Discover the surf
Your accommodation
You can choose between two well-located bases in the heart of Valbona (Albanian Alps):
Hotel Margjeka: Our standard base and heliski operations hub at 1,050 m. A cozy, family-run 3-star hotel with 19 comfortable rooms. Expect authentic Albanian cuisine made from fresh local ingredients—think modern-meets-traditional dishes, homemade brandy, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Full board at Margjeka is included in all packages.
Valbona Resort & Spa: A more luxurious option featuring a spa & wellness center, indoor pool, sauna, bar, and restaurant, plus a shared lounge and complimentary private parking. Rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a desk, kettle, fridge, safe, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with shower. Full board is included; a small surcharge applies depending on room type and occupancy—tell us your preferences and we’ll quote the exact upgrade.
This is a standard twin room with 2 single beds, perfect for 2 adults or children. It has a cupboard, mirror, glasses, heating for winter, private bathroom (en suite) and the amazing mountain views over the Valbona Valley.
This is a standard double room with 1 double bed, perfect for couples. It has a cupboard, mirror, glasses, table, heating for winter, private bathroom (en suite) and the amazing mountain views over the Valbona Valley.
This is a standard family room with 2 single beds, perfect for 2 adults or children and 1 double. It has a cupboard, mirror, glasses, heating for winter, private bathroom (en suite) and the amazing mountain views over the Valbona Valley.
The Twin Room with valley or mountain view and balcony is a comfortable room with two single beds. This option offers you convenience and comfort, as every detail has been selected to create a warm atmosphere and a relaxing stay.
The Queen Double Room with Balcony offers the comfort of a spacious room, designed to provide a relaxing experience for couples. The large windows or glass doors provide natural light and a stunning view with which to enjoy every moment of the day.
Twin Room with sofa bed, offers the possibility of accommodation in two single beds and a sofa that can also be used as an extra bed (suitable for children). The bathroom also has the convenience of a bathtub for those who want to enjoy the magnificent view of the mountain, while relaxing.
In the Twin rooms, the view is enjoyed from 2 balconies with different orientations of the Valbona Valley, where nature seems to greet you at every moment.
The King Room is furnished with a King Size bed to provide maximum comfort. For small families, this room is perfect, as it includes a sofa bed (suitable for children). Unlike other rooms, the bathroom in the King Room offers the opportunity to relax in the bathtub with ample space, to enjoy your stay to the fullest. The magic of waking up with the stunning view of the mountains before your eyes is another reason why the right choice for your vacation is Valbona Resort.
The Junior Suite rooms are designed with a North-East orientation, to offer a magnificent view of the Valbona Valley and the surrounding forested mountains.
With the main entrance in a hallway, each of them reflects elegance combined with comfort. Built in spacious space, the rooms have 2 balconies with different views.
The Family Room suits the needs of families or small groups of up to 4 people. This accommodation option is organized as two separate rooms, connected by a door, offering privacy and comfort at the same time. One room has a double bed and the other offers two single beds. Each of them is furnished in the unique style of Valbona Resort and is equipped with the details that enable comfortable accommodation for you.
What awaits you
True Exclusivity
The only heliski operator in Albania and the entire Accursed Mountains—small groups of 4, max 3 rotations per helicopter, and a vast 1,500 km² playground all to yourselves.
Choose Your Playground
No fixed routes. We pick the zone with you each day—guided by safety and weather, but always leaving room for your preferences.
Europe’s Last Blank Spots
The Accursed Mountains are among Europe’s most untamed ranges. After 8 seasons, half the terrain is still to discover—expect genuine exploration.
IFMGA-Certified Safety
Ski with IFMGA guides who bring deep snowcraft and mountain safety expertise to every run.
The Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps)
Just ~85 km from the Mediterranean, the Accursed Mountains—also known as the Albanian Alps—sit among Europe’s wettest ranges. In places like Boge, annual precipitation reaches ~3,033 mm, feeding dramatic alpine relief with 40+ peaks over 2,500 m. Abundant snowfall lingers high into summer; in winter, heavy storms can isolate villages, leaving a pristine, untouched landscape.
Our Playground (1,500 km² / 9 Zones)
We guide across 1,500 km² split into nine distinct zones of classic high-mountain terrain shaped by glaciers. The Valbona (our base), Grebaja, Ropojana, and Cemi valleys deliver striking vertical relief—up to 1,800 m—from broad valley floors to towering walls. Western and central sectors are steep and serrated; the east trends gentler, with notable karst formations in the west.
Endless Exploration
Aspect-rich terrain means options in every condition—there’s almost always a face holding the best snow. Even after years of scouting, we’ve skied just over 50% of our tenure, so fresh lines and first descents remain common. Micro-climates add variety: the Mediterranean-influenced west brings deeper, moister snowpacks, while the east stays drier—together ensuring consistently exciting, unpredictable descents.
Down day activities:
- Ski touring
- Spa / Wellness day
- Visiting the region
Weekly Heliskiing Package:
- 4 h rotor time per group of 4
- 6 possible skiing days
- 7 nights of accommodation (full board)
- Avalanche safety equipment (airbag, probe, shovel, transceiver)
This classic heliski package includes 4 hours of flight time per group. You’ll share your seat in a group of four skiers—and we strongly recommend booking as a foursome with similar ability for the best flow and safety. With a maximum of three groups per helicopter, changeovers are seamless, meaning minimal waiting and maximum skiing between runs.
Private Heliskiing Week:
- 6 possible skiing days
- 7 nights of accommodation (full board)
- 4, 8 or 12 h of rotor time (based on group size)
- Avalanche safety equipment (airbag, probe, shovel, transceiver)
Imagine having 1,500 km² of untouched mountains—and the entire operation—reserved just for you and your crew. Our private program runs on rotor time, so we can tailor terrain and chase the best snow each day. Choose the rotor-time block that fits your group size and preferences, and we’ll custom-build the experience to guarantee the best possible skiing.
About Heliski Albania
We’ve been delivering exceptional heliskiing in Albania since 2018. The concept took shape during a TGR filming project that year and has since evolved into five successful seasons in one of Europe’s most unexplored mountain ranges. Operating as a small, expert team in the heart of the Accursed Mountains, we partner with Viva Helicopters and Aeroheli International to uphold top safety standards and offer a world-class skiing experience. Each season, we raise the bar to deliver even better service.
Getting There
Where to fly
- Pristina, Kosovo: ~180 km · ~3 hrs drive (border crossing Kosovo → Albania).
- Skopje, North Macedonia: ~225 km · ~4 hrs drive (border crossings North Macedonia → Kosovo → Albania).
- Tirana, Albania: ~300 km · ~4.5 hrs drive (no external border crossing).
Transfers
Airport transfers aren’t included, but we can arrange reliable private transfers with our trusted partners. Request a quote when booking.
Safety
Our Commitment
We’re a small operation with strict protocols. All guides are fully qualified IFMGA professionals with extensive heliskiing experience. Communication, flying, and guiding procedures are rigorously defined, supporting one of Europe’s safest heliski operations.
Helicopter & Pilot Expertise
We fly the AS350 B3—the industry workhorse for power, agility, and reliability. Maintenance and inspections are conducted to strict European standards by Aeroheli International. Our pilot brings years of specific experience in the Albanian Alps and trains pre-season with guides and dispatch to refine operations, safety, and rescue procedures.
Protocols & Training
Two daily briefings anchor decision-making. Mornings start with a snow-safety update and plan; evenings log field observations to track the seasonal snowpack. Our dispatcher monitors groups in real time, with exact locations ready for any emergency. Evac options include ~6 minutes to Bajram Curri or ~45 minutes to Tirana.
On arrival, guests complete avalanche training plus a briefing on guiding, comms, and helicopter procedures (evening and next morning) to build a cohesive, safety-first team. Each group carries two VHF radios. Pre-season, staff train extensively on terrain knowledge, snowpack assessment, and rescue scenarios (helicopter-assisted, rope-access, and toboggan-assisted) to ensure readiness.
GT&C
LineUpEXplorers GmbH (hereinafter LUEX), Köln, provides an internet-based intermediary platform for global travel-related products and services. For this purpose LUEX operates a travel information, communication and booking system on the internet. This offers travel-related products, services, and information. These terms and conditions govern the use of the entire LUEX offerings, also in particular the booking of trips, travel components and services. LUEX reserves the right to make provision for supplementary terms and conditions for certain travel-related offerings or destinations. As LUEX acts only as an intermediary, the specific and general terms and conditions of any third party offering a product or service shall also apply additionally. In the event of conflicting conditions, the general terms and conditions of LUEX shall apply preferentially.
The parties to the legal relations shall be designated as "Travellers", with a person who also makes a booking for one or more Travellers designated as a "Group leader". The member of a tour group shall also be designated as a "Group member". "Service provider" designates a company or person that delivers the actual product or service - usually on location at the destination - that LUEX (Intermediary) offers to Travellers.
1. Intermediary platform operator designation and information
LineUpEXplorers GmbH (abbreviated as LUEX)
Managing Director Tim Heising
Court Registration: HRB 99297 Cologne
Lütticher Str. 10
50674 Köln
Germany
VAT ID No.: DE221867890
Telephone: LUEX general: +49 231 97676992
LUEX bookings Surf: +49 231 97676992
LUEX bookings Snow: +49 231 97676994
Fax: +49 231 58695399
Skype: LUEX general: luex-lineupexplorers
LUEX bookings Surf: luex-surf
LUEX bookings Snow: luex-snow
2. Website
The website constitutes the fundamental information that LUEX provides to Travellers. The offers, representations, data, software, images, illustrations and information are subject to copyright in virtually their entirety. To the extent that the design, photos, selection and manner of composition and preparation have been prepared by LUEX, the rights are held exclusively by LUEX. Large quantities of information, offers and images are delivered by third parties, in particular also by Service providers. This content is also legally protected by copyright, trademark and competition law and may not be copied, transmitted or used in any manner other than within the scope of the website without the prior express written authorisation of LUEX or the rights holder, if applicable.
LUEX shall make every effort to update information and prices at all times. Nevertheless, there may be differences due to the volume of data, information and parameters. Prices and specifications can be found based on the individually prepared offering. The booking confirmation and the price calculated for the Traveller are definitive.
LUEX is unable to monitor or check all information provided, especially links to other websites. LUEX is unable to maintain and update this content. In this respect, LUEX is unable to assume any responsibility.
3. Intermediary services
LUEX facilitates the provision of travel-related products and services by Service providers in the form of travel modules and services. LUEX is not a tour operator and does not deliver, own or control any of the travel-related products and services on offer. The travel-related products and services are delivered directly by the Service provider. The offerings provided by LUEX are intended for natural persons. In this context, the Traveller / Group leader making the booking must be at least 18 years of age. A Group leader aged 18 years or over must book for under-age travel companions. The offerings are primarily intended for Travellers from Germany. In utilising this offering, the Group leader making the booking promises that they are authorised to act on behalf of their travel companions, in particular to arrange travel-related services and to conclude contractual arrangements in the name of the Travellers. The Group leader is liable to LUEX as the joint and several debtor in addition to the individual Travellers for the payment of the travel-related products and services booked. Legally binding declarations received by the Group leader are deemed to have been received by all Travellers in the tour group.
4. Bookings
To the extent that no further commitment periods have been agreed, the following shall apply: By filling in the booking templates and confirming the booking procedure, the Traveller/Group leader commissions LUEX to finalise the intermediated procurement with the Service provider. A confirmation of receipt from LUEX with respect to an order immediately after the Traveller/Group leader has transmitted the data does not constitute a binding confirmation of the intermediated travel-related products and services.
Immediately upon receipt of the booking, LUEX shall assess the availability of all the booked products and services from the Service provider/s. Following this assessment, the Traveller/Group leader shall be issued a booking confirmation. The Traveller/Group leader is obliged to check this confirmation carefully immediately upon receipt. If information appearing on the confirmation or in another document is incorrect or incomplete, the Traveller/Group leader is obliged to inform LUEX immediately - in text form if possible. Alterations at a later point in time can only be considered if LUEX could reasonably be expected to make such changes. Unreasonable alterations are such changes in particular that involve additional costs for LUEX, unless the Traveller/Group leader reimburses these costs.
A binding agreement between the Traveller and the respective Service provider shall only eventuate when the binding booking confirmation has been transmitted to the Traveller/Group leader; the automatic LUEX confirmation of receipt is not a booking confirmation.
The following applies when a Group leader makes a booking for several Travellers: With their booking, the Group leader confirms that they are permitted to legally represent the group members (Travellers) and that the Group leader is permitted to make and receive declarations on behalf of the group members. If travel vouchers are dispatched, they shall be sent solely to the Group leader for the whole tour group. Payments shall be processed exclusively through the Group leader with debt discharging effect.
The contractual obligation of LUEX is limited to the proper intermediation of the booked travel-related products and services. The contractual obligations of LUEX do not include the delivery of the booked product or service.
5. Payments, cancellation charges
LUEX is entitled to demand payment of deposits and outstanding amounts in accordance with the general terms and conditions as well as the terms and conditions of payment of the Service provider of the mediated product or service. Payment shall be collected as instructed by the respective Service provider. It is possible that the method of payment accepted by the Service provider may differ from the standard modes of payment used by LUEX or in Germany generally. The details are to be found in each of the offerings respectively. To the extent that nothing to the contrary has been agreed, the following shall apply:
Following receipt of the payment request, payment of the deposit indicated on the payment request is to be made in a single payment within one week by means of the payment method indicated. The deposit shall be at least 25% of the total price of the travel-related products or services that have been booked. The outstanding amount for the travel-related products or services is to be paid no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of travel as a single payment by means of the payment method indicated without any further request for payment. In the case of tour groups, the Group leader is responsible for ensuring consistent payment processing. The total price of a tour booked at short notice (within 30 days of tour commencement) is due immediately.
If due payments are not made or not made in full and the Traveller/Group leader does not pay after a reminder with a final due date, LUEX or the Service provider are able to withdraw from the particular agreement, unless LUEX or the Service provider is already responsible for a significant flaw, failing or shortcoming at this time. If the Traveller is responsible for the cancellation, LUEX or the Service provider can demand compensation in accordance with the agreed fixed rates for compensation. If nothing else has been stipulated within the offer/travel confirmation, the fixed rate in the event of the Traveller cancelling more than 30 days prior to departure is 25% of the price of the tour. The Traveller/Group leader is entitled to provide evidence of lower costs or costs that did not eventuate, while LUEX is free to calculate and demonstrate substantially higher costs.
LUEX assumes no currency risks. In order to minimise currency risks, LUEX shall exchange the travel payments received into the target currency of the country of the respective Service provider as soon as possible after receipt of payment. In the event of major currency fluctuations, the Traveller/Group leader shall indemnify LUEX against any proven currency exchange losses. Reimbursements shall be made solely by means of bank transfers in the currency of the recipient. Bank fees and charges shall be borne by the Traveller/Group leader.
If the Traveller/Group leader pays by bank transfer, LUEX can only facilitate a smooth booking process if the Traveller/Group leader uses the designated booking ID in the purpose field of the bank transfer which is specified in the request for payment. Otherwise LUEX may not be able to assign the payment to the correct booking. A failure to do that correctly can result in the cancellation of a trip in the worst-case scenario.
If the Traveller wishes to book not as a private individual, but as a business traveller acting on instructions or as a legal representative, this must be noted already during the booking process and cannot be subsequently altered. This can have taxation consequences and should therefore be carefully considered.
The customer shall receive a payment receipt in the form of a booking confirmation from LUEX showing the total price, either paid or to be paid to the Service provider.
6. Alterations, cancellations, reimbursements
In the event that a confirmed booking is modified or cancelled, LUEX is to be contacted as quickly as possible in this matter such that a possible solution can be sought in consultation with the Traveller/Group leader. Additional costs that result for LUEX or the Service provider shall be borne by the Traveller/Group leader, whereby LUEX reserves the right to invoice a minimum fee of €50 for changes demanded solely by the Traveller.
Should there be a modification or cancellation by LUEX / the Service provider, LUEX shall also contact the Traveller/Group leader as soon as possible and seek a possible solution.
LUEX notes explicitly that as an intermediary LUEX cannot assume responsibility for the performance of the Service provider. In particular, LUEX offers individual travel-related products and services to exotic destinations. The Traveller recognises that booking and processing these products and services are more difficult and that a higher degree of flexibility is expected of these than for mass tourism.
7. Complaints and ratings
Should the Traveller be dissatisfied with an aspect of the travel-related product or service received in a particular case and wish to submit a complaint, they are to approach the Service provider or their representative directly at the location during their current stay so that this person can attempt to solve the problem. LUEX recommends notifying the Service provider in text form that documents the shortcomings, if possible with the aid of photos.
If the problem cannot be resolved during the stay, the Service provider must be contacted within 30 days of returning from the trip. The Service provider should then respond to the correspondence according to the applicable laws and regulations. Receipt should be confirmed in 14 days and a full response received within 28 days. If this is not the case, an explanation for the delay should be received from the Service provider.
Should the travel-related product or service not match the description on the LUEX platform, the customer must approach the Service provider or their representative directly at the location during the customer's stay. LUEX shall support customers with respect to their complaint. LUEX is to be informed of the facts involved in the situation as soon as possible in order to be able to assist in finding a solution.
The Service provider is to be contacted immediately in the event of flight or transportation problems. Customers are to check information and the general terms and conditions given to customers via the Service provider before the commencement of travel.
8. Visa, passport and travel regulations
The Traveller/Group leader shall pay attention to the special visa, passport and travel regulations for the Travellers and their country of destination. LUEX makes every effort to inform customers as comprehensively and accurately as possible. To the extent that LUEX draws attention to particular details, this can only be considered as non-binding information. Considering the high number and frequency of possible amendments to regulations, Travellers/Group leaders are requested to contact the relevant embassy/consulate for the particular destination. In this respect LUEX can assume no responsibility whatsoever for any assurance, guarantee, currency or accuracy of the information. The information provided by Travellers’ ministries of foreign affairs are a reliable source with respect to many travel destinations.
It is the sole responsibility of the Traveller/Group leader to ensure that all Travellers are in possession of all requisite travel documents (passport, Visa, etc.) at the commencement of travel and that all Travellers fulfil the health requirements.
9. Insurance
To the extent that it is not expressly offered, insurance cover does not constitute part of the travel-related products and services offered. LUEX recommends that customers take out travel insurance, in particular travel cancellation cost insurance and in certain circumstances overseas travel insurance, including an overseas health cover component. LUEX names a reliable partner offering the relevant insurance policies to its customers at: http://www.luex.com/info/insurances.html.
10. Liability, responsibility
LUEX depends on the information provided to it by the Service providers with respect to the details of the travel-related goods and services. LUEX has only extremely limited opportunities to check such information with respect to their accuracy and completeness. Consequently, LUEX is unable to provide any guarantees or assurances with respect to the completeness, accuracy or currency of such information. The same applies for any other information made available by third parties.
LUEX is not liable for the availability of the travel-related product or service at the time of booking or for the performance of the booked travel-related product or service by the Service provider.
Within the scope of its performance obligations, LUEX is only liable for any losses that may result in the following cases, irrespective of legal grounds: The statutory regulations shall apply with the following restriction: Liability or minor negligence on the part of LUEX or its vicarious agents is excluded, provided that neither an essential contractual obligation was breached nor is there a case of initial incapacity, impossibility or default on the part of LUEX. Otherwise liability is limited to the value of the travel-related products and services booked, in any case however to predictable and typical losses. The exclusions of liability or facilitation shall apply in the same manner to the executive bodies of LUEX, as well as to their vicarious agents.
Travellers and Group leaders shall be liable to LUEX for each and every reservation/booking that is made in bad faith or with deceitful intent or with erroneous or incomplete personal data. The opportunity to book travel-related goods and services may only be utilised in order to make legal bookings as a Traveller or as a Group leader for a third party. At the same time, in utilising the offerings the Group leader guarantees that they are authorised and are permitted to act in the name of fellow travellers. In the event that there is a breach of these guarantee, the Group leader is liable without limitation to LUEX and their respective Service providers for the losses resulting from the aforesaid person’s actions.
In many countries there are safety standards that differ from those generally found in Europe, Australia or the USA. Travelers/Group leaders are strongly encouraged, also in their own interest, to access information once again immediately before commencing travel in accessible sources, such as the internet pages of the Foreign Office, with respect to changes in the travel regulations and safety warnings for the country of destination.
11. Final provisions
Should business terms and conditions or parts of the agreement be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining parts of the agreements shall not be affected.
Amendments or additions to all agreements, including a divergence from these general terms and conditions, are only possible in text form (written, by fax or e-mail). Oral agreements require written confirmation to be valid.
All communication between LUEX and a Traveller/Group leader is to be undertaken by e-mail if possible. The Traveller/Group leader therefore promises to receive and read e-mails and implement the information/instructions from LUEX accordingly. LUEX must be informed immediately of changes in contact details.
All contractual relations between LUEX, its customers and Service providers are subject exclusively to German law - with the exception of the UN Contract for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) convention. Köln shall be the mutually agreed place of jurisdiction for non-German Travellers.
Your personal expert for this trip
Martin, LUEX's Head of Travel, started out skating in the UK, before escaping to the powder of Canadian mountains. He found his way to LUEX through years of chasing snow in winter and waves in France during summer. These days, he manages our surf and snow teams, while squeezing in surf trips to his favorite right-handers at Cokes and Kasabu in the Maldives, or powder missions to the tree-lined runs of Revelstoke. At LUEX, he combines his love for board sports with making sure every trip runs smoothly.
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