Why heli ski in Kamchatka with us?
What sets North Pacific Heliskiing apart from other heliskiing operations in Kamchatka? Why would you choose to ski with us? We know the choice between different companies could be difficult, so we have tried to make the choice easier for you by presenting what really puts us ahead of other companies regarding safety, guides, ski quality and our strong roots in the area. These qualities ensure you are in good hands with North Pacific Heliskiing.
Safety
Your safety is our first priority. Whilst skiing quality, lodging, meals, and general organization are very important for us, they would be nothing without focusing on safety. We know that the mountains are a complex environment with many enjoyable elements, but potentially dangerous too. So our first goal is to make your adventure as safe as possible, according to international standards and best practices in the industry. Experienced internationally certified guides, risk management, and our fastidious approach to operations are all key in reducing the risks and ensuring the best time for our guests.
Please, take a look at our professional approach in details:
Skiing quality and group size
What makes skiing great? Actually, it is not just about snow conditions, but also about group size. The smaller the group, the better the skiing is. You can choose better terrain and you’ll be riding the slopes faster - with no need to wait for several people. Plus, having a smaller group also increases safety.
While all other companies work with groups of 12-14 people, we keep the numbers lower - a maximum of 10 guests per helicopter. Furthermore, whenever possible, we split the group to make it 5 guests and 1-2 guides. So if the options are to ski in a group of 12-14 or in a small group of 5 - which would you choose?
Local knowledge and international expertise
The core of our guiding team is Kamchatka’s locals. These locals have extensive experience of guiding heliski groups in Kamchatka from the early 1990's, including the first descent from the highest volcano of Kamchatka - Kluchevsakaya Sopka. They’re not just "locals" but locals with international education and experience. What does international mean? Well, training in Canada and New Zealand to name just some regions. Our guides have worked in the leading countries in the heliskiing
sector and set up the highest standards in the industry.
All this allows us to claim that we have one of the most experienced guiding teams in Kamchatka, if not the most experienced.
This means, you are in good hands and will get the best possible skiing and boarding.
Helicopters
Mi-8 helicopters are well known all over the world and most common for heliskiing in Kamchatka. But not many people know that there are two different versions of this model: Mi-8 T and Mi-8 MTV (modern name Mi-171). They are different machines, and Mi-8 MTV is 30% more powerful, has a longer range and higher flight altitude (up to 6000 meters). Last but not least, this machine is way faster in climbing than Mi-8 T, which means you get more skiing with the same flight time, and at the end of the day you’ll notice the difference.
Unlike many other heliski companies in Kamchatka, our operations use only Mi-8 MTV, flown by Kamchatka’s best mountain pilots.
Lodging
While heliskiing in the North Pacific we understand the importance of having a comfortable place to lay your head at night after a long day of skiing or riding. We offer two different locations in Kamchatka to suit your group's needs. Each location has its own unique character, and in both lodges we take care of all the fine details to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Not only great accommodation, but also impressive dining. We provide fully local Kamchatka cuisine as well as traditional Russian dishes: An extensive breakfast, a classic "Kamchatka heliski" lunch in the mountains, après-ski appetizers and soup followed by a delicious dinner. Add a seafood barbecue in the mountains and you’ve got excellent food covered!
Down day activities
Like anywhere in the world of heliskiing, down days may happen. Because of the nature of our terrain (mostly Alpine) and severity of snow storms in Kamchatka, there is no chance to fly in such weather. But the good news, according to 10+ years statistics, is that on average we fly 75% of the possible time, or in other words 4.5 days out of 6. If down days happen on your week, we have a variety of options to offer to make this time as unforgettable as a heliski day:
- Skitouring on nearby slopes. A down day often means a powder day, so you get a chance to make some powder turns. We have a fleet of touring skis and splitboards and offer them free of charge.
- Snowmobiling - a pleasant few hours riding through a birch forest. If you don't have any sled riding experience, our guides will help you get started.
- Dog sledding - maybe a new experience and fun to meet the husky dogs.
- Kayaking or SUP on nearby rivers or lakes.
- Cultural experience - museums, ethnography, Kamchatka traditional cuisine master-class.
- Yoga classes, spa, wellness, massage: Relaxing and revitalizing experiences for your mind and body.
The choice of activities depends on the lodge you choose and the time of the year. In any case, be sure that this day will fly by fast, and leave only good memories.