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Heliski Sweden - Polar Camp 2024

Heliski above the Polar Circle

In the mid of April, when spring has already arrived in the Alps, winter still has a hold in the high north of Sweden, some 150 km north of the polar circle. The serenity and good conditions in this secluded area are just two of the great reasons to visit this exclusive heliskiing destination.

 

Heliski Area

The heliski area is 150 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Our highest peak in the area is the Tarrekaise at 1900 metres. The skiable area covers more than 1500 square kilometers and allows descents in every exposition. Heliskiing has existed in the region for many years, but the local organizers have so far been based in Riksgränsen or Abisko, 150 kilometers away. The accessibility of the most beautiful runs is therefore severely limited for heli-kiers from outside due to the large distance.

 

Runs and Terrain

Huge trough valleys characterize the terrain between Kvikkjokk and the Norwegian border. With a high degree of experience, we decide on exposure and inclination in accordance with the given conditions. The descents have an average altitude difference of approx. 700 meters, the highest landing points are in the area just under 2,000 m above sea level. The terrain is very varied and includes both narrow couloirs and wide, open slopes.


 

Helicopter and Pilots

We usually use an Airbus Helicopter AS 350. This helicopter has proven itself for heliskiing with small groups. The powerful turbine takes us to the summit quickly and easily. In addition to the pilot, the helicopter can accommodate a maximum of five people per rotation (four guests, one mountain guide). Without losing any time, we start in the morning not far from the lodge. Our pilot team for the Polar Camp comes from the far north of Sweden and is very familiar with the terrain.

 

Ski Equipment

Freeride skiing equipment (min. 100 mm under the binding) and safety equipment (shovel, probe, avalanche beacon, and airbag backpack) are compulsory. A helmet is recommended. We are unfortunately unable to provide any safety equipment for this trip and ask that you bring your own. A detailed packing list will be provided approximately 30 days prior to departure. Each participant is responsible for his gear being in good and working order. Replacing or renting material in the local area will not be possible. However, we do carry a few extra pairs of ski in case of loss or damage.

 

Weather

We, of course, also love to cruise through the deepest powder with the sun shining – but this requires regular dumps of fresh snow and favourable weather conditions. As in all mountainous regions, both snowy and sunny days are part and parcel of winter. On average there are 2-3 days of snowfall each week.

 

Conditions

Thanks to the northern location and its altitude, we usually find dry power on the northern slopes in April, while the steeper southern sides offer good spring snow. In spite of generally favourable factors, heliskiing is dependent on weather, snow, and avalanche conditions. Uncontrollable and sometimes unpredictable forces of nature exist in the mountains and it is not always possible to perfectly predict the weather and conditions in advance.

 

Safety and Quality

Safety and quality are our absolute priority. Although we always aim to provide the best experience for our guests, we will never do so by compromising their safety. Any risks that we can have an influence on will be kept thoroughly within our control and played safe. As with any activity in high alpine regions, including heliskiing, there are also risks that are beyond our control. You should be aware that we are not exempt from these risks when skiing in the remote places of our planet. Given that we are far away from any rescue services, we have developed our own rescue protocol. A group consists of a maximum of four guests and one guide. We will generally be out with three groups at a time. The groups will follow a rotating system, meaning that the other groups with their guides are never far off in an emergency. We additionally equip ourselves with first-aid material and rescue equipment, and possess the necessary expertise and practice for its use. We also always keep a satellite phone by our side.

 

Our Base

The cozy Kvikkjokk mountain station is an ideal base for the Polar Heliski Camp. The station itself is functional and simple. The daily 4-course menu on the other hand is premium - delicacies from the North Swedish kitchen and a rich breakfast buffet are available every day and give you strength for long days of skiing. During the day there is a lunchtime snack on site. The lodge is privately run, which is evident from the commitment and friendliness of the lodge operators, who have now almost become friends. Accommodation is in double rooms, showers and toilets are shared on each floor. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available and of course there is a selection of good wines in such an exclusive location. Pure feel-good ambience.

 

Flying Time and Vertical Meters

We want to provide ‘a destination for riders, from riders’. That’s why we’ve even adapted our whole philosophy of flying time and vertical metres to this line of thinking. We aim to offer you the best possible skiing experience that our package can provide. Our package includes 12 hours of flying per week (with 12 guests), which is approximately 30,000 vertical metres. If we exceed this limit, we can continue flying at the price of 2500 EUR per hour, which will be divided by the number of clients flying. In our package we are able to guarantee eight hours of flying. If we fly fewer than eight hours due to poor weather conditions, each guest will be reimbursed 160 EUR per hour for the unused hours (by 12 guests). If a guest is unable to fly due to a lack of physical fitness, sickness, late arrival, or early departure, we will unfortunately not be able to reimburse any costs

 

Group Size and Exclusivity

This is a Semi Privat Heliskitrip. We offer this trip to a maximum of 12 participants per week. Guests are divided into three groups and each group will be accompanied by a mountain guide.

 

Bad Weather Days / Downdays

If safe flight operations are no longer possible due to snowfall or a storm, we must refrain from using the helicopter.  A trip to Jokkmokk to the Sami Museum with lunch is always a nice alternative when the weather is unfavorable.

 

Requirements for Guests

In order to get the most out of this week of heliskiing/heliboarding, you should have a very good skiing technique in all terrains and snow conditions. Good physical condition and endurance are especially required for long runs. This destination is for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Flory Kern – Ski Berge Abenteuer – can refuse individuals the right to participate if they hold up the group, pose a danger, or show physical conditional weaknesses.

 

Difficulty:

Schwierigkeitsgrad
Facts
  • 1500 km² of heliskiing terrain
  • Easy to reach from central Europe
  • Straightforward logistics
  • Cosy accommodation in a picturesque setting
  • Candlelight dinners with delicious nordic cuisine
  • Great value for money
  • Four guests per mountain guide and max. 12 guests per week
  • Incredible landscape and runs
  • Private helicopter only 3 minutes from the lodge
  • Runs in all expositions
Description

A still relatively unknown Heliski Area

From Central Europe we can fly to the northern Swedish city of Lulea in about 4 hours via Stockholm. Here we change to minibuses and in about 3.30 hours drive we reach the end of the road at the 100 km long Lake Sakkat in Kvikkjokk. And this is exactly where our base is, in the cozy mountain station of Kvikkjokk. We discuss the program of the week at a delicious candlelight dinner.

Our friend and pilot Mats starts the helicopter the next morning and only a few minutes later we are at the first summit - ready to sign the largely untracked terrain. Now you will understand the dimensions of this huge heliski area. The skiing up here is really fun!

Schedule

Runs in all aspects

On our first day we meet at the airport in Lulea and travel together in minibusses to our base in Kvikkjokk.

Slopes in different exposures and steepness give us a huge variety in all kind of conditions. Over the next six days we will explore the beauty of these mountains. Some of the runs are even over 1200 meters in altitude. Back at the mountain station, coffee and pastries are waiting for us and the sauna is already heated.

On the penultimate day of our trip, after skiing, we say goodbye to the mountain station that has meanwhile become very familiar and we drive back to the small town of Lulea. After a fine fairwell dinner we spend the night in the hotel and then fly back home via Stockholm the next morning.

Price
Price per person € 7.600,-
Duration 7 days
Dates

Week 1: 30.03. - 06.04.2024

Week 2: 06.04. - 13.04.2024

Week 3: 13.04. - 20.04.2024

Booking and Information

Trip Operator: Flory Kern - Ski Berge Abentuer GmbH

Included Service
  • 6 nights in a double room at the Kvikkjokk Fjällstation with full board
  • 1 night in a double room in a middle-class hotel in Lulea, including breakfast
  • Dinner at a restaurant in Lulea
  • 7 days accompanied by a UIAGM certified mountain guide
  • 6 days of skiing accompanied by a UIAGM certified mountain guide
  • 12 hours of flight time or approximately 30,000 vertical metres (with 8 hours of guaranteed flight time)
  • Bus transfers to and from Lulea
  • All necessary flight and border permits for the heliski operation
  • Use of the sauna
Not Included
  • Flight to Lulea (from 600 Euro with SAS)
  • Additional flight time 2500 EUR per hour divided by the number of skiers
  • Beverages at the Fjällstation
  • 60 EUR per night surcharge for single room
  • Travel or cancellation insurance

 

Tipping

It is no must, but tipping is a great way to say thank you to all the people – pilot, mechanic, guides, and hospitality staff - who helped to make a spectacular week happen.

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