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

Bolshakova Winter Sport Tour

 

Bolshakova Winter Sports Tour
Trip Dates:  Dec. 22-31 2011 Jan. 2-11 & thru April 15, 2012		Price: from $3347	Total Days:  10 Group size:  2-6 Activity level 1 2 3 4 5
Activities:	XC ski, dog sledding, snowshoe, snow mobile transport

Kamchatka’s nearly 6 months of winter provide ample opportunities to actively experience this beautiful, volcanic landscape.  Using your choice of cross-country skis or snowshoes, explore some of Kamchatka’s groomed and off piste snowy trails.  Snow shoes will be provided, and rental skis too, but if you have your own, feel free to bring them.  Enjoy homey accommodations on Bolshakova St. in Yelizovo, or at the hostel at the Avachinsky Volcano pass.  Transfer by snow mobile and your feet (skis or snowshoes) to the volcano pass where you’ll spend the night.  Another day, travel through pristine snowscapes, surrounded by stately birch trees to the Karymshina Hot Springs.  Spend the night at their cabin and relax in the geothermal pool.  Experience the thrill of driving a team of Kamchatka huskies on trails below the volcanoes.  Participants will carry their own day pack with water, snack, and any extra layers of clothes needed.  Throughout the tour, 3 hearty meals a day are provided, except for 1 evening when you can go out to a restaurant of your choice in Yelizovo or Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. 

Bolshakova Winter Sport Tour - 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.

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

Day 4 Dog sledding 4 hours at base of Avachinsky Volcano.  Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast.

Day 5 Snow mobile support snowshoe or XCountry ski to Avachinsky Volcano pass.  Alpika+ Hostel.

Day 6 Morning trek on pass, then descend to road with snowshoes or skis and snow mobile support.  Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast.

Day 7 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.

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

Day 9 Group choice between alpine skiing at Moroznaya Ski Facility near Yelizovo, or Snowshoe or XCountry ski to/from Voskazhets area.  Drive 40 km to the trail head and then trek to/from the area about 15 km round trip.  Bolshakova Bed & Breakfast. 

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 AVERAGE or 3 for people in moderately good physical condition who can easily walk 15-20 km per day.  Participants must be able to carry their own small rucksack with personal gear, lunch, water, and clothing.  Previous experience is not required.  

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.  Staying adequately hydrated is important and you will need to be able to carry 4 liters of water/thermos. 

Weather
Daytime temperatures in Yelizovo usually range between minus 14 to minus 20.  We will provide a required winter clothing list for you when you book this trip.