Vladimir Pogrebenko: an extreme trip to Kamchatka

Vladimir Igorevich Pogrebenko - a Russian businessman, top manager, member of the Board of Directors of Mosenergo, spoke about his passion for heli-skiing and a week-long tour of Kamchatka.

In recent years, the extreme sport - heli-skiing (from heliskiing: heli - helicopter, skiing - skiing) is gaining popularity in Russia, when participants go down a steep mountain slope by skiing or snowboarding, landing on the top from a helicopter. According to rider reviews, adrenaline rolls over even when you find yourself on the top of the mountain, and when you fly down the “wild” track, you feel complete freedom! “Having experienced these sensations once, I want to repeat them again, ” said Vladimir Pogrebenko, a Russian businessman, top manager, member of the Board of Directors of Mosenergo and other large companies. One of the brightest projects in Vladimir’s career was the revolutionary transformation of VDNH, during which the cult metropolitan object returned to its former popularity and is now one of the favorite vacation spots. Recently, he went on a heli-ski tour in Kamchatka and shared his impressions.

- Vladimir Igorevich, how did you get involved in heli-skiing?

- I have been skiing for a long time. The first time I tried my hand at Cheget, although this mountain is considered one of the most difficult to descend. The tilt angle in some places more than 45 degrees is a solid "black track". But it was here that I mastered and felt off-piste skiing, felt what virgin soil is. Once driving along an unprepared track, the usual descent is already becoming boring. Riders will understand me!

- Why did you choose Kamchatka for skiing? First time here?

- Yes, this is the first time in Kamchatka, although I heard that this is the best place in Russia for heli-skiing. Prior to this, I had to ride on unprecedented slopes in Switzerland, Italy. In Russia, such routes are on Elbrus, on Cheget, in Kabardino-Balkaria. But there, to ride on the virgin lands, use the lift. In heli-skiing you are thrown on a hill by helicopter, and this is a completely different story.

Friends called me to ride in Kamchatka for a long time, but we did not coincide in time, and it was hard to believe that we could organize a decent service. The season here begins in December and usually lasts until mid-May. Pros are advised to ride in February, when most of the snow. We flew later, but did not regret it at all, thanks to the staff of the local company Kamchatka Freeride Community, which organized the trip.

- What is the most memorable? A weekly tour involves only skiing or is there some kind of tourist program?

“I know from experience that riding seven days non-stop is physically difficult, but riders are hostages of the weather.” The guides said that sometimes it was not at all possible to get out into the mountains due to some natural disasters. On the contrary, we were very lucky with the weather - out of seven days, five, it was ideal for skiing.

In Kamchatka, the time difference with Moscow is nine hours, so we flew all night. Landing at ten in the morning, immediately went to the helipad, changed clothes and rushed to the mountains. The first two days the weather was amazing - the sun was frosty, then for two days everything changed dramatically, it was not time for skiing. Using the pause, we were able to restore strength and see the sights. These days, they cut through snowmobiles, went to Beringia, where sled dogs live, to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

After a temporary break, the sun recharged, making it possible to enjoy amazing skiing. One of the slopes was right from the hill to the ocean - he was remembered more than others. Winter Kamchatka is generally incredibly colorful - geysers, volcanoes, fluffy and clear snow. It is not surprising that protected places attract not only Russian tourists, but also foreigners. And all ride - from small to large. And the service is at the level - the food is delicious: fresh fish, caviar, soups, etc.

- How is heli-ski different from off-highway skiing?

- For heli-skiing, riders are landed from a helicopter to places where it’s unrealistic to get there independently. Therefore, a person should not just be physically prepared, need a "reel." Canada is considered the homeland of heli-skiing, which is considered the snowiest region on earth. Kamchatka is not inferior in terms of abundance of snow and topography, though I would not advise newcomers to go there. In general, I recommend practicing off-piste descents only for those riders who already feel confident on the track.

The main difference between such skiing and heli-skiing is the number of runs. A helicopter can make an average of about ten descents per day. If you take off-piste skiing at any resort, then if there is a lot of snow, by the middle of the day everyone is already rolling out. In addition, in the bosom of nature in the mountains there is no fuss - there are no lifts, restaurants. You usually ride your familiar company. We, for example, were five people and two guides.

- How do you organize such descents? What dangers await riders?

- Before landing on a mountain of riders, the organizers make trial descents. The main danger is avalanches, so athletes undergo detailed training. They also have special equipment and an understanding of how to act in the event of force majeure. I know from experience that compliance with safety standards helps to avoid troubles.

- You have been involved in triathlon for many years, participate in competitions. Does this help in your heli-skiing hobby?

- Triathlon allows you to keep fit, it helps to withstand the load, and then it’s a matter of training. In alpine skiing - the more you ride, the faster you progress. Actually, as in any other sport.

- Do you have a dream related to heli-skiing? Where would you like to ride?

- There is no concrete dream about the place, I just would like to go for a drive in as many countries as possible. There are many of them - besides Canada, they ride in Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, New Zealand, and India. Heli-skiing is considered exotic in Patagonia, where helicopters take off from boats to the mountains. But, frankly, I don’t want to go anywhere after Kamchatka. I would like to come back again and enjoy the stunning views. Now everything is there - hot springs, good hotels, restaurants, and very competent organizers.