Heliski Albania
Discover the Thrill of First Descents in the Untamed Albanian Alps
Join a unique heliskiing journey of exploration amongst the remote & dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains. Also known as the Albanian Alps, the terrain spans 1,500 square kilometres across 9 distinct zones, with diverse landscapes shaped by dramatic reliefs, glacial formations, and rugged valleys such as Valbona, Grebaja, Cemi, and Ropojana.
Heliski Albania offer week-long heliskiing packages based on rotor time, which we believe is the most transparent and fair approach for the clients. From the base in Valbona, the proximity to prime terrain allows for short 6-10 minute rotor flights, minimising time spent on refuelling or ferrying between zones. Four hours of rotor time translates to roughly 25-30 runs per group over the week, with vertical drops ranging from 400 to 1,600 metres per run. This approach ensures maximum skiing and an efficient, high-quality experience.
Highlights
• Heliskiing in exceptional surrounds, flown & guided by professionals.
• Ski the best possible snow & terrain in the region
• Make first descents in mountains completely devoid of other people during winter.
• Stay comfortably overnight in a local family-run hotel
• Enjoy incredible modern & traditonal Albanian cuisine that uses the finest local ingredients.
• Relax at the end of the day in a cosy, welcoming environment with local brandy & international wines.
• Small groups of 4 guests & one guide, with a maximum of 3 groups on any given tour week.
• This tour is an adventure in remote mountains that is within just a few hours flight of every major European airport.
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Location & Terrain: Europe's Hidden Alpine Realm
Located approximately 85 km from the Mediterranean Sea, the Accursed Mountains, also known as the Albanian Alps, boast a unique climate that contributes to one of Europe's wettest regions. In the village of Boge, annual precipitation reaches an impressive 3,033millimetres. With over 40 peaks rising above 2,500m, this range is renowned for its dramatic alpine terrain.
The abundant snowfall, similar to that of more renowned ranges like Alaska, blankets the higher elevations even during the summer months. During winter, some Albanian mountain villages are cut off for months by extremely heavy snow, leaving the landscape isolated and pristine.
The Playground
The ski terrain spans 1,500 square kilometres, divided into nine distinct zones. This is classic high mountain territory, defined by dramatic reliefs and glacial formations. The Valbona (the tour base), Grebaja, Ropojana, and Cemi Valleys present some of the most striking contrasts, with elevation changes of up to 1,800m.
The western and central sections of the range are dominated by sheer cliffs and sharp ridges, while the eastern regions are characterised by gentler, less rugged landscapes. Glacial forces have shaped much of the area, leaving karstic features particularly noticeable in the western parts.
Endless Exploration
The Accursed Mountains offer incredibly diverse terrain, making each day on the slopes unique. With lines facing different aspects, there’s always a chance to find the best snow, no matter the conditions. Despite years of exploration, the operator has only skied a little over 50% of the available terrain, leaving plenty of untouched areas and a high likelihood of first descents.
This vast range spans varied climates. The western part, influenced by the Mediterranean, brings more moisture and deeper snow, while the eastern side has a drier climate. This mix of terrain and weather guarantees a variety of exciting, unpredictable descents.
Lodging & Meals
Hotel Margjeka
Located in the heart of Valbona at 1,050m above sea level, Hotel Margjeka is a small family-run business that provides the standard accommodation on the tour. The hotel offers authentic Albanian cuisine, combining modern and traditional flavours with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy homemade brandy alongside a selection of international wines, creating a memorable dining experience in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
The 3-star Hotel Margjeka, with 19 comfortable rooms, serves as the base for the heliski operations and crew accommodation, providing a convenient and welcoming starting point for every adventure. With easy access to the pristine terrain of the Albanian Alps, it’s an ideal hub for guests to prepare for their heliskiing experience. The full board accommodation at Hotel Margjeka is included in all packages at no additional cost.
Upgrade Option: Valbona Resort & Spa
Valbona Resort & Spa offers a range of amenities, including a bar, spa, wellness centre, indoor pool, and sauna, all in the heart of Valbona. The resort also features a restaurant, shared lounge and complimentary private parking. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with modern comforts such as a desk, kettle, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Valbona Resort offers a more luxurious option for accommodation and is based on full board as well, comes with a slight additional charge to our packages. The additional cost is dependent on the room type and occupancy you choose, so please request a quote.
Getting There
Fixed-term tour packages run from early February to late March. Each 7-day tour starts on a Sunday & ends on the following Saturday.
Where to Fly?
There are three options to access the tour base in the Albanian Alps:
Pristina, Kosovo - 180 km and about 3hr drive from the airport to our location. Have in mind border crossing between Kosovo and Albania.
Skopje, Macedonia - 225 km and about 4hr drive from the airport to Valbona valley. Border crossings between Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.
Tirana, Albania - 300 km and about 4½hr drive from the airport to our location.
Airport Transfers
Although airport transfers are not included in the tour packages, Heliski Albania is more than happy to arrange them for you through one of the trusted taxi transfer companies they work with. Please request a quote for your transfer while booking.
Helicopter & Pilot Expertise
The tour utilises the workhorse of modern heliskiing - the AS350 B3 helicopter. Known for its power, agility, and reliability, it’s the industry standard. They adhere to strict European aviation standards, with maintenance and inspections handled by a tour partner, the German aviation company Aeroheli International, ensuring the highest safety standards.
The pilot is the only one in the industry with years of experience flying in the Albanian Alps. Working closely with guides, dispatchers, and clients, the pilot follows strict protocols and undergoes pre-season training to ensure seamless operations and safety, including rescue procedures, with the entire team.
Safety, Guides & Operation
Heliski Albania is a small operation that is committed to safety. Running under strict protocols and safety standards, they are fully aware of the risks involved in mountain activities, particularly heliskiing, where covering vast distances in a short time is common. That’s why safety is always the top priority. By combining the expertise of the team with ongoing education, we strive to create the best possible experience for our clients. All of the guides are fully qualified IFMGA guides with extensive heliskiing experience. With strict protocols for communication, flying, and guiding, they are proud to offer one of the safest heliskiing operations in Europe.
Safety Protocols
included in the safety protocols are two daily meetings; one in the morning and one in the evening. During the morning meeting, the snow safety director briefs the team on daily monitored snow and weather conditions, which form the basis for planning the day’s operations. In the evening, guides gather to discuss their observations, which are logged to track the snowpack throughout the season. Additionally, all runs are monitored by our on-site dispatcher to track group locations in real time.
In the event of an emergency, there are precise protocols in place to ensure swift action, including exact locations for each group. Guests can be flown directly to a hospital within minutes: a 6-minute flight to Bajram Curri, or a 45-minute flight to Tirana.
Safety Training
Upon arrival, guests will participate in an avalanche safety course, followed by a lecture and briefing on guiding protocols, communication, and helicopter operations. This training is provided both on the evening of arrival and again the next morning. It's our way of building a strong, cohesive team with our guests, enhancing safety across all aspects of the operation. Each group is also equipped with two VHF radios for communication.
Before the season begins, all staff undergo extensive training to familiarise themselves with the terrain, gather data on conditions and the snowpack, and prepare for the arrival of guests. During these sessions, we conduct a variety of rescue scenarios, including helicopter-assisted, rope-access, and toboggan-assisted rescues, ensuring our team is fully prepared for any situation.
Ski Ability & Equipment
The Arctic Heli Skiing Classic Program is suitable for fit, advanced or better skiers & snowboarders with previous off-piste powder & mixed snow conditions experience. Participants need to bring their own ski or snowboard gear but the tariff includes high quality avalanche safety gear (airbag, shovel, probe & beacon).
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