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Skiing & Snowsports in Kackar MountainsTR
The Pontic Alps above the Black Sea tea coast: Turkey's only heliski operation, 5,000 square kilometers of exclusive terrain, based in the hot-springs village of Ayder.
Why here
The Kackar is Turkey's answer to a question most skiers never thought to ask: Black Sea moisture colliding with cold interior air drops reliable, deep maritime powder on the Pontic Alps, and the country's only professional heliski operation holds more than 5,000 square kilometers of exclusive terrain around 3,942-meter Kackar Dagi, with runs of 700 to 1,200 vertical meters and drops from 3,600 meters. The base is Ayder, a hot-springs village, so the days end in thermal water and the culture is tea country rather than resort. The operation sells through the major international heliski agencies, which is how a discovery this obscure books like a known quantity.
Best months
Mid-January to mid-March is the season. This is advanced terrain: solid off-piste competence is required, avalanche gear and training are provided, and weather days are budgeted into every package.
Getting there & around
Fly Istanbul to Trabzon (TZX), then 2.5 to 3 hours to Ayder at 1,100 meters. Book packages six months or more ahead through the operator or its agencies.
Skill levels: advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Pure Powder
OutfitterA specialist international heliski agency selling the Kackar operation's packages with established booking support.
Turkey Heliski
OutfitterTurkey's only professional heliski operation, flying the Kackar's exclusive tenure from Ayder with certified guides.