TITLE
GREENLAND
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Vistit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -5Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
EAST GREENLAND Spring is the best time to visit this region as there is more snow on the glaciers and the snow pack is usually well settled resulting in less avalanche danger. The weather is also more settled and with longer days even during storms there are more possibilities to get out! This is one of the most spectacular places on earth and in spring when the ice breaks up the contrast with the blue ocean, snow, icebergs, and mountains is simply amazing! Greenland is all about the experience of the Arctic!
EXPEDITION STYLE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING The heliski area is on the East Coast in a region named Angmagssalik. The mountain ranges are between large fiords running from the Greenland ice cap. The highest peaks in the region top 2000 meters but generally most of the mountains are around 1000 meters that rise directly from the ocean. The fiords are mostly ice filled and the surrounding ocean is pack ice making the region only accessible by boat in the summer months after the ice breaks up. The skiing is on the satellite islands formed as the Icecap has retreated leaving an archipelago of granite islands. The ski runs usually start from the peaks and are between 800 meters and 1100 meters long. The terrain is spectacular, skiing down towards large ice bergs and picking up from each run on the water’s edge is what makes this region unique. Every day we try and explore somewhere different as we work our way back up the fiords or explore different islands and sometimes check out small Inuit Villages in the region. Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -2Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
GREENLAND HELI PROGRAM GROUPS PER HELI
ACCOMMODATION
FLIGHT TIME
GROUP SIZE
Up to 2 groups of 4 sharing 1 helicopter
Hotel Kulusuk based on single occupancy
12 hrs divided between groups
max.16 guests 4 guests per heli group
INCLUDED IN THE GREENLAND HELI PROGRAM · 7 possible ski days · 12 hours flight time for skiing (divided between 2 groups) · 7 nights accommodation at Kulusuk Hotel with single accommodation · All meals starting with lunch on the day of arrival · The services of the most experienced heli ski guides in Greenland · B3 Helicopters operated by GreenlandCopters and Air Greenland the largest and most experienced helicopter companies in the Arctic Regions · Pilots with extensive heli skiing specific flight training, high hours and perfect safety records · Safety training and use of avlanche safety gear (airbag, harness, shovel, probe and transceiver · Use of high performance Völkl skis · Down Day activities such as dog sledding and ski touring (limited selection of touring skis available for use by guests) · Transportation between the Kulusuk airport and the Kulusuk hotel.
NOT INCLUDED
PRICE: 1 2,700 EUR per person
· International and domestic airfares (RVK-KUL airfare is around 1,100 EUR) · Accommodation in Iceland before or after the program · Personal Insurance and expenses (alcohol, etc.) · Extra flight time 2,750 EUR/hour divided among the group · Gratuities
DATES
March 18-25 April 8-15 March 25-April 1 April 15-22 April 1-8 April 22-29
April 29-May 6 May 6-13 May 13-20
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -3Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
EQUIPMENT LIST & ITINERARY DAY TO DAY PROGRAM
The plan below is just an example. The start time and plan for each day during your program depends entirely on conditions. A large breakfast is normally served at around 08:00 – 9:00 after which there is plenty of time to prepare personal gear before flying. A packed lunch is included as we pride ourselves on finding the perfect lunch spot while we are out.
DAY 1 (Saturday)
Arrive in Kulusuk areound 13:30 via IcelandAir. Transfer to the Kulusk hotel and get settled in. Guests receive an avalanche and helicopter safety review. After the group is briefed on these important safety issues we are ready for first descents, adventure and exploration.
DAY 2-7 (Sunday - Friday)
A large breakfast is normally served at around 08:00 – 9:00 after which there is plenty of time to prepare personal gear before flying. A packed lunch is included as we pride ourselves on finding the perfect lunch spot while we are out. Our guides set the pace and rhythm of the program so that everyone enjoys it to the fullest. After each day of skiing guests can enjoy a drink at the bar followed by a hearty meal prepared by the local chef.
DAY 8 (Saturday)
This is the final day and there is typcially no time for skiing. After a good breakfast and sorting luggage we hop in the van to transfer to the Kulusuk airport where guests return to Reykjavik, arriving around 17:30.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Wind and waterproof pants (Gore Tex or equivalent) Wind and waterproof shell pants (Gore Tex or equivalent) Base layer (wool or synthetic) Jacket (Soft shell, fleece) Light to medium down or fiber jacket Hat Gloves or Mittens Ski socks Sunglasses Ski goggles Ski Helmet (optional) Sun and lip cream Ski Boots (we recommend carrying your boots in your carry on baggage during flights) Avalanche transceiver Personal medications Good book, games or cards for down days Camera Power adaptors and necessary chargers for your electrical devices Casual day-to-day clothing for dinner at the hotel Shoes / sneakers / slippers for walking around inside the hotel Good high boots (e.g. Sorels) for walking around outside
AVAILABLE IN GREENLAND · · · · · ·
Avalanche safety equipment including: Avalanche Airbags Transceivers (if you have your own you are welcome to bring it) Shovel and Probe Harnesses (if you have your own lightweight harness we recommend bringing that) Use of Völkl skis*
*The skis we provide for guest use are equiped with bindings that can be used for touring and we have skins for them. If you have a lightweight touring setup that you prefer to use then you can bring that. IcelandAir baggage restrictions state that bags must not be more than 20kg so please keep that in mind when packing. Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -4Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
HOW TO BOOK WITH US STEP 1 CONTACT RESERVATIONS MANAGER Email: info@arcticheliskiing.com Telephone: +354.858.3000 (GMT)
STEP 2: MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT
Our packages are available on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive your deposit by the agreed upon date we reserve the right to sell the package to another party. Once we receive your deposit we will reserve your seat until the full payment due date. Your package with Arctic Heli Skiing is confirmed only when the full payment is received. The deposit amount is 30% of the trip price. Because of the costs involved in heli skiing Bergmenn ehf. require that each guest purchase trip or holiday cancellation insurance in addition to medical, personal and travel insurance. This insurance should cover trip cancellation and interruption as well as emergency helicopter evacuation. Contact your local insurance provider for details or refer to our Insurance page for further information. Please make sure to select the correct coverage for off piste skiing. Some of the policies have exclusions for backcountry skiing or mountaineering so you need to make sure these activities are covered. https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/plan-your-trip/insurance PLEASE BE SURE TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE TERMS & CONDITIONS https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/plan-your-trip/terms-and-conditions
STEP 3: COMPLETE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Approximately 4 months before the start of your trip you will receive an invoice for your full payment amount. At this time (if you have not already) we ask that you: √ Complete our Personal Contact Form available through our website: www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/personal-contact-form √ Book your international airfare between to Iceland. Confirm your Reykjavik-Kulusuk airfare with AHS.
STEP 4: MAKE YOUR FULL PAYMENT
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start date of your trip. If we do not receive full payment by the invoice due date we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and keep your deposit.
PAYMENT METHODS
You will receive an invoice from our accounting department which contains the necessary bank details for transfers. We accept payment through the following methods: √ Wire Transfer (via your bank or an online transfer service such as Transferwise) √ Credit Card Payments (VISA or MASTERCARD, we DO NOT accept American Express). We will provide a secure link to pay via credit card.
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -5Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
COMMON QUESTIONS WHAT TYPE OF SKIER OR SNOWBOARDER SHOULD I BE?
Every skier needs to be a fit intermediate skier and be able to ski under control in off-piste terrain. Keep in mind that heli skiing does require a certain basic level of physical fitness to minimize risk and be enjoyable. Previous heli ski experience is NOT required. *If you are concerned about being joined with other skiers of different abilities then we recommend joining a Private program.
WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
The program is based on single accommodation at Kulusuk hotel, located between the airport and the village. The hotel is very basic, but comfortable and clean with great views. Located on the 2nd floor of the hotel there is a sitting area, dining room and small bar. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and delicious filling dinner is prepared by a local chef in the evening.
HOW MUCH CAN WE EXPECT TO SKI?
Our packages include a minimum of 1 hour flight time per day for skiing. In 1 hour of flight time guests usually ski 8-10 runs averaging 2,500-3,000 vertical feet. Over the course of 4 days you can expect to ski 80,000 vertical feet.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN GEAR?
Avalanche transceivers, Pieps airbags with shovels and probes and harnesses are provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred. There is also a small selection of skis, snowboards and poles in Greenland. It is important that you notify us on the Personal Contact Form if you plan to use our skis so that we can confirm we have the right size for you. It is also an optino to bring your own equipment. There is wax and tuning supplies as well to keep gear in condition.
COMMUNICATIONS AND WIFI?
Your guide and pilot will carry a satellite radio phone and there are radios to maintain contact with the base while the group is skiing. The hotel does have WiFi available for a fee (it is run through satellite).
WHAT TYPE OF HELICOPTERS DO YOU USE?
We will be using B3E machines from Greenlandcopter and Air Greenland. The B3 Helicopter is a very safe helicopter and also the best machine for helicopter skiing in the world!
CURRENCY
The Danish Krona is the currency of Greenland. There is one cash machine at the Kulusuk airport and the hotel and Kulusuk store accept credit card for expenses, however the musuem only accepts cash.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS & VOLTAGE
Electricity in Greenland uses the Europlug/Schuko-Plug (CEE types), which has two round prongs. Voltage is 220 -240 volts (compared to 110-120v for U.S. and Canada). Check your appliances for voltage and bring plug adaptors (and step down transformers if necessary).
WEATHER
The weather is Greenland can change very quickly so it is good to be prepared for everything. We recommend layers as it can be windy and cool at mountaintops and then warmer at lower elevations. Temperatures range from -10 to + 5 although it can get colder. For a complete list of frequently asked questions please visit our website:
https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/plan-your-trip/faq Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -6Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
GETTING HERE GETTING TO ICELAND
There are direct flights from over 20 cities in Western Europe, the USA and Canada to Iceland. The main carrier for Iceland is Icelandair. All flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in the south part of the country (45 minutes from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital). Once you arrive to Keflavik you will need to transfer to the domestic airport located in the center of Reykjavík, it is very easy to reach via bus or taxi (see transfer options below). You will need a minimum of 2.5-3 hours from the time you land at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to the time you take off from the Reykjavik Airport (RKV). The transfer f rom KEF to RKV is approximately 50 minutes and you need to check in at the Reykjavik Domestic Airport at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time. Transfer service options between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik Domestic Airport: · Taxis located directly outside the arrivals gate · Bus Service: Reykjavik Excursions & Grayline Iceland · Pre-arrange your pick up with IceLimo: www.luxurytravel.is
ACCOMMODATION IN REYKJAVÍK · · · · · ·
Alda Hotel: www.aldahotel.is Kvosin Hotel: www.kvosinhotel.is Hotel 101: www.101hotel.is IcelandAir Hotel Natura: www.icelandairhotels.com/is/hotelin/natura IcelandAir Hotel Marina: www.icelandairhotels.com/is/hotelin/marina Hotel Borg: www.hotelborg.is
DINING · · · · · ·
Matur og Drykkur http://maturogdrykkur.is/en/ Dill: http://www.dillrestaurant.is/en/home Fish Market http://www.fiskmarkadurinn.is/ Grill Market http://www.grillmarkadurinn.is/en/ Apotek http://apotekrestaurant.is/ Snaps http://www.snaps.is/
Guests typically arrive to Iceland the day prior to the Kulusuk departure. On the right is a list of Reykjavik hotels.
FLIGHTS BETWEEN REYKJAVÍK & KULUSUK
Flights from Reykjavík to Kulusk with IcelandAir www.icelandair.com take 2 hours. There are only several flights per week so it is important to allow yourself plenty of time to get to the Reykjavik airport. The flight to Kulusuk typically departs around 13:00 and arrives to Kulusuk around 13:00. On the return, the departure from Kulusk is typically around 13:30 and arrives to Reykjavik around 17:30. Private charters are also an option however it needs to be a twin engine aircraft. We work with both Eagle Air and NorlandAir for private charters.
ACTIVITIES AROUND REYKJAVÍK
There are numerous options for day trips around Reykjavík if you plan to spend time there either before or after your Greenland trip. It really depends on your preference for activities and how much time you have. Please contact for further recommendations.
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -7Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
TERMS & CONDITIONS MANAGEMENT / ORGANIZER
Bergmenn ehf. is the organizer of the ski packages described on our website and in this package. Our reservation and cancellation policies are standard in the helicopter industry. Significant financial commitments involving helicopters, employees, fuel and supplies are made during the preseaon.
REFUNDS
There are many costs associated with locating helicopters, flight hours and getting highly qualified guides to Greenland that are nonrefundable. Another substantial cost included in the package price is the Greenland Airport Authority which charges for operating commercially within the country. This cost is also non refundable. That being said if we have problems with the weather and we do not fly the minimum hours we are usually able to sell them as extra hours to another group. In this case we are able to refund groups that did not achieve their hours.
CANCELLATIONS
All ski packages start and finish on the specified dates and have been offered as a complete package. There are no refunds, partial or full for any of the following reasons. · Late arrival or early departure for any reason · Sickness or injury · Lack of skier ability or fitness Cancellations must be made by email. If you are unable to attend your ski package after the final payment date then the ski package is transferable to another person. If Bergmenn ehf. is able to find a replacement for your space then your package payment can be deferred to a ski package in the next season. Cancellation more than 30 days prior to the start date of package will result in loss of your deposit. If cancellation is received 30 days or less, prior to start of confirmed package then entire trip price is owed and non refundable. Bergmenn ehf. reserves the right to cancel any heli skiing package at anytime. Should this occur a refund of payments, including the deposit, will be given. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE TERMS & CONDITIONS: https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/plan-your-trip/terms-and-conditions
FUEL SURCHARGE
Bergmenn ehf. reserve the right to add a fuel surcharge to any of the ski packages. The price of ski packages are determined months in advance before fuel costs are known. As this is one of the single greatest costs we may be forced to add a fuel surcharge to compensate for increases in fuel prices.
LIABILITY
Each guest will be required to sign a RELEASE FROM LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT. By signing this agreement/waiver you are giving up certain legal rights. This agreement/ waiver must be signed and witnessed before the guest is allowed to ski. Refusal to sign this waiver will result in cancellation of that guests ski package with no refund of any sort.
INSURANCE
Because of the costs involved in heli skiing Bergmenn ehf. require that each guest purchase trip or holiday cancellation insurance in addition to medical, personal and travel insurance. This insurance should cover emergency helicopter evacuation. Contact your local travel agent or insurance provider for details. Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -8Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland