KAMCHATKA

GUIDED SKI & SPLITBOARD EXPEDITION

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A word on our Russia programming:

We have been running trips in Russia since 2017. We’ve had incredible experiences in some of the deepest powder and most spectacular mountains I’ve ever experienced. I’ve personally developed a love for Russian culture as well as friendships with many Russians. When considering our path forward, my thoughts immediately go to our partners who had only a few months to come up for air between the pandemic and their businesses again being shuttered by the actions of one maniacal motherf***er. Like the majority of Russians, they are staunchly against the war but are firmly stuck between a rock and a dictatorship.

While we bear witness to the horrors of undeniable war crimes, we would like to communicate for us and our partners that we stand with Ukraine. As for the future of 40 Tribes in Russia, it’s uncertain at this time, but we are obviously putting a hold on our programming. This webpage will not be seeing updates in the meantime. We don’t plan on boycotting Russia; instead, it is our hope, at some point in the future, to once again support our powder-loving brothers and sisters who bear no responsibility but can’t avoid the consequence. That’s about all we can say at this point.

Kamchatka: The Wild, Wild East. If you've heard of this remote Russian peninsula, it's likely because of its rivers and fabled fishing opportunities or its volcanic mountain ranges and Mi-8 helicopters—the beasts of the heli skiing world—that fly to their summits. If you haven't heard of it, it's for good reason. Kamchatka was long considered one of the least hospitable places in on the Eurasian continent, was closed even to Soviet citizens until 1989, and remained totally inaccessible to foreigners until 1991. Today, Kamchatka is finding its way onto modern day adventurers' radars as the mysterious Land of Fire and Ice—the Russian equivalent of the Last Frontier for epic mountain and water adventures.

Kamchatka is geographically closer to Alaska than the nearest major Russian city. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the peninsula has a remarkable density of volcanoes, including the highest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere at 4,750m. Two major mountain ranges traverse from north to south, with the wide Central Valley sandwiched between. Cold Siberian winds combine with a subarctic ocean current phenomenon known as Oyashio to plaster higher elevations with meters of snow well into the summer months.

There are only two main roads on Kamchatka, with 75% of the population living in one of three industrial cities and rural areas sparsely inhabited by indigenous tribes who continue to subsist as reindeer herders and hunter/fishermen. The vast majority of the peninsula remains wilderness, totally unpopulated and undeveloped.

2022 DATES

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APRIL 3-14 (CANCELLED)

8 DAYS RIDING/12 DAYS TOTAL

DETAILS

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In early April 2022 we are offering a 12-day guided ski and splitboard expedition to pioneer lines in the dramatic Ganalsky Range and on two active volcanoes, Avachinsky (2,741m) and Koryaksky (3,456m). The expedition will highlight human-powered travel through the mountains, with snowmobile and snowcat assistance to reach our various basecamp locations. A dedicated camp cook will join us for the duration of our time in the mountains to serve up made-from-scratch Russian meals.

The epic journey begins with travel to Kamchatka, with the only routing during the winter months by way of Vladivostok or Moscow—and still another 8.5 hours flight time from there. Upon arrival in Kamchatka's main settlement and capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, we'll rest up, do gear checks, and pull out the maps to brief the days ahead. The next morning we'll load up and head 3 hours out of the city to the foot of the Ganalsky Range, establishing our basecamp amidst a magical birch forest. The allure of the Ganalsky Range lies not only in its jagged spires and steep couloirs, but also its Hokkaido-like coldsmoke-filled forests—both of which we plan to sample according to weather and avalanche conditions.

Following 4 full days exploring lines from our Ganalsky basecamp, we will travel to the village of Paratunka, where an evening of rest at a private lodge with thermal pools awaits. The next morning we will have the choice of sessioning more Japan-style tree runs around Paratunka, or going directly to meet the snowcats for transport up to our next destination: the huts between Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes. Accommodation in the huts will be simple, but a step up from tent camping with wood burning stoves and at least one banya (sauna) session when our weary muscles are ready for it. We'll spend 4 days climbing and shredding massive lines (+2000m vert) on the flanks of the volcanoes before returning to the capital for one final celebratory night and vodka shots to close it out in true Russian style.

PHOTO GALLERY

As words just don't do it justice, be sure to scope our Kamchatka photo gallery.

GUIDES

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We will feature a guide/support team of three: two 40 Tribes guides and one Russian guide-in-training/cook. Our 2022 Kamchatka expedition will be lead guided by Jules Hanna with TBA in the tail guide position. Meet our guides.

For logistics support we are working with Grigory Mintsev, an ACMG/RMGA Ski Guide with extensive experience working in the mountains of Kamchatka.

BOOKINGS

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USD $4,750/PERSON*

8 DAYS RIDING/12 DAYS TOTAL

*Based on our 2020 pricing. May be adjusted.

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ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS

Participants will need to arrive in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (airport code PKC) on or before April 3. The only available routing during the winter months is via Moscow (or Vladivostok if originating in the East) on Aeroflot Russian Airlines*. Keep in mind that, due to the duration of the flight from Moscow and the number of time zones you will cross en route, you will need to book your flight leaving Moscow the day before you plan to arrive in Kamchatka. We will return to Petropavlovsk the evening of April 13 for departures on the 14th. As mentioned above, a tourist visa is required for entry into Russia and will need to be applied for in advance. We will provide the necessary letter of invitation to submit with your personal visa application.

*NOTE that Aeroflot doesn’t typically publish their April schedule/costs for nonstop flights between Moscow and Petropavlovsk until late fall. Until then, a search for flights will only show options with multiple stops and prices will be insanely expensive. Don’t worry! This direct route will be offered and as it is subsidized by the government, the price stays pretty consistent—usually USD $400-500 round trip SVO-PKC-SVO (not bad for a long haul flight!).

PRICE INCLUDES

40 Tribes Lead and Tail Guides joined by one local Russian guide-in-training; Airport transfers on specified arrival/departure dates; 2 nights hotel accommodation including breakfasts in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (nights of TBA and TBA); Private transport between locations; Snowmobile support in the Ganalsky Range; 5 nights Ganalsky basecamp accommodation in 2 or 3-person tents with a large, heated kitchen/dining tent; 1 night accommodation in private lodge with thermal pools in Paratunka; Snowcat transport to Avachinsky Pass; 3 nights accommodation and banya session at the mountain huts on Avachinsky Pass; Dedicated cook and made-from-scratch meals at all camp locations; 8 days of epic guided skiing/splitboarding!

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Airfare and baggage fees; Visa fees (tourist visa required); Medical/evacuation insurance; Lunches and dinners in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky; All meals in Paratunka; Alcohol; Tips for guides.

BOOKING POLICY

A 20% deposit is required to secure your spot, with the remainder due 4 months prior to the expedition start date. Our cancellation/refund policies can be found here.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Our general terms & conditions can be found here.

RELEASE & WAIVER OF RIGHTS

All participants are required to sign our Release and Waiver of Rights.