HeliSki in Dombai and Arkhyz season-2010 (One week) Country / region: Elbrus Tourism type: Heli-ski Prep Level: competent off-piste skiing Array size: no fewer than 5 people Duration: Days 8, Nights 7 Price: 3800.00 Euro

Discover HeliSki in the Caucasus. Receive the profound and lasting impressions of the riding down the virgin snowy slopes of these mountains.

  First time with a new type of helicopter  EC130B4

The single-engine EC 130 B4 is the latest edition of Eurocopter`s Ecureuil (Squirrel) helicopter family of light multi-mission helicopters. The helicopter can seat six or seven passengers and has a range of 640km and cruise speed of 235km/h.

Dombai and Arkhyz are the most beautiful regions of the Western Caucasus.

Dombay is by right considered a model of Caucasian beauty. You will remember the magnificent scenery forever. The routes along Khutiy and Gonachkhir canyons, Dombay-Ulgen valley, downhill on the Ptyshski Glacier and Aksaut and Marukh valleys will give you a lot of bright impressions. Infinite snow-covered space, steep slopes, narrow lobbies, jumps – you will have a lot to enjoy. Terrific downhill on snow-covered slopes takes place in the natural mountains, and even experienced riders will not remain indifferent!

Helicopter type -  EC130B4 for 5 skiers\borders + 1 guide.

Arkhyz is a cozy area with gentle mountain lines, wide valleys and mild climate. Several spacious skiing areas located in the regions of Sofiyskaya and Pshishskaya valleys, Abishir-Akhuba range, valleys of the rivers Belaya, Dukka and Burnaya. Short flights in the area, moderate altitudes that make skiing more comfortable. The area is close to Dombay meadow, so you can stay and spend your free time in Dombay and ski in Arkhyz. Mild climate and frequent light snowfalls will leave unforgettable impressions and a wish to come back.

 There are ten skiing areas that occupy more than 150 sq. km with approximately 6 km long down-runs and with the elevation changes from 1500 m to 800 m. If you are in a good fit and have a sufficient experience at the well-worn routes, then you may try the off-piste riding with our guides down the virgin snowy slopes of the most beautiful region of the Western Caucasus.

Accommodation in Dombay: Hotel "Gonachkhir" 3* (it is also possible to stay in hotels "Ariuchat" , Rostov.ru***, Snezhny Bars***,"Foton"***) Hotel Gonachkhir is a new modern hotel located in a natural reserve zone at the road-fork Severny Priyut – Dombay at the foot of a mountain on the bank of the river Gonachkhir. The cableway is in 7 km from the hotel. There are a bar-restaurant equipped with a modern Hi-Fi system and lighting and a working piano of the 18 century; billiards, a sauna with a swimming pool (2x4 metres), a special place for the barbecue. The hotel provides a transfer to the skiing area. Accommodation is offered in double rooms of “standard” category.

Snezhny Bars***   http://www.dombayinfo.ru/hotels/complex/hotel_snowbars    

The approximate programme:

Day 1.

Depending on the winter schedule we provide the non-stop flights from Munich to Mineralnie Vodi and from Vienna to Krasnodar. It is possible to fly to the Caucasus or back home on the same day if there is an early arrival at Moscow.

– The departure from Moscow to Min. Vodi. The time of the departure off depends on the flight you have chosen.
– The arrival at the airport of Min. Vodi.
– The transfer to the hotel (3 – 4 hrs.)
– The acclimatization and rest.

Days 2 - 5.

– 8.00  Breakfast
– 8.30  Assemblage at the office (or at the helicopter ground), instructing and safety brief concerning avalanche transceivers, helicopter and mountain safety and accident prevention etc.
– 10.00 Fly-off to the first run, lunch in the mountains.
– 5.00 p.m.Back to the hotel.
– 19.00  Dinner and rest.

Days 6-7 .  

– The day for rest and spare days in case of nasty weather (in non-flying weather there can be organized FreeRide and backcountry programmes with cable-lift).

Day 8.

– Departure to the airport.
– Departure from Min. Vodi to Moscow. The time of the departure depends on the flight you have chosen.
– Arrival at Moscow.