Frequently Asked Questions
HOW CAN I GET THERE?
The journey should be started on Saturday. Different airlines (e.g. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul or Aeroflot via Moscow) offer flights to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. We pick you up there and bring you with minivans to Suuslodge. It will take us around 2.5 hours.
DO I NEED A VISA TO COME?
Kyrgyzstan can be entered by European, US and Swiss citizens for 60 days without any visa. The passport must
 be valid at least 3 months after your journey. Please be up dated with COVID 19 regulations.
I AM A SNOWBOARDER. CAN I PARTICIPATE?
All snowboarders and telemark skiers, who are experienced in the off-slope terrain, are welcomed. The area is well suited for skiers, snowboarders and telemark skiers. In case of an appropriate number of snowboarders and telemark skiers, own groups will be formed, otherwise you will be part of a skiing group.
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN WITH ME?
Participants under the age of 18 need the agreement of their legal guardian. The minimum age for participants is 16 years.
HOW ARE THE GROUPS CONSTITUTED?
In the NOMAD PREMIUM Program 4 people constitute a group which is guided by an experienced mountain guide. The allocation of the partipicants to the heliski groups rests with the guides and depends on the skiing skills of participants. In the NOMAD PRIVATE Program it is possible to follow the wishes of our guests. However, it is an advantage for all participants to have similar skiing skills and interests.
CAN I RIDE WITH MY FRIENDS?
Our NOMAD Heli-skiing Groups are formed based on compatible ability. If you and your friends are evenly matched in ability, then you may be able to ski together. We reserve the right to form the groups to optimize the compatibility of skiing abilities.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
We start with breakfast. Check the daily group list and be ready for the appropriate departure time. You will then head out for a unique day of powder skiing.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
Weather and windproof ski clothing, warm ski underwear, ski boots, ski, telemark ski with poles or snowboard, ski helmet, woolen hat, ski gloves, sun protection (sun-/skiing glasses, sun cream), thermo flask, photo and filming equipment, electricity chargers for devices, spare binding and ski parts if special.
WHAT KIND OF HELICOPTER WILL FLY IN FOR NOMAD HELISKI PROGRAM?
We use Airbus H125/AS350 B3e Astar's. This is the work horse of most heliski operations, powerful, safe and reliable.
HOW MANY RUNS DO I GET DAILY?
How much vertical you ski each day is dependent on weather and safety conditions as well as the pace of the ski groups. Packages are compatible to included flight hours and our guides do a very good job of keeping things running smoothly throughout the day so that guests are not waiting around.
WHY PACKAGES ARE CALCULATED ON FLIGHT TIME?
Many operations charge per vertical metres skied. We charge per minute as the helicopter is flying. With this setup we have calculated that our guests get about 20% more skiing for money spent than if they were being charged for metres or feet skied. This system is a transparent way of calculating the skiing for both guests and operation. When on a metres package the operation will try to ski you as much as they can as close to base as possible, basically fly as little for as much skiing as possible, meaning you might not get to the best snow or the coolest terrain as it is not in the interest of the company to fly you far out. When on time you have the option of skiing close to home and get more vertical or fly further out where there might be better snow or scenery.
HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE?
A typical guest is a strong intermediate to advanced rider, able to ride in control on most terrain and comfortable in a variety of snow conditions and fit enough to ride for days in a row.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS INCLUDED?
All of our NOMAD heli-skiing programs include avalanche safety gear. Our avalanche safety gear consists of avalanche airbag, transceiver, shovel and probe.
CAN I RENT SNOWBOARD, SKI OR OTHER EQUIPMENT?
Please bring your boots, ski and board with you. As for type of ski best suited for our conditions a mid-fat to fat ski, would be the ideal. At our base we have small capacity of ski and poles as replacement material.
CAN I EXPECT VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN FOOD?
Please advise us by making note of any special food or allergies when reserving your trip. If we know in advance, we can provide any food type you need.
WHAT CAN I DO WHEN WEATHER IS NOT GOOD FOR FLYING?
On down days at Suuslodge you can go for catskiing.
IS THERE A CELL PHONE COVERAGE AND INTERNET AT THE LODGE?
The Suuslodge is equipped with high-speed internet and free Wi-Fi for guests and there is also cell phone coverage.
WHAT'S IN THE TRIP INCLUDED?
Our heli-skiing trips include transport from Bishkek airport to the Suus Lodge in Suusamyr Valley and back, accommodation in yurts, full board, certified guides and helicopter pilots, safety training and safety equipment (airbag, shovel, avalanche transceiver and probe).
WHAT IS A KYRGYZS CURRENCY?
Local currency in Kyrgyzstan is called Som (KGS).
WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE IN KYRGYZSTAN?
According to time zone Kyrgyzstan time is 6 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.