Kamchatka eco tours, bear viewing, fishing, skiing, hiking and more

Avachinsky Ski Marathon

Trip Dates: 
April 17-26, 2012
Or book a private departure.
Price:
from $2825
Total Days: 10 
Group size:  2-4
Activity level 1 2 3 4 5
Activities:  XC ski, hot springs, snowshoe, snow mobile transport, dog sledding

Ski Russia XCountry Marathon
All across Russia, on Feb. 25, people will celebrate winter and cross country skiing by participating in the Across Russia Ski Marathon.  As Kamchatka is in the furthest time zone, people here are the first to begin this wave of skiers’ stamina and performance, that goes across all of Russia.  Visitors are welcome to participate in this event, which typically draws X hundred participants.  Besides this incredible race, which is for elite skiers down to beginners, who may complete the “mini-marathon” of 5 kms, your 10 days in Kamchatka will acquaint you with a variety of ski facilities in Yelizovo area and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, with our exquisite hot springs spas, and with the friendly sports-minded people of Kamchatka.  Bring your skis and join us!

Avachinsky Ski Marathon - Itinerary:

Day 1  Arrival in Kamchatka, airport transfer to guest house on Bolshakova St. in Yelizovo, 15 minutes from the airport.  Depending on arrival time, may go for a short ski or snow shoe in the area to help acclimate to Kamchatka time.  Lunch and dinner served.  Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast.

Day 2 Dolina Uyutniy (Cozy Valley) near Yelizovo, up to 10 km, Russian banya, massage.  Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast. Breakfast, dinner.

Day 3 Lesnaya XCountry Ski area near Petropavlovsk, up to 15 km, visit Petropavlovsk, dinner on own at restaurant.  Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast.

Day 4 Rest day before the marathon.  Visit the Paratunka area and bathe at a hot springs pool, enjoy a massage.  Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast. Breakfast, dinner.

Day 5 Marathon day.  Depart for the Lesnaya Ski Base, 45 minutes’ drive from Yelizovo.  Register for the race and warm up for the start.  The race follows a groomed track through beautiful stone birch trees underneath the Avachinsky Volcano.  Locals not skiing will line the race course offering encouragement to all the atheletes in the race.  After the race, return to your guest house.  Dinner. 

Day 6 Transfer by jeep 25 km to trailhead to Karymshina Hot Springs.  Snow mobile support for food & gear.  Snowshoe or ski 5 km to cabin and hot springs.  Spend the night at the cabin.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7 Relax at the hot springs and ski in the area.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 8 Ski or snowshoe in area, after lunch depart to trailhead and return to Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner. 

Day 9 Dog sledding (3 hours).  City tour of Yelizovo and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.  Visit some shops, the public markets, the museum, and souvenir shops if you like.   Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast.  Breakfast, dinner.

Day 10 Following breakfast, airport transfer. 

Note:  Weather and other unforeseen circumstances can necessitate changes in the schedule and we make every effort to adhere to this program. 

Confirm the trip has the minimum needed to operate before buying your airline tickets to Kamchatka.

Price includes:  Professional instruction and guiding, meals as noted; accommodations; all permit fees, documents for visa support and registrations, and emergency insurance. 

Not included:  Transportation to Kamchatka; trip insurance; some lunches; snacks or energy foods; alcoholic beverages; guide gratuities and personal items.

Qualifications
This trip is rated STRENUOUS or 4-5 for people in good physical condition who are ready to participate in this ski marathon or the 1/2 marathon.  You must bring your own skis for this event.  Snow shoes will be provided as needed for other activities.

Food & hydration
Bring your own quick snacks to be eaten when snowshoeing throughout the day.  Energy bars, trail mix, salami, and salty snacks are all good choices.  

Weather
Daytime temperatures in Yelizovo usually range between minus 11 to minus 20.  We will provide a required winter clothing list for you when you book this trip. 

 


Explore Kamchatka
41 Bolshakova Street
Yelizovo, Kamchatka, Russia 684007
Box 2378, Homer, Alaska 99603
Alaska Business License Number 284949
From within Russia
Mobile 8 962 280 7840
Mobile +7 962 280 7840 from abroad
Email: info@explorekamchatka.com

Thanks to Igor Shpilenok Nature Photography for photos on this site