Heliski Russia - Baikal (Lake)
Experience the vast remoteness of Siberia's famed white boreal forest with Heliski Russia - Baikal, which offers packages for the infamous powder of Siberia.
The Pearl of Siberia is Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world with a depth of 1700 meters. It is also the 7th largest lake in the world, surrounded by steep mountains, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As water evaporates off the surface of the lake, it meets the freezing air of Siberia with temperatures that can plunge as low as -74 degrees Fahrenheit, the coldest inhabited place on earth, creating crystalized powder conditions that blanket the surrounding mountains.
Located in the Khamar-Daban mountain range just north of Mongolia in Southern Russia, the lake’s southern shore near Irkutsk, is perfectly poised to gather fresh powder, making the ski conditions spectacular, especially in lower elevations.
Facts & FAQ
Although the Khamar-Daban mountains are some of the oldest in the world, they are far from the tamest. They rise as high as 2,300 meters, have steep peaks, and are surrounded by Siberia’s legendary white Taiga Forest. Combining their elevation with the heavy snowfall and cold, you end up with long, spectacular lines with amazing views of the Pearl of Siberia - Lake Baikal.
For the best heli skiing around Lake Baikal, you will want to go between November and January while there is plenty of moisture and precipitation and before severe freezing temperatures overtake Siberia causing the lake to freeze. The powder is deep and there is a lot of it. You will typically ski below the tree line because of the desire to stay low in altitude. However, the forests of Siberia are too dense to ski through, but there are plenty of open bowls and long pristine runs up to 1200 vertical meters long in lower elevations. And the southern mountains are protected from the brutal winds, leaving the powder to last for several days.
A trip to go Heliski Russia - Lake Baikal in Siberia begins with a flight to Moscow on a Saturday night, followed by a 5.5 hour Aeroflot flight to Irkutsk on Sunday morning. There is one flight in and out of Irkutsk on Sundays. At the airport, a member of the HeliSki Russia team will meet you and drive you in an all wheel drive vehicle to your accommodations based upon the package your chose, either the Usadba Hotel or the cozy Baikal Village eco-lodge. Both hotels are approximately a 2.5 - 3.5 hour drive from the airport.
HeliSki Russia, offers an "Essential" package which includes 10 hours of flight time in the single turbine Ecureuil Eurocopter B3 or the Aerospatiale SA 315B. The experience is geared toward a maximum of 8 skiers consisting of 2 groups of 4 with 2 guides at your disposal. Accommodations are currently at the Usadba Hotel.
HeliSki Russia also offers an "Exclusive" package consisting of 5 hours of flight time and 7,000-10,000 vertical meters in drop. This tour is more private with only 1 group of 3 people, plus 2 guides in an Alouette helicopter which can get into small steep spaces for the "most secretive slopes". You will also stay in the intimate Baikal Eco Lodge in Novosnezhnaya which is a cozy log cabin with four rooms.
If the weather and conditions don’t allow for heli skiing, Baikal guides are prepared to guide their guests all the same. They can take guests to the nearby resort of Gora Sobolinaya, spend time on hikes around the area, and even set up a Traditional Russian Banya on the shores of Lake Baikal. Your lodge will also be a great place to spend downtime by booking a massage, enjoying the outdoor thermal spa, and even vodka tasting!
Book a Trip to Heliski Russia - Baikal Today!
Baikal is one of three destinations offered by Heliski Russia, A more thorough discussion of heli skiing in Russia is advisable reading prior to considering a booking.
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
7/31/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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