Route: Mineralnie Vody-village Dombay-skiing area- village Dombay - Mineralnie Vody.
Discover HeliSki in the Caucasus. Receive the profound and lasting impressions of the riding down the virgin snowy slopes of these mountains.
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!
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" and "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.The programme of the trip:
1st
March (Thursday):
- Outward Flight from UK to Moscow. Plenty of airports in the UK fly to one of Moscows many airports.
- Relax and evening meal in Moscow, McDonalds to 5 star luxury, or grab a bite to eat between bars.
2nd March (Friday):
- Sightseeing in Moscow. Red Square, Kremlin, Moscow State Circus, or just wandering Metro Stations and the streets.
- Friday Night out in Moscow bars and clubs. The infamous Hungry Duck night club awaits you
3rd March (Saturday) - Day 1
Outward Flight from Moscow to Mineralnie Vody Internal flight which should take a few hours
– The arrival at the airport of Mineralnie Vodi.
– The transfer to the hotel (3 – 4 hrs.)
– The acclimatization and rest.
4th March (Sunday)- 7th March(Wednesday) - Day 2-5:
– 8.00 The breakfast
– 8.30 The 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 The fly-off to the first run, lunch in the mountains.
– 17.00 The return to the hotel.
– 19.00 The dinner and rest.
8th March (Thursday) - 9th March (Friday) - Day 6&7:
– The days 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).
10th March (Saturday) Day8:
– The departure to the airport.
– The departure from Min. Vodi to Moscow. The time of the departure depends on the flight you have chosen.
– The arrival at Moscow.
Or optional:
10th March (Saturday):
Additional night in Dombai - Snowboarding Hang around and do a bit more riding
11th March (Sunday):
Additional night in Dombai - Snowboarding or chill out and drink the local brew
12th March (Monday):
Additional night in Dombai - Snowboarding or chill out and drink the local brew
13th March (Tuesday):
- Return Flight from Mineralnie Vody to Moscow
- Tuesday Night out in Moscow bars and clubs. Pop into Propaganda nightclub for some late night dancing, located under the old KGB Building in central Moscow.
14th March (Wednesday):
Flight from Moscow to UK
Euro 2575 @ 1.45 = £ 1775 (8days/7nights)
Price includes:
- group transfer: airport of Mineralnie Vody – Dombay – airport of Mineralnie Vody;
- local transfers in accordance with the programme;
- accommodation in 3* hotels;
- meals – halfboard + packed lunch on flight days;
- cableway ticket (for 2 days);
- special medical insurance for clients from Russia;
- 16,000 vertical metres for downhill are announced; 12,000 metres are guaranteed; payment for extra downhill (over 16,000 metres) is 55 euro for every 1,000 metres; refund for unfulfilled downhill -- 65 Euro for 1,000 metres (if less than 12,000 was done). In emergency cases in the region when the helicopter is used for rescue operations, full compensation for “unfulfilled vertical metres” is guaranteed – 65 Euro for 1,000 metres;
- professional guide service on every route (including free-ride programme) – 1 guide for every 6 people, no fewer than 2 guides per group.
- avalanche sensors and other avalanche equipment.
Price not include
- the flight cost to the place of the start/end of the programme, payment for excess luggage, all fees (the price of economy class ticket Moscow – Mineralnie Vody – Moscow starts at 280 euro);
- the cost of visas and consulate service;
- the rent of Alpine skiing and snowboarding equipment;
- the cost of evacuation from the place of stay in case of emergency;
- individual transfers;
- meals and drinks, not included into the group menu;
- money contingencies caused by bad weather conditions, changes in the flight timetables, breakage of equipment, illnesses, or any other unforeseen circumstances;
- company service to prepare Alpine skiing/snowboarding equipment.
Extra
- group size no fewer than 12 people;
- downhill routes are chosen by the guides in accordance with the training level of the group and the weather and snow conditions;
- the programme is designed for good weather conditions: in case the programme is not completed due to bad weather conditions or conditions concerning the security of the group on the route, the price of unfulfilled downhill is refunded;
- the price is not refunded if the downhill is not fulfilled due to other reasons (e.g. defective equipment, physical condition of the participant, late arrival or early departure that happen through the participant’s fault).
- Clothing and equipment
- Mandatory equipment:
- Skis, skiing boots, skiing sticks for free-ride or a set of snowboarding equipment;
- avalanche sensor (provided);
- Recommended equipment:
- a medium size rucksack (preferably with back protection) for free-ride;
- a mask (skiing goggles)
- wind-proof suit (made of “gore-tex” or similar materials);
- a jacket made of polartec;
- thermo-underwear;
- a hat;
- a warm sweater (made of wool or polartec);
- gauntlets, gloves (a spare pair on the slope);
- sunglasses;
- a thermos bottle;
- a helmet.
Approximate average cost of the trip (including visa, flights, heliboarding, hotels, lift tickets & spending money) = £3000 (see breakdown of costs at bottom of page)
So what’s it all about then?
Having lived, worked and boarded in Russia for a year back in the late 90’s I have always wanted to return and do the ‘big one’. This trip has been on my ‘to do’ list ever since then and when I met Denis again on his recent visit to England and Scotland in the summer of 2006 we made plans to get this thing moving.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for good snowboarders (skiers of course are considered!) who are into the purest form of snowboarding, riding powder with decent people. Resonable fitness, an open mind, easy going persona and a sense of humour will help you to fully enjoy all that the Russian Experience has to offer. Things may go slightly off the organised plan of events but we need positive individuals who can see through the little hassles and problems and see the lighter side. No moaners, 5* luxury seekers or narrow minded attitudes please, remember this is not Canada or Alaska! Things can go wrong and may go wrong, its all in the name of adventure.
Why heli-boarding, why Russia?
Heli-boarding is big news right now and you don’t have to look far to see Russia featured heavily with great reviews. Get in before its’ over run with weak riders, in large groups on overcrowded mountains.
My ex-work colleague and good friend Denis has contacts and friends in the industry both in Moscow and Dombai. He now runs his own building services design company in Moscow and is our ‘man on the inside’ and will sort out all things Russian.
The costs are very reasonable for a sport that is by definition, very expensive and the helicopters used are enormous things with very good safety records. There is plenty of room to stretch out after that 2000metre descent through calf burning deep powder in the back.
Safety is high on the agenda both on the mountain and in the helicopter. All avalanche risks are accessed and precautions taken. Helicopter maintenance and etiquette are at the top of priorities. I have told a large amount of people told about this trip the common misconception/question always arises………..‘Do you jump out of the chopper whilst its still in the air? The reply is a standard ‘No, we wait for the chopper to reach a point of safety, and when the guide gives us the signal we leave the chopper in a quick but calm manner’. That James Bond character has a lot to answer for when it comes to safety issues!
From my time in the area and riding generally in Russia it is an amazing experience. Be the envy of your mates and fellow workers, come join the party, experience the other side of boarding and access the mountains best runs from the luxury of our very own chartered helicopter.
How many people do we need?
To charter the chopper as a full group we need 14 people. As of 21st January 2007 we have 5 people confirmed, that includes me and Denis. This website should generate more interest along with a feature in Snowboard UK magazine, an article on www.snowsphere.com, along with a number of well placed posters located in various winter sports shops and establishments around the country.
If you know of any other like minded individuals who may be interested then please inform them of our trip. We can take a fewer number of riders but the cost would increase on a pro-rata basis. We hope to get a full complement of riders and are also hopeful that individuals in the resort could also add to our numbers. Denis is also pursuing a number of Muscovites who may be willing to take on the challenge. A few Russians riders would be great for group dynamics and good for practicing your drinking skills after a big day on the mountain.
So who else is going?
Check out the current list of out-going individuals who are already signed up at the bottom of this page.
Why are Chris and Denis putting together a crew?
Damn good question and one that we would like to make crystal clear right from the onset. We are organising this trip to get like minded friendly individuals into a chopper and ride some virgin powder in an unbelievably beautiful, and interesting part of the world.
All too often these choppers are filled with rich business men who have all the cash and none of the style or ability to be riding this kind of terrain. When this happens, as it did in my NZ heli-boarding experience many years ago, the whole group suffered. In the end we had to ditch the weak skier due to his constant inability to ride any depth of powder. Remember, this is a very expensive sport, you don’t want the experience ruined by some someone who can’t even get 10 metres without falling over his own tips!!
Don’t get me wrong I do have friends on a powder day, ones who can keep up, ride well and pick sweet lines through the white stuff. We don’t ditch people who aren’t good enough, we don’t take them. We leave them to enjoy themselves at the ability they have achieved with similar standard mates. It’s all about having fun and we take our powder riding seriously. I hope this doesn’t sound too harsh but its best to be clear about what you are taking on at the onset. These mountains aren’t mega steep or difficult like Alaska’s but they will require competent riders to take them on.
What are Chris and Denis’s roles and responsibilities?
We are here to help get this thing moving and hopefully ease what is inevitable going to be quite an epic adventure. We are basically putting together a group of individuals, into a set of travelling companions who hopefully will gel as a unit and have fun during our 14 day trip. We can be as tight knit or individual as you want but we must all arrive in Mineralnie Vody on the 3rd March to start our trip. Think backpacking with a few mates and a bit more organised, hopefully.
All payments for the heli-boarding trip, travel visas, hotel rooms, international and internal flights, etc are the responsibility of the individual. We will not be taking your money, holding your money or making payments on your behalf. We are not ABTA registered or a travel agency. We are your friends who are organising an event you are welcome to attend. All payments come from your wallet, that makes it better for all concerned. You are in charge of your cash and you take an interest it. We will advise you of preferred flight times etc but it is ultimately your decision what and when you chose to fly or stay.
Denis has an extensive knowledge of Moscow and Russia in general. He has lived in Moscow for over 15years and has visited the Caucasus mountains many times. He can sort out our accommodation in Moscow, arrange drivers from the airport and back, discuss the trip with the company in Dombai and answer any questions you may have. He will show us the sights and sounds of a real night out in Moscow with the best bars, clubs and restaurants taken in.
We have both worked and travelled around the world and are good organisers. Denis speaks fluent Russian and English, I speak English with a northern accent and Russian with a pigeon tongue. Basically I can converse with the locals but I cannot have deep conversation regarding the inner workings of a Lada! I will be your UK Contact.
Okay, so when are you going?
Denis has the helicopter provisionally booked in Dombai for 3rd – 10th March 2007. We are arriving to Moscow on 1st March 2007 and leave on 14th March.
When do we need to pay?
We will pay for the heli-boarding at Alpindustria offices in Moscow on 2nd March in cash. This may seem strange but this is standard for heliboarding in Russia. Monies can be taken from the Russian banks or withdrawn from cash machines.
Flights, travel visas, hotels and taxis can be booked as and when you require but as always the earlier you book the cheaper it will be! Mid February will be the latest time to book these services.
Will I need a travel visa?
Generally you will need a visa to enter Russia, unless of course you hold a Russian passport. The process can be as hard or as difficult as you want to make it but bear in mind the later you leave it, the more you pay. Its not a complicated process but be warned, doing it on your own is not an option, you must always use an agency. "Real Russia" change from £75 to £145 depending on the service utilised. Allow 8 working days for the cheapest service (not including UK & Russian bank holidays) upto £145 for same day service. Russian officials are very officious, no visa, no entry!
Right, I’m in, what next?
Get in contact with me or Denis and get you place reserved now!!
Resort overview
Dombai is one of the most popular and the best developed mountain sport centre of the Caucasus that is situated at a height of 1620-1650 metres at the confluence of the rivers Amanauz, Dombai-Ulgen and Alibek. The Dombai meadow is a unique climatic and recreational zone. It is situated in the intermountain hollow at the bottom of the north face of the Central Range of the Great Caucasus and is surrounded by the mountains from all sides. Namely this made the Dombai meadow the most comfortable place for the mountain sport. For many years Dombai is the centre of tourism and mountaineering in the Caucasus. The breathtaking and magnificent mountain scenery of the Central Range of the Great Caucasus with the summits Erzog (3863 m), Sofrudgu (3781 m), Belalakaya (3861 m), Dzuguturluchat (3896 m), Dombai-Ulgen (4046 m) and the Ine Peak (3455 m) will leave profound impression.
The climate in the Dombai region is mild and congenial to health. The average temperature in January at the height of 1500-1700 m is -5-8° C. In the high mountains the average temperature is -12-14° C. The average annual precipitation accounts for 2000-2300 mm. The damp sea air that comes from the Black Sea causes heavy snowfall in winter. In the end of winter the depth of the fallen snow varies from 1.5 m to 2 m and more. Usually the thick cover of snow appears there in the middle of November and comes off at the beginning of April. In highland (at the height of 2000 – 2500 m) the snow comes off in the middle of May.
The best period for skiing in Dombai is from February till March when begins the so-called ‘mounatin-beach season’. The day-time temperature rises to +10-15° C and the bright and warm sunlight provides ideal conditions for taking sun bath. But it is important to be aware of the fact that solar radiation is very intensive. Thus, it is necessary to buy sunglasses and sunscreen cream before the trip.
South-west slopes of the mountain Mussa-Achitara (3012 m) are concidered to be the best place for skiing in Dombai. The terrain of the top part of the mountain slope is flat and even. Towards the base of the slope it becomes rugged and hilly. The ski mountain pistes differ from each other according to the required level of training and personal preferences. The pistes at the top part are more suitable for the beginners and for those who prefer slow down-run. The pistes at the base of the slope are quite steep and uneven and in the forest area they become narrower. Nevertheless, there are no such pistes that involve extremely steep down-run and sudden changes of the slope terrain. Though, if you wish, you may find some such places that resemble the pistes of the mountain Cheget.
At the mountain Mussa-Achitara standard routes are neighbouring with more challenging ones. The terrain of the eastern slopes of the mountain is quite diverse with large snow fields near the top, various scarps and snow hollows in the middle and with the forests at the base. The elevation change is also very impressive that is 1300 m. Moreover, the route leads to the ropeway. There are ample opportunities for cross-country skiing in Dombai as well. The down-runs with 600 meters elevation change are not quite long and though very exciting.
For those who are interested in Heli-Ski, Free Ride and skiing far from comfortable and well-travelled routes, who prefer wide snow fields and deep snow we offer helicopter transportation and skiing from the summits of the Central Range of the Caucasus. Basically, all the routes run down the nothern slope of the range Mussa-Achitara and end at the Gonachkhir gorge or come out to the Teberda-Dombai highway (6 – 8 km from the village). For those who are really interested in backcountry we recommend skiing from the summit of Semenov-Bashi (3602 m) down the fields of virgin snow and avalanche swaths. The length of the routes down the slopes of Semenov-Bashi accounts for 3000 – 4000 m.