Heliksir Ltd: the origins of heli-skiing in the Caucasus mountains
We would like to tell you a little bit about our company: our origins, our development and our aims for the future!
The idea to introduce European standard heli-skiing to the Caucasus mountains first came to the creators of this company in March 2009, during a holiday in the French Alps. The impeccable service and well-developed infrastructure found at European resorts allow the visitor to fully relax and enjoy their holiday. However, after a while this can become monotonous to true adventure seekers who want to experience something new and genuinely exciting; for example, soaring over the snow drifts all around you, skiing down unknown mountainsides, or climbing the highest mountain in the area to take in a bird’s eye view of your surroundings.
It is virtually impossible to find these experiences at any well-known skiing resort with its long queues for the ski-lifts and its pre-prepared mountainsides. Moreover, if you do want to get away from civilisation, the several mile uphill walk is not for every skier or snowboarder, which is why there are helicopters and snowcats (a tracked vehicle with a cabin for passengers) which allow you to reach hitherto inaccessible peaks in little to no time at all. Great then, problem solved... except the Alps have two big disadvantages. Firstly, nowadays it is quite a challenge to find an unpopulated part of Europe far away from any ski resorts. Secondly, a number of European countries have introduced limits and rules concerning heli-skiing which significantly reduces the possibilities open to lovers of extreme winter sports.
So, where should European freeriders searching for new and unconquered peaks turn to instead? They should look to the East and to the Great Caucasus mountains which are just a two to three hour plane journey away. In terms of height, the Caucasus mountains exceed the Alps, and the central part of the region alone has ten peaks which tower above the illustrious Mont Blanc. Infrastructure here is developing at a fast pace and the wonderful nature and high peaks are drawing in thousands of tourists and sportsmen from around the world every year.
These were the ideas which led to the creation of a Georgian travel agency with a unique mission: to organise and facilitate heli-skiing at the highest level. We have at our disposal modern European helicopters, certified ski instructors, and the extensive southern peaks of the Main Caucasus mountain range. What more do you need to become genuine heli-ski professionals? Well, maybe a catchy name? The origins of the company’s name are shrouded in mystery, but a curious reader could perhaps make a couple of suggestions. Firstly, the word "heliksir" takes the word "heli" and a jumbled form of the word "ski", a point which is well-pronounced in the company logo. Secondly, the word "heliksir" sounds similar to "elixir", a connection which is carried on in the company motto: "Heliksir – Elixir of Life!"
In September 2009, Heliksir Ltd. was officially registered in Tbilisi (Georgia) with permanent residence on Pekini St. (Saburtalo district). Then began a flurry of activity to organise the company and prepare for their first ski season, the location of which was Gudauri and Kazbegi which have some of the most picturesque mountains and areas in the whole of the Caucasus. We had a number of tasks to face: buying ski equipment, constructing a warm helicopter hangar, preparing a special fuel tank for storage and transport of jet fuel, searching for good hotels, finding suitable take-off strips, and a whole lot more...
Today, with several successful seasons already behind us, we can say with some confidence that all of our ideas and dreams, even the most extravagant ones have come true. Proof of this can be found in the hundreds of happy skiers and snowboarders who have come as guests and left as friends. All of our visitors leave with the unforgettable experience of conquering the mountain tops, the impressions left by the untouched nature of the Caucasus, and the unbelievable freedom and genuine drive felt when heli-skiing, and fond memories of the warm hospitality of the Georgian people. The quality of our services improves with every year that passes; we increase the number of helicopters, provide better training to our instructors, and expand the skiing area. We have no intention of stopping here; our plan now is to build a one-of-a-kind sports base for all extreme winter sports fans at the base of the Gudauri ski resort. We are also actively developing the areas around Svaneti and Tusheti.
If you have any questions, remarks, requests or partnership proposals, please do not hesitate to inform us in the most convenient way for you. We have a feedback form on the site as well as a telephone number, email, Skype and Facebook page. The full list of contact information for the company and its exact address and official payment requisites can be found on the Contacts page.
