The Ugam, Pskem and Chatkal ranges of the Western Tien Shan with their comparatively mild climate and great powder offer ideal conditions for heli-skiing and heli-boarding. The Western Tien Shan with pristine expanses of virgin snow from the high mountain peaks and passes and its continental climate the is one of the best skiing areas in Asia.
The area is known for its stable sunny weather conditions. Usually in five out of seven days, the sun is out making for comfortable skiing. In winter, the temperatures are about -12° C. Ski conditions are ideal its deep powder adheres well on the steep slopes from October up until early May each year.
The Chimgan-Charvak-Beldersay” resort area has become a popular location for Heli-Ski being located conveniently less than 100km from Tashkent. The beautiful mountain slopes of Chimghan tract, at altitudes from 2500 to 4200 m above sea level have runs with an amplitude drop downhill of up to 2 km finishing in the valley.
Chatkal Range
| ||||
Point
|
Region / reference
|
Altitude difference start/finish points of descent, m.
|
Δh, m
|
Length, km.
|
1
|
Big Chimgan
|
3300 - 1700
|
1600
|
6
|
1a
|
Crest of Chimgan
|
2200 - 1700
|
500
|
3
|
2
|
Akkul
|
2890 - 2000
|
900
|
6
|
3
|
Kyzylnura
|
3300 - 2400
|
900
|
6
|
4
|
Aktahta natural boundary
|
3320 - 2200
|
1100
|
5
|
5
|
Turasai Akbulak
|
3200 - 2300
|
900
|
6
|
6
|
Davan pass
|
3150 - 2300
|
850
|
7
|
7
|
Muz Ter pass
|
3450 - 2300
|
1150
|
6
|
8
|
Peak 3504
|
3500 - 2300
|
1200
|
6
|
9
|
High pass
|
3800 - 2500
|
1300
|
4
|
10
|
Peak 3582
|
3500 - 2500
|
1000
|
5
|
11
|
Peak 3582
|
3500 - 2500
|
1000
|
5
|
 Photo: Uzbekistan Airways Mi-8 MTV Helicopter. Pskem range | ||||
| Point | Region / reference | Altitude difference start/finish points of descent, m. | Δh, m | Length, km. |
| 1 | Padyr pass | 3200 - 1700 | 1500 | 8 |
| 2 | Padyr pass | 3300 - 1700 | 1600 | 7 |
| 3 | Kaptarkumysh | 3350 - 1600 | 1700 | 8 |
| 4 | Pskemsai | 3000 - 2000 | 1000 | 6 |
| 5 | Pskemsai | 3600 - 2000 | 1600 | 6 |
| 6 | Ikhanch | 3000 - 2300 | 700 | 5 |
| 7 | Oygaing | 3400 - 2300 | 1100 | 6 |
| 8 | Oygaing | 3400 - 2300 | 1100 | 6 |
| 9 | Barkraksai | 4000 - 3000 | 1000 | 8 |
| 10 | Barkraksai | 3800 - 3000 | 800 | 6 |
| 11 | Barkraksai | 3900 - 3000 | 900 | 6 |
| 12 | Akkapchagai | 3900 - 2900 | 1000 | 5 |
Helicopters used on the Range
The Mi-8 with some 50,000 helicopters so far built is by far the largest helicopter make in production world wide. The Mi-8MTV powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM high altitude turboshaft engines has a hovering ceiling of 6,000 m and a load capacity of 4,000 kg external load.
Designed to operate in a wide range of ambient air temperatures and so is ideal for mountain use. Able to carry cargoes of up to four tons and has a winch with a capacity of 150 kg the helicopter's cargo cabin is equipped with a heating and ventilation system and has collapsible seats for up to 24 passengers. It can also be converted for air ambulance duties or as a rescue machine with an electric hoist with a boom, over the movable door of the fuselage. Its maximum speed with normal take-off weight is 250 km/hr. Cruise speed with normal take-off weight is 230 km/hr with a flight range with fuel in main tanks of 650 km. Requires a crew of 2-3 (two pilots, one mechanic).
