Heli Skiing in Turkey
Turkey has long been the bridge between eastern and western cultures, and heli skiing in Turkey with guides like Turkey Heliski also bridges the steep and technical style of European heliskiing with the wild slopes yet often found outside of Europe.
Heli skiing in Turkey certainly isn’t as popular as the Alps in Italy or Switzerland, but that’s only because it's just not on skiers radar is a first choice. Yet, Turkey’s Pontic Alps rise nearly 4,000 meters high, are hammered by precipitation coming off the Black Sea, and, as a result, are the best range to go heli skiing in Turkey. In fact, they’re one of the best places to heliski in the world due to the unique combination of challenging terrain and untouched snow.
Heli Skiing Turkey Operators - Just One!
Turkey Heliski
- The Guides
Recruited from all over the world, Turkey Heliski guides are often heli pilots as well. - The Helicopters
All Ecureuil B3 (A-Stars) are provided by by Air Zermatt, in charge of aircraft and maintenance. - Interpreters
An interpreter is provided to ensure quality communication, especially with hotel staff.
World-Class Travel Ideas!
Although you are going heli skiing in the Northern Hemisphere in the winter months, you're not to far from The Med. If you're coming from the West, why not stop somewhere warmer on the way home. Sicily should be considerably warmer! Fly into Catania, and spend a few days in Taormina! Go up to Castelmola...and make sure and visit the penis bar!
Facts & FAQ
We already mentioned the Pontic Alps’ elevation and heavy snowfall, but the biggest draw to heli skiing in Turkey has to be just how much terrain there is to ski. Turkey Heliski's range alone is 5,000 square kilometers, which is the same size as the best heliskiing areas in France and Italy. In fact, there are over 400 established runs with vertical drops ranging from 700 to 1,200 meters.
You won’t be limited to only glaciated slopes and steep chutes off summits like you’ll find in Italy and France. When you go heli skiing in Turkey, you get all the same terrain as the Alps as well as beautiful glades and tree runs, thanks to the low altitude of the snow pack..
Your first step is to fly to Istanbul, which is one of the largest cities in the world and home to history reaching back thousands of years. All those attractions mean that Istanbul is easy to reach from anywhere in the world. Plus, exploring the city and Turkish culture is an adventure of its own.
You came to enjoy heli skiing Turkey, so after arriving in Istanbul you’ll travel to Rize or Artvin before heading into the Pontic Alps for the some of the best heliskiing of your life.
Like all skiing and snowboarding outside of resort boundaries, in the backcountry of Turkey, you will need avalanche safety equipment and experience using it to heliski safely in Turkey.
Yet, The Pontic Alps’ heavy snow and maritime storms means that the snowpack there is solid and stable. That doesn’t mean avalanches are impossible, but predicting snow conditions with guides who heliski there year after year certainly gives you a higher probability of success in every way, the best lines and safe descents.
Great guides will also have recommendations for lodging as well as activities if the weather or conditions don’t allow for heli skiing.
Book a Heli Skiing Trip to Turkey Today
Be adventurous! Consider heli skiing in Turkey as one of your "check that box" destinations!
You can explore the villages that have flourished in the Pontic Alps for centuries, or take a spa day at one of the many resorts in the area!
BRADY
5/9/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heliskiing!
VIEW BIO