Ayder Heliski (Summit of Adrenaline and Snow)

Ayder Heliski: Above the Clouds, Beyond the Pistes

What is the pinnacle for ski enthusiasts? No chairlift queues, untouched fresh snow (powder snow) that no one has stepped on, and endless whiteness... The place where this dream turns into reality is not the Swiss Alps or Canada; it is Rize, Ayder Highland.

Heliski (Helicopter Skiing), the world's most exclusive and highest adrenaline nature sport, is professionally conducted in Turkey only in the Kaçkar Mountains, centered in Ayder.

What is Heliski?

Heliski is a sport where skiers are dropped off by helicopter onto the untouched summits of mountains and ski down from there on natural trails with no pistes (off-piste). Unlike standard ski resorts, there are no boundaries here. There is only you, your guide, the helicopter, and the vast mountains.

Why Kaçkar Mountains and Ayder?

The Kaçkar Mountains are one of the few most favorable spots in the world for Heliski. The main reasons for this are:

1. Snow Quality (Powder Snow): Being open to the sea effect, the Kaçkars possess "powder snow", which is valuable as gold for skiers, resulting from the meeting of moist air masses with the cold.

2. Geographical Structure: Peaks exceeding 3900 meters and steep valleys provide long and uninterrupted skiing opportunities.

3. Location: For ski lovers in Europe, reaching Rize, which is only a few hours away by plane, is much more attractive than going to Alaska or Canada.

Click for Ayder Highland Winter Tourism and Accommodation Options

When is the Season?

Heliski operations in Ayder generally start in mid-January, when the snow depth reaches the ideal level and becomes stable, and continue until the end of March. During this period, Ayder hosts professional athletes and adventure lovers from all over the world.

How is it Done? Is it Safe?

Ayder Heliski organizations are carried out at international standards, accompanied by certified pilots and expert mountain guides.

• Morning: Boarding the helicopter from the accommodation area in Ayder.

• Summit: The pilot drops you off at pre-determined, safe summits where snow conditions have been analyzed.

• Descent: Led by the guide, you ski down to the valley floor in trackless snow.

• Repeat: The helicopter waiting at the valley floor picks you up and transports you to the next summit.

Participants are provided with safety equipment such as avalanche airbags, transceivers, probes, and shovels, and training is provided.

Who Can Participate?

Since Heliski is an off-piste activity, it requires intermediate and advanced skiing or snowboarding experience. It is suitable for athletes who can ski comfortably on pistes, adapt to different snow conditions, and have high stamina.

If you are bored with ordinary winter holidays and are looking for a "real" mountain experience, the peaks of Kaçkar are waiting for you.