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PREMIUM HELI SKIING PROGRAM KARLSÁ LODGE
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Vistit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -5Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
PREMIUM KARLSÁ PROGRAM GROUPS PER HELI 2 groups of up to 4 sharing 1 AStar helicopter
ACCOMMODATION Karlsá Lodge based on single & double occupancy
FLIGHT TIME 4 Day Program: 5 hrs 6 Day Program: 7 hrs
GROUP SIZE up to 8 guests
INCLUDED IN PREMIUM PROGRAM (€87,120: 4 days | €120,560: 6 days) · 5 or 7 hours Heli Flight Time (approximately 100,000 vertical ft. on our 4 day program and 140,000 vertical feet on our 6 day program) · 4 or 6 possible ski days (depending on program) · Exclusive access to the longest runs and best ocean view skiing in North Iceland · 4 or 6 nights at Karlsá Lodge based on single & double occupancy · Full use of hotel hot tub and sauna · All meals starting with welcome dinner on the day of arrival, ending with aprés ski snacks on the last day · The services of the most experienced heli ski guides in Iceland and the only Internationally certified Icelandic guides · Helicopters operated by Heli Austria · Pilots with extensive heli skiing specific flight training, high hours and perfect safety records · Safety training and use of avalanche safety gear including Jet Force Airbags · Down Day activities such as ski touring, whale watching, sea angling, geothermal baths, farm visits, hot springs, indoor climbing, and cultural tours · All ground transportation in 4x4 vehicles · Use of high performance Völkl Skis
NOT INCLUDED · · · · · ·
International and domestic airfares Personal Insurance Beer, Wine and Spirits Personal expenses such as massages, etc. Extra flight time €3,300 /hour divided among the group (you can purchase any amount of minutes) Gratuities - At AHS we collect all gratuities into a pool that gets equally distributed among the team
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -1Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
ITINERARY DAY TO DAY PROGRAM
The plan below is just an example. The start time and plan for each day during your program depends on conditions and the desires of the group. 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
Arrive in Akureyri in the early evening. 30 min transfer to Karlsá for a meet and greet, guest briefing and dinner. On the first evening you will have the chance to talk with someone from our team, make sure all your gear is in order and relax after your travels.
DAY 2
We start this day reviewing avalanche and helicopter protocol. After the group is briefed on these important safety issues we are ready for first descents, adventure and exploration.
DAY 3 & 4
Our guides set the pace and rhythm of the program so that everyone enjoys it to the fullest. After each day of skiing we will relax and enjoy Klængshóll Lodge lounging in the hot tub, relaxing in the Sauna or having a great massage, followed by one delicious meal after another feasting on local dishes focusing on organic lamb, fish and game prepared by our gourmet chef.
DAY 5 (or 7)
This is the last day of skiing and the change day of our group so we kindly ask our guests to prepare their luggage in the morning (or the evening before). Your luggage is placed downstairs allowing our staff the time needed to prepare the lodge for the next group arriving in the afternoon. After a good breakfast and sorting luggage we hop in the heli and head out for our last day of skiing. We will enjoy more great turns and good times followed by lunch in the field, then we head back to Karlsá to collect our luggage. We then transfer the group to Akureyri where we say our goodbyes and guests make their way home or continue on to another adventure.
*In case of bad weather and no flying we have the unique opportunity to visit Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve with its steaming hot springs, volcano’s and lava fields or participate in other activities including whale watching, sea angling, ski touring, or simply relaxing in one of many geothermal baths on the Troll Peninsula.
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -3Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
BOOKING STEPS STEP 1: CONTACT RESERVATIONS 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 or off-piste skiing so you need to make sure these activities are covered. https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/plan-your-trip/insurance
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 domestic airfare between Reykjavik and Akureyri. Please inform of us of your travel plans so that we can add this important information to your booking.
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 -4Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
ACCOMMODATION
Bottom floor with boot dryers, gear storage, 2 toilets and 2 showers
KARLSÁ LODGE With its amenities and prime location, Karlsá is the perfect location to base out of on your adventure in North Iceland. Built in the late 1920´s but since renovated, the main house is a great example of the architecture and style of the era and all efforts have been made to retain the style and charm of the original structure. After a day of exploring nothing beats relaxing in the outdoor sauna or soaking in the hot tub with the view of the mountains across the fjord.
Kitchen
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Karlsá Lodge has a total of 7 rooms
https://www.karlsa.com/
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7 bedrooms (combination of single and double) Gear area with boot dryers Washer & Dryer Hi speed WiFi Dining area 4 bathrooms 4 showers Outdoor hot tub and sauna Ski storage area with waxing table sitting area
twin or double bedroom
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?
It depends on a few things such as your group and program, but 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.
IS THERE SINGLE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE?
*If you are concerned about being joined with other skiers of different abilities then we recommend joining a Private program.
Premium programs based out of Karlsá Lodge include a combination of single and double occupancy. There are 5-6 rooms available for our guest (1-2 rooms are used by the chef, guides and pilot). It is important that we know in prior to the groups arrival how the sleeping arrangements will be. If the group would like to have all of the rooms then we need to know in advance so that we can find accommodation nearby for the guides, pilot and chef. There is a supplemental fee for this.
HOW MUCH CAN WE EXPECT TO SKI?
CAN NON SKIING GUESTS COME?
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?
All of our Iceland heli-skiing programs include skis and avalanche safety gear. We have a very limited selection of snowboards so we recommend that guests bring their own boards or just your bindings. Our avalanche safety gear includes an avalanche airbag, transceiver, shovel and probe. We provide guests with high performance Völkl skis and poles as well. Guests DO need to bring their own boots. https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/plan-your-trip/gear
IS THERE CELL COVERAGE AND WIFI AT THE HOTEL?
Karlsá Lodge is equipped with free high speed Wi-Fi for guests and there is also cell phone coverage. Your guide and the pilot will carry a cell phone and VHF radio to maintain contact with the base while the group is skiing. 3G and 4G mobile broadband is widely available in densely populated areas. That being said cell phone coverage in the Troll Peninsula can be spotty with reception on the top of peaks but little or no signals in some of the valleys.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS & VOLTAGE
Electricity in Iceland 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).
Depending on the group size and logistics, we can accommodate non-skiing guests at Karlsá Lodge for an additional fee. The house is located roughly 5 minutes from Dalvík. We highly recommend that non-skiing guests have their own rental car. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area but having a car to get to these places is essential. We can suggest day tours and those can include transportation for an additional cost. If guests are content to relax and enjoy the surroundings then they will enjoy themselves. However we do not want to mislead anyone so please be aware that we do not have any extra staff to provide transportation and guiding assistance to non skiing guests.
WEATHER
The weather is Iceland can change very quickly so it is good to be prepared for everything. Our position in the middle of the Atlantic means that bad weather typically does not last for long with fast moving low-pressure areas striking and than leaving as fast as they arrived. Temperatures in April and May are mild, usually around -10 to 0 degrees Celcius up in the mountains but can rise up to 10 degrees on a good day but drop to minus 10 on a cold day. We recommend layers as it can be windy and cool at ridgetops and then warm at the valley bottom. http://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts, http://belgingur.is/map/island-3.2.nord-austur 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
DRIVING TO AKUREYRI
GETTING TO KARLSÁ LODGE FROM KEFLAVÍK
The scenic drive up north takes approximately 5-6 hours (this is dependent on road conditions and we do recommend a 4x4 vehicle during March and early April).
There are direct flights from over 20 cities in Western Europe, the USA and Canada to Iceland. There are two main carriers, Icelandair and WOW Air. All flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in the south part of the country (45 minutes from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital).
Karlsá lodge is located roughly 50 minutes north from Akureyri on the Troll Peninsula in north Iceland. The two recommended options for reaching us once you arrive in Iceland are to fly or drive to Akureyri (details below).
Another option is to rent a car and drive from Reykjavík to Akureyri where you can return the car so that you are not paying for unused days*. There are a number of car rental operations at the Keflavík Airport and in Reykjavík. http://www.kefairport.is/English/To-and-from-the-Airport/Car-Hire/
*If you are renting a car and keeping it through the duration or your trip you can drive directly to our base. Please contact us for driving directions.
Private jets and charters can land at Akureyri airport (AEY) in the North, only 30 min away from the hotel. Akureyri airport information can be found here: https://www.isavia.is/en/akureyri-airport/about-akureyri-airport https://www.eagleair.is/charter-flights#air-charter
FLIGHTS BETWEEN REYKJAVÍK & AKUREYRI
Domestic flights from Reykjavík to Akureyri with IcelandAir www.icelandair.com take 40 minutes. 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 hours from the time you land at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to the time you take off from the Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV). The transfer from 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.
UPON ARRIVAL IN AKUREYRI
The recommended domestic flight itinerary with www.icelandair.com is: -Arrival day: #FI50 depart Reykjavik at 18:15, arriving Akureyri at 19:00 -Departure day: #FI51, flights depart Akureyri between 19:05-19:50 *please note that departure times vary depending on date, but it is typically the last departure of the day from both Reykjavik and Akureyri. If you take an earlier flight that is fine, however we will likely not have ground crew to pick you up until the later arrivals.
DEPARTING FROM AKUREYRI
Transfer service options between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik Domestic Airport: · Taxis located directly outside the arrivals gate (approx. 20,000 ISK to RVK) · Bus Service: Reykjavik Excursions & Grayline Iceland (approx. 3.500 ISK to RVK) · Pre-arrange your pick up with car/taxi service: IceLimo www.luxurytravel.is or Hreyfill Taxi http://www.hreyfill.is/en/keflavik-airport/
Someone from our crew will meet you at the Akureyri airport in the baggage claim area. The airport is very small and we will have a sign with the AHS logo on it. Transfer to our lodge is roughly 50 minutes and we use 4x4 shuttle vans with plenty of room for your luggage. If you are driving then we will meet you at the car rental return or location of your choice.
In order to get the most out of the final day of the program we recommend an evening departure from Akureyri. Depending on the feeling of the group we usually ski until the early afternoon which allows everyone time to change out of their ski clothes and then head for Akureyri. As a general rule we stop skiing 2.5 hours prior to guests departure time. The recommended departure flight is NY #167 departing Akureyri at 19:10
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -7Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland
EQUIPMENT & MORE RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT · Wind and waterproof 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 strongly recommend carrying your boots in your carry on baggage during flights) · Bathing suit for hot tub and geothermal baths · Personal medications · Camera · Power adaptors and necessary chargers for your electrical devices (220-240 volts) · Casual day-to-day clothing for dinner at the lodge.
ACCOMMODATION IN REYKJAVÍK · · · · · · ·
Edition: www.editionhotels.com/reykjavik 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 IN REYKJAVÍK · · · · · ·
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/
ACCOMMODATION IN AKUREYRI
· Icelandair Hotel Akureyri: www.icelandairhotels.com/is/hotelin/akureyri · Hotel Kea: www.keahotels.is/Hotel-Kea
DINING IN AKUREYRI
· Rub 23 https://www.rub23.is/ · Akureyri Backpackers: https://www.akureyribackpackers.com/en/bar-restaurant · Bryggjan https://www.bryggjan.is/homepage-eng
ACTIVITIES AROUND REYKJAVÍK PROVIDED EQUIPMENT · Avalanche transceiver · Shovel and probe · 10L backpack equipped with an airbag · Skis and poles (we carry a large selection of high performance Völkl skis) · Limited selection of Snowboards (we recommend bringing your own board or your own bindings to use on our boards)
There are numerous options for day trips around Reykjavík so it just depends on your preference for activity and budget. A day tour of the south coast is always an option if the weather is agreeable or the Golden Circle. There are many sites along the south coast but main attractions include Seljalandsfoss, Skógarfoss, the black beach in Vík, Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell) and Jökulsárlón (5 hours east of Reykjavík). In addition on our website you will find a page which we try to keep up to date that provides some travel ideas for before and after your program with us. https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/plan-your-trip/travel-in-iceland
Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -8Email 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
No refunds are given in whole or in part for unused days within the package due to late arrival or early departure. If you decide to come in early or not ski at all no refund will be given should the guaranteed flight time not be reached. Should the entire group not reach the guaranteed flight time due to weather, a mechanical breakdown or conditions, unused time is averaged over the group and refunded at a rate of 2,700 EUR per hour of unused time.
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 Group booking for Premium and Private programs: if one individual on the trip cancels the remaining group or cancelled guest is responsible for finding a replacement. If a replacement cannot be found, the remaining guests are financially responsible for the cancelled space. The funds cannot be transferred to another season. 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 95 days prior to the start date of package will result in loss of the non-refundable deposit. If cancellation is received 95 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 deposit, less 3% administration fee will be given.
FUEL SURCHARGE
Bergmenn ehf. reserve the right to add a fuel surcharge to any of the 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 before the start of the program. 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. Or visit our Insurance page: https://www.arcticheliskiing.com/en/plan-your-trip/insurance Call Us: +354.858.3000 Visit Site: www.arcticheliskiing.com -9Email Us: info@arcticheliskiing.com P.O. Box 88 | 620 Dalvik | Iceland