Overview

We are honoured to offer you one of the most original, exceptional and world famous winter destinations in the world: Turkey! This country, which shares a border with Europe, will totally amaze you with its more than 3000 meter high peaks and tons of snow, due to it’s proximity to the sea. This is the reason why Turkey offers a regular amount of snow, with a stable underlying support...always! Keep in mind, you’ll be skiing/riding in the highlands, surrounded by a totally wild environment so don’t forget to keep an open mind and accept everything mother nature has in store for you.

Mountains cover up to a 50% of the territory and the highest peak, Mount Ararat, reaches 5165 meters! The most qualified experts in Europe compose our team in Turkey. Without a doubt, they are the best highland guides you can find in Turkey, which means they know exactly where the best snow conditions are, always keeping high security standards in mind. Allow us to surprise you with this amazing trip and prepare yourself to discover a whole new place on earth, which offers you an exceptional culture and breathtaking landscapes. Brace yourself for an adventure out of this world!

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Terrain

The region of Ayder and the Kackar mountain range, are located in the northeast of Turkey, only a few kilometres away from the Black Sea. Our hotel is located right at the feet of these beautiful glaciated granite mountains and the helicopter picks us up just outside our door step. ºYou’ll have the possibility of skiing/snowboarding on 30.500 meters of accumulated in a white virgin powder snow.º We guarantee you at least 20.000 meters during your visit (in case of bad weather, we reimburse you 80 euros for every 1000 meters you don’t ski).

We have chosen this location, because it is part of a 100 Km long and 35 Km wide mountain range, not to mention it’s highest peak that reaches an altitude of 3900 meters, offering 700 to 1200 meter long runs. Plus, this beautiful region offers 100% tranquillity: no one will carve the snow before you do! And after a intense day of endless free rides, nothing feels better than soaking your tired bones in hot springs, a Jacuzzi or perhaps even relax in a turkish steam room, always surrounded by an idyllic landscape. The places you will be visiting during our trip will depend on the group’s physical capacities, sports skills and also on the weather conditions.

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Accommodations

You’ll be staying at the Hasimoglu Hotel in Ayder, a top quality highland hotel that offers you all the comfort you could ask for. All rooms include a private bathroom with shower and bathtub, telephone, satellite television and minibar. Single rooms are available upon request, for an extra 250 euros per week.

The hotel offers numerous commodities, including Jacuzzis (whirlpool), turkish steam rooms and an Internet connection. And if relaxing after a long day of skiing is what you are looking for, right next to the hotel you’ll find soothing hot springs, with delicious 40ºC warm water. Even if bad weather arises or you’re feeling a bit tired, there are several alternative things to do like visiting the region, strolling through small historic villages, all close to the Black Sea, horseback riding or perhaps snow racquet trekking, among other things.

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Agenda / Itinerary

Day 1, Saturday
Departure from your country of origin and arrival at Istanbul in the afternoon. We advise you to make a stopover in Istanbul and take some time to visit this amazing historical city. If you’ve never visited the city before, we assure you the Palace of the Sultans, the Blue Mosque and the shores of the Bosphorus will not leave you indifferent. (Don’t hesitate to ask us about hotel information, whether you prefer to stay downtown or close to the airport).

Day 2, Sunday
You must be at the Istambul Airport at 7 AM in order to catch your domestic flight to Trabzon. You’ll be arriving at 8h50 AM. (Ask for a taxi to the airport at your hotel reception. Surely they’ll be happy to help you). Our team will be waiting for you at the Trabzon Airport, ready to take you by bus to Ayder, about 180 kilometres east of the city. Once we arrive at the hotel, you’ll have time to settle in, enjoy lunch (served at noon), get to know the place and answer any questions about the trip you may have.

Days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
At last this dream come true begins! All you have to do during the entire week is step outside the hotel after a light breakfast and hop on to your private helicopter that will take you to the beautiful summits that surround you. Our team will accompany you at all time, making sure the only thing you do, is simply enjoy this breathtaking experience!

After forming groups of 4 you’ll be ready to hit the powder snow and start enjoying endless and unforgettable descents!

After each memorable day, it’s up to you whether you want to soak in the relaxing hot springs, enjoy a couple of beers at the hotel bar or perhaps send an e-mail to your friends, telling them all about the amazing experience of carving virgin snow every morning! At don’t forget the turkish gourmet dinner and its unbeatable desserts...simply delicious!

Day 8, Saturday
After your last ski/snowboard day, it’s time to pack your bags and begin our evening descent toTrabzon by bus. You’ll be spending your last night at the 4 stars Zorlu Hotel, in Trabzon, where you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing cuisine this hotel has to offer.

Day 9, Sunday
Around 9 AM, after your last turkish breakfast is served at the hotel, we will leave for the airport, in order to catch a domestic flight to the capital, arriving at Istanbul at 11h54 AM, in time to board your flight back home. This unique experience comes to an end.

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Security & Extras

You’ll be attending a security meeting every morning, in order to allow you enjoy your heliski adventure thoroughly. Each and every one of you will receive the necessary information on how to get on and off the helicopter, how to operate the ORTOVOX and find victims in case of avalanche.

You will receive security equipment composed of the following items:

• 1 ABS backpack airbag with shovel and probe
• 1 ORTOVOX
• 1 memory reminder (with all the instructions of what to do in case of avalanche)

The guide will carry additional security equipment, composed of:

• 1 first aid kit
• 1 CB radio and telephone to communicate with the other guides, pilots and base camp if necessary

Equipment on the helicopter:

• 1 first aid kit
• Ventilation and oxygen cylinders, among other things

Aid equipment at base camp:

• First aid service with all the necessary implements
• Pharmacy with a large variety of drugs required in case of minor and larger injuries
• Avalanche aid equipment, in order to act as soon and efficiently as possible

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Equipment: what to bring

Clothing:

The climate is similar to the one found in The Alps and other mountains of similar height, which means your usual equipment will do. On the other hand, it’s not cold on the helicopter and the uphill distances are shorter than the ones at you local stations.

Never the less, we recommend you bring good quality thermic undergarments (not getting wet too fast is really important), several pairs of gloves (you’ll be frequently wiping the snow off your skis), a good quality mask (powder snow covers sun glasses real quick) and sun block.

Skis and boards:

We advise you to technically adapt your gear for powder snow conditions. We only have a few pairs of skis at base camp, no snowboards, so make sure your gear is in good shape. Anyhow, we do have access to tools and some materials, in case any minor damage occurs.

Turkey Helski / Heliboarding (9 days)

Dates : January to May

Prices : 5300 Eur

Number of people :

max. 16 people / groups of 4 to 5

Registration deadline : 4 months before

Included:

• Transportation from Trabazon Airport
• Lodging in double rooms, meals included
• Heliski
• Safety equipment, upon request: ABS Airbag, shovel, probe, ORTOVOX (avalanche victim detector)
• Upon request, wide skis for high snow (SCOTT Santiago)

Not included:

• Airline tickets to Trabazón Airport
• Hotel fees in Istanbul
• Drinks
• Additional cost for single rooms (250 euros per week)
• Drop fee, 90 euros every 1000 meters
• Your personal expenses

The schedule can be subject to modification, dependent of your flights and the weather forecast.
For more information: info@kosta5.ch

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