The world of helicopter skiing continues to grow, reflected in the number of heli-ski destinations we now see around the world. Today, Turkey has become a premium helicopter skiing destination, quickly establishing itself as one of the finest of all. All heli skiing in Turkey takes place in Kaçkar, a range of mountains that stretch along the Black Sea. In Turkey, skiers can expect varied and challenging terrain blanketed in pristine powder snow, breathtaking scenery and nature, and a rich local culture full of charm and history.
Pure Powder is the UK’s leading helicopter skiing specialists, having facilitated thousands of trips for helicopter skiing enthusiasts across the world. In this article, we provide an overview of the full experience of helicopter skiing in Turkey, covering the best ways to prepare for a trip, what to expect from the experience, and the ins and outs of the region’s culture and local accommodation.
Getting Prepared For Helicopter Skiing In Turkey
In the right season, Turkey is a deep powder paradise, a dream destination for heli ski enthusiasts in search of the finest slopes. The terrain is thrilling and versatile, the culture is rich, and the scenery is stunning. The vast landscape of the Kaçkar Mountains is at your feet, with a seemingly endless amount of rolling alpine runs at the perfect gradient.
With exclusive access to over 5000 square metres of deep powdered snow, there are plenty of challenging and exciting routes that can help you take your skills to the next level while providing you with the experience of a lifetime. Of course, preparation is key, and the following tips can help you make sure you do not come into the trip underprepared or overwhelmed.
Getting In Shape For The Trip
Getting your body in shape for helicopter skiing can be the deciding factor between a wonderful and miserable trip. Heli skiing places a great strain on the muscles of the legs, core, back, shoulders and the cardiovascular system. If these muscles aren’t up to the task, fatigue will quickly set in and slow you down, and in turn, the rest of your group.
If you’re fatigued, you’re more prone to making mistakes, which can quickly lead to injury or another crisis. Fortunately, Pure Powder has developed a helicopter skiing fitness program in collaboration with Craig McLean. The program is made up of both stretching and strengthening elements, expertly designed to give you a reliable skiing workout as well as skiing exercises for your legs. You should already be moderately fit and strong before taking on the skiing fitness program.
Do not rush into anything if you know that you’re not quite ready yet. Take the time to properly get your body ready so that you can enjoy your helicopter skiing trip to the maximum.
Getting Acclimated
As you’ll be hitting mountaintop slopes, getting adequately acclimated is a crucial aspect of preparing for helicopter skiing. The best heli skiing adventures take place at high altitudes, and the Kaçkar Mountains are no exception. The conditions of the mountain are perfect for light and fluffy powder snow, but the air is thin and contains very little oxygen. In these conditions, altitude sickness can quickly befall the underprepared, bringing on symptoms like weakness, nausea, dizziness and headaches. This can be a miserable experience for you and your group, leading to regular mistakes and quickly devolving into further crises.
You can avoid this unpleasant situation by spending some time at a ski resort or slopes at a similar (but slightly lower) altitude for a period of time. You can also take a couple of days to rest at one of the local accommodation sites, where your body can acclimatise before you hit the slopes. Your body will then have adapted to the conditions, and you can enjoy the mountain slopes to the fullest.
Getting Insured For Helicopter Skiing
Although a good helicopter skiing operator will always prioritise the safety of their clients, it is an extreme sport that happens in wild backcountry and, as such, accidents can happen. In the case of a medical emergency, a medical extraction or helicopter rescue is a likely outcome, which can prove to be a heavy financial burden.
These contingencies, as well as the remuneration of lost or damaged luggage or equipment associated with helicopter skiing, will generally not be covered by standard health or travel insurance. For security and peace of mind on your trip, consider acquiring appropriate ski-specific insurance. For educational purposes, we have listed a number of ski insurance providers on our website to help you find the most appropriate option for your trip.
The Heli Skiing Experience in Turkey
Kaçkar Mountain Terrain
The Kaçkar Mountains are situated in northeastern Turkey, offering an incredible helicopter skiing experience with consistently deep powdered snow, diverse terrain and breathtaking alpine scenery. This region lacks lifts and groomed trails, making it a paradise for adventurous heli skiers seeking pristine snow.
Popular areas like Ayder Plateau and Kavrun Valley provide access to both moderate slopes and challenging descents, while higher elevations near Kaçkar Summit (3,937m) offer long runs with breathtaking views. The best deep powder skiing happens during the stretch between January and March, but the April to May period is also good for spring touring. As a whole, the region is a dream for ski enthusiasts.
Excellent Powder Skiing
The Kaçkar Mountains receive an abundance of snowfall, creating the ideal powder conditions for helicopter skiing. This is due to the region’s proximity to the Black Sea, from which frequent storms bring in moisture, and the high elevation quickly turns to fluffy snow. The freezing cold temperatures on these mountains prevent the snow from melting or becoming heavy.
The region’s exposure and steep, varied terrain help preserve the powder, keeping it light and fluffy for extended periods of time. Furthermore, the lack of ski resorts and their accompanying crowds means that most of the snow remains completely untouched, keeping it pristine for adventurous heli skiers.
Small Group Helicopter Skiing
Running from January to March, Pure Powder organises small or private helicopter skiing trips in the Kaçkar Mountains. You have the option of selecting either a three-day or seven-day package. This entails travelling in four groups of up to four guests with one guide per group, each serviced by a single helicopter. You can either come with a ready-made group or join one of our existing ones.
These small groups represent one of the most enjoyable ways of experiencing the world of heli skiing, as a group of matched skill means shorter waiting times between runs, ultimately leading to more time on the slopes. It also grants the group greater freedom to select the kinds of terrain they’d like to ski, making the most of the vast, untouched terrain of this region.
The guides who accompany guests are all internationally certified experts who are intimately familiar with these slopes and determined to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of their clients.
Private Helicopter Skiing
Pure Powder’s private heli skiing trips are perfect for skiers who value privacy, exclusivity and time. With a dedicated helicopter to you and your group of up to four guests, the trip is specifically tailored to your wants and needs. The helicopter serves only you, which means no waiting times and no overcrowded routes.
A certified professional guide will accompany you and your group, allowing you to get intimate time with a professional and qualified helicopter skiing expert who can assist you with improving your skills as a whole. The private helicopter skiing trip is the best option for fast and flexible skiing.
The Cultural Experience
Outside of the joys of skiing, the rich cultural history of the region offers an unforgettable experience. In this section, we provide a brief overview of the Black Sea region, Ayder Village and Hotel Haşimoğlu, the perfect local accommodation spot.
The Black Sea Region
The Black Sea region is a culturally rich and unique destination, offering a set of experiences not quite like anything found across the rest of Turkey, let alone Europe. The region is characterised by its background from the Laz and Hemshin peoples. This projects itself in a colourful culture focused on fresh seafood, corn-based cuisine and lively traditional dance and music, which are on full display during the many festivals that take place throughout the year.
Ayder Village
The best accommodation for skiing in Turkey is situated in the quaint Ayder Village, a small settlement nestled in the rugged mountain slopes. The lifestyle of the locals remains very traditional of the Black Sea region, reflected in the wood-and-stone construction that makes up the village.
Enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of this historical town and banish the winter chill with a hot Turkish tea and meal in one of the local restaurants or cafes. Roam the nearby forested hills, veined with crystal clear mountain springs and glittering waterfalls, or take some time getting to know the locals, taking in the culture as much as you can. Ayder is also known for its wonderful rafting, which will take you right through the town, passing beneath cobblestone bridges as you do so. An unforgettable experience for many.
Hotel Haşimoğlu
Hotel Haşimoğlu is a cosy and laid-back family-run establishment. While not the flashiest of places, they see to all your needs as you rest and relax between your thrilling times on the slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains. Pass your time in plush bedrooms, games rooms, cosy common areas and a much-welcomed sauna.
The hotel is also known for its incredible sweeping views of the mountains, forests, and hills that surround it, giving guests a constant visual feast as they rest their bodies and minds. As the largest helicopter skiing facilitator in the UK, we take care of booking your accommodation while you get ready for the trip.
Take On Turkey With Pure Powder
Heli skiing in the Kaçkar Mountains of Turkey represents an unforgettable experience for any heli skier up to the task of this adventure. With a vast and varied swathe of challenging terrain, it’s the perfect destination for more experienced skiers seeking pristine powder snow and amazing scenery. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to take on the thrill of these slopes. Of course, taking the time to unwind and relax by exploring the vibrant local culture and scenery can make the trip that much more enjoyable.
At Pure Powder, we make organising helicopter skiing trips a straightforward and seamless process. We provide the highest standards of care and attention during, before and after trips, and it will never cost you more than going directly to an operator. For the adventurous at heart, we are here to make your life easy.
If you’re looking to book a trip or would like to learn more about heli skiing, give us a call at +44 (0)20 7736 8191 or browse through our list of destinations on our website!
