.
Terrain
Most of the time we ski in the Alpine zone. Big, wide fields up to 38-40 degrees steep, classic Alpine couloirs and some nice cruising on a mellow snow fields are all types of terrain you will meet on Kamchatka's mountains and volcanoes.
On an average day the vertical drop is 1200-1500m, but it varies according to the group's abilities.
Skiing
This time of year in Kamchatka, we are mostly looking for corn (spring) skiing. Second only to powder in the "favourite snow conditions" category might just be corn, that delicious grainy Spring snow created by the perfect mix of slope aspect, warm temperature and sunshine. Skiing the Kamchatka corn snow is definitely some of the best Spring skiing on Earth. Hard, cold morning snow melts on the surface with the first light of sun, creating the ideal gliding surface at noon. We find smooth, soft skiing - like skiing powder and carving at the same time.
Weather
Although Kamchatka lies at a similar latitude to Great Britain, cold Arctic winds from Siberia combined with the cold Ohotskoe sea current cover the peninsula in snow from October to late June.
Winter months are known for their low temperatures and strong winds, which is why volcano skiing is not enjoyable then. The Spring months bring more comfortable weather - warmer, but still bringing snowfall which transforms into light powder until the end of April, or even the beginning of May up high.
Where we hold our skitouring programme, the night temperature is usually about 0 degrees Celsius and the daytime temperature is around plus 5-7 in the shade - but it feels significantly warmer in the sun. In general, the weather is identical to conditions in April and May in the Alps. In good weather, the afternoon sun is hot enough to dry gear such as boot liners, gloves etc.
As everywhere, bad weather happens. But generally the weather is stable in May and cyclones don’t last long. In fact last year’s statistics show we were skitouring/splitboarding about 90 percent of the time.
You can check the weather forecast for our skitouring zones here – Viluchinsky volcano area, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Visa and Insurance
To travel to Russia, most foreign nationals are required to have an Entry Visa to Russia. Russian visas can be obtained at your local Russian Embassy or Consulate. In order to apply for a visa you will need proof of your forthcoming visit to Russia, which will be supplied by Skiing In Kamchatka on receipt of your final payment. Provided all the documents are ready, the process usually takes no more than 3-10 working days for a Russian Tourist Visa. It is also possible to ask special agencies for a full visa service.
We will need copy of your visa in 1 months before arrival. This is official government rule, because of border proximity. So, please apply for visa in advance. But even if you decide to come in a last moment, this question can be solved personally.
Insurance
Being adequately insured is a condition of booking a trip with Skiing in Kamchatka. You must have travel and medical insurance, which covers backcountry skiing (skitouring/splitboarding), ski-mountaineering and helicopter rescue. For your peace of mind and to avoid any financial hardship that an unexpected cancellation could cause, we strongly recommend getting Trip Cancellation insurance.
Time in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - GMT+12
Telephone and Internet
During the yachting, we will not have cell coverage or WiFi. For weather updates and emergency calls we use satellite phone and satellite messengers.
Language
Not many people in Russia speak a foreign language (more likely in big towns, less in the countryside). But people are helpful and will easily understand what you need. The alphabet is Cyrillic so reading can be difficult. If you wish to practice your Russian, we recommend you purchase a phrase-book in advance.
During your trip, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Some of our Ski Guides speak German and French as well, but our general language is English. For private groups, we can try to arrange the guide who speaks your language.
Money
The Russian currency is the Rouble (RUB). No other currencies are accepted for payments. Cards are accepted in most big shops, hotels and restaurants, but this type of payment is still not as wide-spread as in Europe or North America. We strongly recommend that you have enough cash with you for the whole holiday. You can change money in banks (closed on weekends and national holidays) or use an ATM (there are plenty in all towns and cities). You might need some cash during the program (days in Petropavlovsk), take it into consideration.
Moscow transit
There are three international airports in Moscow; Domodedovo (DME), Sheremetyevo (SVO), and Vnukovo (VKO). Depending on your flight plan, you might need to change airports which can be a time consuming. If you do need to change airports, we strongly recommend you allow at least 2 hours for your airport-to-airport transfers.
Please service your skis or board before arrival, or bring pocket waxes as there is no ski-service at our base. We have some repair parts and tools to fix most common problems which might arise, but we do not have equipment for hot waxing.
We advise you to carefully read the following list. You will not be able to buy or rent the equipment out here, so do bring everything with you. If you have any questions about equipment or items on (or not on) this list please don’t hesitate to email and ask for advice.
Here is an example of set of clothes that we recommend. You can change it according to your preferences, but be sure that your clothes suit the weather and temperature during your trip.
Clothing:
- Weather Layer Top - Gore-Tex/Softshell or other waterproof breathable jacket
- Weather Layer Pants - Gore-Tex/Softshell or other waterproof breathable pants
- Warm jacket – Down/synthetic
- Mid-Insulation Layer Top - Polartec 100 or analogue
- Base Layer Top and Bottom, mid or warm – 2 pieces each
- Mid weight socks - 2-3 pairs
- Hat
- Sun cap
- Light gloves
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Yacht shoes
Ski gear:
- Skis or Splitboard
- Skins. Glue should be in good condition, renew if necessary.
- Touring Boots
- Ski crampons
- Telescopic Poles
- Ski helmet
- Binding/Boot/Pole/Skin Repair Kit - tools and parts to fix your personal gear
Avalanche gear:
- Transceiver (two antenna minimum), extra batteries.
- Probe
- Shovel
Personal equipment:
- Backpack, 25-30 litres
- Duffel, for carrying your stuff on the yacht.
- Personal First Aid kit, blister kit
- Thermos, 0.5-0.7 litres
- Water flask, 1 litre
- Sunglasses, plus extra pair (CE rated 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Personal toiletries, towel.
- Sun/Cold and Lip Cream
We offer this adventure as custom programme for private groups by request. Please Contact us for more information.
Possible period: May-June
Price: 3050 EUR per person, in group of 8 people.
Price includes:
- 6 days of motor catamaran freight.
- Accommodation on the yacht, 2 or 3-persons cabins.
- 6 days of skitouring and guiding.
- Transportation according to the programme (airport transfers, port transfers).
- Meals during the yachting: breakfast, lunch in the mountains and dinner.
- Cooking service.
Extra expenses:
- International and domestic airfares.
- Accommodation in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 1st and 7th days.
- Meals in Petropavlovsk.
- Wine and spirits.
- Travel insurance/travel cancellation insurance.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Petropavlovsk; Don't forget to book a window seat - in good weather the view of the mountain ranges and volcanoes of Kamchatka is magnificent; Transfer to you hotel in Petropavlovsk; Meet the guides, gear check; Rest time.
Day 2: Early morning transfer to the yacht, accommodation. Start from the port of Petropavlovsk. Depending on location we choose, we might be able to ski this day in the afternoon.
Days 3 to 6: Yachting and skitouring. During the day we can stay in one bay, or change the location with quick passage in mid-day.
Day 7: Skitouring until late afternoon, taking our way back to Petropavlovsk. On shore around evening, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport, departure.
Depending on weather conditions and other factors, we can make changes to the programme.
Program Logistics
There are two daily flights from Moscow (SVO or VKO) to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (PKC), by Aeroflot and Rossiya.
Also, there are few flights fom Vladivostok (VVO) and Khabarovsk (KHV), which can work for flights from Asia or Australia.
Please, check current flight information on the air-company's websites.
Transfer from airport to Petropavlovsk takes 40-50 minutes.
Meal
We do our best to make the meals, as well as the skiing, a remarkable part of your trip. We include traditional Kamchatka products, such as fresh fish, seafood, reindeer meat and wild plants. Our chefs are all greatly experienced in cooking and will provide meals that are tasty, healthy and nutritious. There are two hot meals a day and lunch in the mountains (sandwiches,chocolate bars, dried fruits/ nuts).
We don’t serve any alcoholic drinks, but you are welcome to bring a reasonable amount of beer, wine or spirits.
We can accommodate special dietary requirements and food allergies. Our guests are asked to complete a registration form, and mention any dietary needs so we can be fully prepared for your arrival. Please note that all food is purchased before the trip starts and we don't have another opportunity to change the menu during the trip.
The yacht
We will use comfortable 40ft motor catamaran, which has excellent seaworthiness and stability to rolling. The catamaran provides a stable way to travel while in open ocean and the shallow draft allows unique access to the rugged shoreline. It has 2 engines with 250 horsepower each, 3 guest cabins, stern and bow deck, sofas, tables, hot showers and other features makes your travel nice and comfortable.
The crew
Crew is 2 people, with 10+ years of experience in sailing along Kamchatka coast. Both crew members are skippers and also qualified motor mechanics. One of them is also diving and fishing instructor, which means we will have fresh sea food every day of trip.
Sea sickness
Comparing with the single-hull yachts catamaran is more stable ship and passengers rarely get sea sickness cause of the softer rolling. Anyway, sea sickness can come only during short passages from one bay to another, but during stay in harbour you will not have any issues.
However, to avoid uncomfortable situations, we suggest to bring a medications for motion sickness.
Guiding &Group Size
Maximum group size is 8 persons. There are two guides per group.
Prerequisites
Because of the nature of the backcountry terrain, we ask our guests to meet a certain level of fitness, skiing and ski-mountaineering abilities. To join our groups, you should be:
- Intermediate or higher level of skiing/boarding, in any snow conditions, with at least 1 year ski-tour /backcountry experience.
- Healthy and in good physical shape.
- Able skin up at least 1200 vertical meters per day.
Terrain
Most of the time we ski in the Alpine zone. Big, wide fields up to 38-40 degrees steep, classic Alpine couloirs and some nice cruising on a mellow snow fields are all types of terrain you will meet on Kamchatka's mountains and volcanoes.
On an average day the vertical drop is 1200-1500m, but it varies according to the group's abilities.
Skiing
This time of year in Kamchatka, we are mostly looking for corn (spring) skiing. Second only to powder in the "favourite snow conditions" category might just be corn, that delicious grainy Spring snow created by the perfect mix of slope aspect, warm temperature and sunshine. Skiing the Kamchatka corn snow is definitely some of the best Spring skiing on Earth. Hard, cold morning snow melts on the surface with the first light of sun, creating the ideal gliding surface at noon. We find smooth, soft skiing - like skiing powder and carving at the same time.
Weather
Although Kamchatka lies at a similar latitude to Great Britain, cold Arctic winds from Siberia combined with the cold Ohotskoe sea current cover the peninsula in snow from October to late June.
Winter months are known for their low temperatures and strong winds, which is why volcano skiing is not enjoyable then. The Spring months bring more comfortable weather - warmer, but still bringing snowfall which transforms into light powder until the end of April, or even the beginning of May up high.
Where we hold our skitouring programme, the night temperature is usually about 0 degrees Celsius and the daytime temperature is around plus 5-7 in the shade - but it feels significantly warmer in the sun. In general, the weather is identical to conditions in April and May in the Alps. In good weather, the afternoon sun is hot enough to dry gear such as boot liners, gloves etc.
As everywhere, bad weather happens. But generally the weather is stable in May and cyclones don’t last long. In fact last year’s statistics show we were skitouring/splitboarding about 90 percent of the time.
You can check the weather forecast for our skitouring zones here – Viluchinsky volcano area, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Visa and Insurance
To travel to Russia, most foreign nationals are required to have an Entry Visa to Russia. Russian visas can be obtained at your local Russian Embassy or Consulate. In order to apply for a visa you will need proof of your forthcoming visit to Russia, which will be supplied by Skiing In Kamchatka on receipt of your final payment. Provided all the documents are ready, the process usually takes no more than 3-10 working days for a Russian Tourist Visa. It is also possible to ask special agencies for a full visa service.
We will need copy of your visa in 1 months before arrival. This is official government rule, because of border proximity. So, please apply for visa in advance. But even if you decide to come in a last moment, this question can be solved personally.
Insurance
Being adequately insured is a condition of booking a trip with Skiing in Kamchatka. You must have travel and medical insurance, which covers backcountry skiing (skitouring/splitboarding), ski-mountaineering and helicopter rescue. For your peace of mind and to avoid any financial hardship that an unexpected cancellation could cause, we strongly recommend getting Trip Cancellation insurance.
Time in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - GMT+12
Telephone and Internet
During the yachting, we will not have cell coverage or WiFi. For weather updates and emergency calls we use satellite phone and satellite messengers.
Language
Not many people in Russia speak a foreign language (more likely in big towns, less in the countryside). But people are helpful and will easily understand what you need. The alphabet is Cyrillic so reading can be difficult. If you wish to practice your Russian, we recommend you purchase a phrase-book in advance.
During your trip, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Some of our Ski Guides speak German and French as well, but our general language is English. For private groups, we can try to arrange the guide who speaks your language.
Money
The Russian currency is the Rouble (RUB). No other currencies are accepted for payments. Cards are accepted in most big shops, hotels and restaurants, but this type of payment is still not as wide-spread as in Europe or North America. We strongly recommend that you have enough cash with you for the whole holiday. You can change money in banks (closed on weekends and national holidays) or use an ATM (there are plenty in all towns and cities). You might need some cash during the program (days in Petropavlovsk), take it into consideration.
Moscow transit
There are three international airports in Moscow; Domodedovo (DME), Sheremetyevo (SVO), and Vnukovo (VKO). Depending on your flight plan, you might need to change airports which can be a time consuming. If you do need to change airports, we strongly recommend you allow at least 2 hours for your airport-to-airport transfers.
Please service your skis or board before arrival, or bring pocket waxes as there is no ski-service at our base. We have some repair parts and tools to fix most common problems which might arise, but we do not have equipment for hot waxing.
We advise you to carefully read the following list. You will not be able to buy or rent the equipment out here, so do bring everything with you. If you have any questions about equipment or items on (or not on) this list please don’t hesitate to email and ask for advice.
Here is an example of set of clothes that we recommend. You can change it according to your preferences, but be sure that your clothes suit the weather and temperature during your trip.
Clothing:
- Weather Layer Top - Gore-Tex/Softshell or other waterproof breathable jacket
- Weather Layer Pants - Gore-Tex/Softshell or other waterproof breathable pants
- Warm jacket – Down/synthetic
- Mid-Insulation Layer Top - Polartec 100 or analogue
- Base Layer Top and Bottom, mid or warm – 2 pieces each
- Mid weight socks - 2-3 pairs
- Hat
- Sun cap
- Light gloves
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Yacht shoes
Ski gear:
- Skis or Splitboard
- Skins. Glue should be in good condition, renew if necessary.
- Touring Boots
- Ski crampons
- Telescopic Poles
- Ski helmet
- Binding/Boot/Pole/Skin Repair Kit - tools and parts to fix your personal gear
Avalanche gear:
- Transceiver (two antenna minimum), extra batteries.
- Probe
- Shovel
Personal equipment:
- Backpack, 25-30 litres
- Duffel, for carrying your stuff on the yacht.
- Personal First Aid kit, blister kit
- Thermos, 0.5-0.7 litres
- Water flask, 1 litre
- Sunglasses, plus extra pair (CE rated 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Personal toiletries, towel.
- Sun/Cold and Lip Cream