Abkhazia Classic One-Day Heliskiing Package
Heliski 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! From your hotel in Abkhazia, you step out to the helipad, & from there you will find everything from wide, endless powder fields to excellent tree skiing or steep narrow couloirs. Are you ready to explore the amazing untouched mountains of the western Caucasus?
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. The Midweek Day Tour includes 4 descents, but additional descents (or a refund for unused runs) can be included for an additional €170 per person (based on a full group of 4). Average vertical drop on the tour for a single descent is about 700m but can be up to 1,400m (approx. 3,000m for the 4 included descents). The helicopter usually lands at an altitude of 2,200-2,700m & picks up at 1300-1800m elevation.
Location & Transfers
The helipad is in Abkhazia, right at the Abaata Hotel, a 10-minute drive from the Russian border. All ground transport from Krasnaya Polyana (i.e. Rosa Khutor) & Sochi-Adler are included in the tour. Whilst staying at the hotel the night before your heliski day is optional, it is included in the tariff AND is highly recommended to allow the group to fly into the mountains as early as possible to make the best of the conditions. The drive to the hotel/helipad in neighbouring Abkhazia is one hour from Krasnaya Polyana (or 30min from Adler) and includes a border crossing. To ensure a smooth border crossing, ll guests will need the appropriate visa documentation with them. Sochi Heliski will assist with the preparation of the appropriate documents prior to arrival. For information on the best ways to get to Sochi, see our Travel to Russia page.
Accommodation
One night in the 4-star Abaata hotel on the Black Sea coast in Abkhazia prior to your heliski day is included in the tariff. For more information on accommodation & meals, see the Lodging Tab.
Small Groups
The Abkhazia Classic Heliskiing Day is restricted to a maximum of 4 guests per group. Maximum guide/guest ration is 1:4. You can join a mixed group for the day or have your own group of 4 skiers or snowboarders.
Helicopter & Guides
The helicopter is a 6-seat Eurocopter which operates with groups of 4 guests & 1 guide. One helicopter can simultaneously serve two guided groups. All guides are certified RMGA ski guides with heliski experience since 2007 or UIFGM guides.
Ski Ability & Equipment
The Abkhazia Classic Heliskiing Day 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 day 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.