SKIING CENTERS OF TURKEY

Rize - Turkey

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HELISKIING VIDEO

Danilo Garin, is responsible for the heli ski base in Valgrisenche and works as a mountain guide in the Aosta Valley, Italy. In addition he has worked for one of the most renowned heli ski operations in Canada Thierry Gasser, based in Verbier, Switzerland, has worked for and skied with the majority of the heliski operations worldwide during his last 15 years as a mountain guide.

Nicolas Clerc, has 15 years experience within the travel and tourism industry. Previously the manager of ski tour operations in the Swiss Alps, he is currently the managing director of a Swiss financial services company. Filip Amram, Turkish industrialist of Istanbul. Filip is passionate about heliski and sport in general. Having experienced some heliski trips in Canada, he also wished to develop heliskiing in his country. In our profession as mountain guides, Danilo and Thierry have over the course of the years, been able to observe first hand the advantages and disadvantages of various heli ski destinations as well as assess the reactions, requirements, desires and priorities of their clients.

With this in mind and following numerous discussions regarding our personal experiences we began investigating the possibility of opening our own operation, based on the following criteria :
- Proximity to Europe so as to minimise the length of time taken to get to the base as well as the avoidance of jetlag,
- A mountain range of sufficient size and with surrounding summits of greater than 3000 m,
- Proximity to the sea to ensure regular snow cover and a stable base,
- Small groups of heli skiers / boarders, max 4 groups of 4 to 5 people per week per base,
- Use of guides and pilots who have extensive experience in this discipline,
- Option of a private week with the exclusive use of a helicopter and a guide at your disposal.

Where do we ski?
The location is the Kaçkar range, North East Turkey, close to the Black Sea. We have chosen an awesome stretch, some 100 km long by 35 km wide. The highest summit is 3.900 m with the average vertical drop between 700 m and 1.200 m. The range is reputed for its good snow and the stability of the snow cover due to the proximity of the ocean.

The second is located to the south east of the country within the Taurus Mountains in the Aladağ Range, in close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The highest summit in this sector has an altitude of 3.700 m with a greater average vertical drop of 1.000 m to 1.500 m. The Taurus Mountains, whilst not as steep as the Kaçkar range, benefit from more sun.

Why Turkey?
We chose Turkey for its proximity to Europe and the abundance of mountain ranges that cover at least half the country. The most well know peak, Mount Ararat, reaches 5.165 m. The majority of the summits in this area are above 3.500 m and these regions benefi t from regular snowfalls throughout winter. You will be captivated by the beauty of the land and the friendliness of the people. Proximity, altitude, snow stability, conviviality, exclusivity and highly experienced guides and pilots - this is what we offer to you, at Europe's door.

Our structure
We've limited the number of people to allow you to live your dream in the best conditions : * friendliness * freedom * skiing comfort * helicopter rotation fluidity * flexibility in choosing slopes * Autonomy of each group

STAFF
3 helicopter pilots, 2 mechanics, 8 mountain guides, 2 masseuses and physiotherapist, 1 translator, 1 skiman
We've taken special care in the selection of the staff. Both the pilots and the guides have a long and wide experience in heliskiing. It is at the same time a strong point for our company and the guarantee of your safety.

Mountain Guides : All guides are members of the UIAGM (International Union of Mountain Guides). Experienced, polyvalent and complementary in their training. They all have a wide experience in heliskiing. They have worked in several other heliski operations around the world. Some of them are also helicopter pilots, professional rescuers or doctors.
The Pilots : They have the same quality of experience and performance level; they are Swiss and work regularly for heliski operations. Some of them are also mountain guides.

THE HELICOPTERS
Ecureuil B2 or B3, belong to the company Air Zermatt. They are very performant in the mountains and have a 5 passenger capacity.

GUIDES
The guides who will accompany you are experienced, versatile UIAGM guides and complementary in their training. Above all, they all are very experienced in heliskiing. They have worked on other heliski operations before joining our team in Turkey. Some of them are also helicopter pilots or professional lifeguards.

* Danilo Garin is a guide in Valgrisenche (Italy). He directs heliskiing in the valley. He has also worked for various Heliski operations in Canada.
* Gerald Maret is a guide in Lourtier (CH). He shares his time between his job as a guide and his work as a professional lifeguard in Sion. He is also a helicopter pilot.
* Gerald is responsible for the security and rescue operations from our base.
* Jean Troillet is a guide and Himalayist of international reputation. Aside from his numerous expeditions and adventures around the planet, Jean has worked more than 15 years in Heliski bases of CMH in Canada. He lives in Fouly (CH).
* Maurizio Follini is a guide and helicopter pilot in St-Moritz (CH). Maurizio has also accompanied his clients in various heliski operations in Canada and Uzbekistan.
* Erhard Loretan is a guide in Charmey (CH). He is world renowned, being only the third man to have climbed all 8,000 meter summits (14) of our planet.
* George Robby; for George, heliski goes on all year! He was born in St-Moritz (CH), lives in Queenstown (NZ) where he manages his own heliski base. During the winter he joins our heliski base in Turkey at the beginning of the season, before going back to his second heliski operation in the Canadian North.
* Alain Payot is a guide in Chamonix (F), he has been practicing heliski for several years. Alain has brought his clients to several heliski destinations. He especially likes heliski in South America!
* Olivier Houillot is a guide in Courchevel (F) ; he has regularly guided his clients to various heliski destinations. He also works for a heliski operation in the Himalayas.
* Alessandro Mezzavilla is a guide in Valsavaranche (I) ; he loves ski-alpinism and mountain rescue. He also is one of the guides supporting heliskiing in Valgrisenche.
* Abele Blanc is a guide in Valdotain (I), he has climbed 13 summits of 8,000 meters in altitude. He is also one of the guides of the heliski base in Valgrisenche.
* Gabriel Besson is a guide in Verbier (CH). Apart from his work as a guide, Gaby was a rescuer at the Maison du Sauvetage. He now works as a helicopter pilot.
* Herve Thivierge is a guide in Chamonix (F) ; he has worked for several years in Canada is a large heliski operation.
* Thierry Gasser is a guide in Verbier (CH). He has worked in this domain for more than 15 years. He also regularly assures security during ski or snowbard film shootings.

PACKAGES

STANDARD PACKAGE
We take a maximum of 4 groups of 4-5 people per week. Each group is led by a guide. We've limited the number of people to allow you to live your dream in the best conditions. One helicopter takes the groups in rotation. 6 days heli skiing, 30.500 vertical m with 20.000 guaranteeds.

PRIVATE PACKAGE
We can welcome 2 "private" groups per week. Each group has its own helicopter. It's led by two guides and its maximum capacity is 8 people. The benefits of this formula are the following : Great mobility in your movements, Unlimited choice of valleys and hills, Liberty of modifying your schedule, Choice of accommodations. ( Private groups may change accommodations for one or several nights. A comfortable mountain inn, located on the opposite side of the massif, allows you to share unforgettable and authentic moments with villagers isolated from the rest of the world during the winter.)

We can welcome 2 "private" groups per week. Each group has its own helicopter. It's led by two guides and its maximum capacity is 8 people. 7 days heli skiing, with 6 flight hours for groups of 1- 3 people and 9 flight hours for groups of 4-8 people.

HELI-SKI TOURING PACKAGE
We offer you a ski touring week of a new kind. The heliski structure gives you more comfort and mobility. The helicopter allows you to discover a new valley every day. Besides, you can start your ski touring day by a descent. It's at your disposal to bring you back at the hotel at the end of the day or to drop you for some nice runs in powder snow. It's also your "guardian angel" during your stay.

6 days skitouring including 6 helicopter hours. Groups of 8 people. Minimum 1 group of 8 people per week. We offer you a ski touring week of a new kind. The heliski structure gives you more comfort and mobility. The helicopter allows you to discover a new valley every day. Besides, you can start your ski touring day by a descent. It's at your disposal to bring you back at the hotel at the end of the day or to drop you for some nice runs in powder snow. It's also your "guardian angel" during your stay.

SECURITY

Briefing
Each stay begins with a briefing of safety considerations for an enjoyable heliskiing experience. Every skier receives a leaflet with all needed information. The procedure of loading and unloading the helicopter are part of this briefing. Practical session will follow the theory in which you'll practice using your avalanche transceivers.

Your safety equipment
1 Airbag ABS backpack with a shovel and a probe, 1 Ortovox (avalange tranceiver), 1 safety Memo (small recap regarding the procedure in the case of an avalanche)

Guide's equipment
First aid kit including a neck brace and inflatable splints, 1 radio and 1 satellite phone to communicate with the other guides, pilots and the base.

Equipment at the helicopter
A bag with : 1 comprehensive first aid kit, Ventilation balloons, oxygen bottle.

Equipment at the base
First aid station is setup at the base, including evacuation stretchers, vacuum splints and stretchers, neck braces, oxygen, ventilation balloons, security blankets etc., Pharmacy with an extensive range of medications for small as well as more serious health problems, Avalanche equipment with shovels and probes,

ACCOMMODATION
You will place with the Hotel Haşimoğlu - Ayder.

The rooms are small but comfortable, with : An ensuite bathroom and shower, A telephone, Satellite Tv, Mini bar and hairdryer are provided
In the hotel, you can enjoy the use of a Turkish bath, a whirpool and an internet connection.

Other activities
A thermal spring spa with water at 40 degrees C is located adjacent to the hotel. The perfect way to end a long days skiing. Visit the surrounding region or a historical village on the edge of the Black Sea. Snow shoe, Ski touring.

YOUR EQUIPMENT

Clothing : As the climate is similar to that of the Alps, your usual skiwear will be adequate for your week's heli skiing.

As the helicopter rides are shorter than those on chairlifts and it is not cold inside the helicopter, you will find that you do not get as cold as you do when skiing in a station. Your gloves however will become wet far quicker as you need to clear the snow off your skis and boards in order to pack them into the ski pods. We advise you to take one or two extra pairs of gloves as well as a pair of mittens.

Bring along strong sun protection and don't forget a decent pair of goggles, the powder is deep and even in good weather ordinary sunglasses will rapidly become clogged with powder.

Ski or snowboard : We recommend you adapt your technical equipment for powder skiing and either use the skis supplied by the base or bring your own.
We do not supply snowboards, so please bring your own snowboard, adapted for powder conditions - the longer the better. Each base is equipped to be able to perform minor repairs to ski and snowboard equipment.

Shopping : A small shop at each base will be able to supply forgotten or lost equipment such as goggles, gloves, sunscreen, beanies,etc.

ACCESSING AYDER, KAÇKAR : (most directly)
Saturday : Arrive Istanbul
Sunday : Flight Istanbul - Trabzon, Welcome by Turkey Heliski representative 7h00 - 8h50, Bus transfer to Ayder (180 km) 9h00 - 11h30, Settle into your hotel, Lunch at the hotel
Monday to Friday : Heliski
Saturday : Bus transfer to Trabzon after the days' skiing 17h00 - 19h30, Dinner and overnight in Hotel Zorlu ****
Sunday : Breakfast at hotel 8h00, Transfer to airport 9h00 - 9h10, Flight Trabzon - Istanbul 10h00 - 11h45, Depart Istanbul from 12h00

STANDARD WEEKS
6 days heliskiing, 30.500 vertical meters with 20.000 guaranteeds. Maximum 4 groups of 4 personnes by week, 1 guide by group.
Price Included : Airport transfers to and from Trabzon, Accommodation in a twin room and all meals, 6 days heliskiing, 30.500 vertical meters with 20.000 guaranteed.
Use of safety equipment : Air Bag ABS, shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver (Ortovox), Use of "Fat boy" skis for powder skiing (Atomic Sugar Daddy, Big Daddy).
Not Included : Flights to and from Trabzon, Drinks, Single supplement, Vertical supplement. Reimbursement if 20.000 vertical meters not reached payment / 1.000 meters

PRIVATE WEEKS
6 days heliskiing, with 6 hour of helicopter. 1 group of 3 - 8 persons with 2 guides. A private helicopter and guide at your disposal. If you wish you can extend your private group up to 8 persons. You choose, whether it  s cruising powder bowls or dropping into a steep gully tailor-made heliskiing with no limits!
Price Included : Airport transfers to and from Trabzon, Accommodation in twin room and all meals, 6 days heliskiing.
Use of safety equipment : Air Bag ABS, shovel, probe and avalanche victim detector (Ortovox), Use of  Fat boy   skis for powder skiing (Atomic Sugar Daddy, Big Daddy).
Not Included : Drinks, Flights to and from Trabzon, Single supplement, Flying time supplement.

SKI TOURING
6 days skitouring including 6 helicopter hours. Groups of 8 people. Maximum 2 groups per week.
Prices included : The transfers from Trabzon airports, Accommodation in a double room on a full board basis, Heliskiing.
The safety equipment : Air bag ABS back pack, shovel, probe, Ortovox (avalanche transceiver).
Prices don't included : Flight to Trabzon airport, Accommodation in Istanbul (if required), Drinks, Extra helicopter hours, Extra for the single room

KAЗKAR PROGRAM
Saturday : Fly to Istanbul, Overnight in Istanbul
Sunday : Fly Istanbul - Trabzon, Transfer to Ayder, Check into your hotel, Safety and Helicopter briefing
Monday to Friday : Heliski
Saturday : Heliski, Late afternoon transfer to Trabzon, Overnight in Trabzon
Sunday : Fly Trabzon - Istanbul, Return flight from Istanbul

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