9-day ski touring trip in Mamay Baikal, Siberia
I glad to invite you for skitouring in the middle of Siberia next to famous Lake Baikal. A great place for early winter as generally the biggest snowfalls already in November and December. The best place for ski touring around Lake Baikal is the valley of the Bolshoy Mamay river, just 12 km from
Group
Baikal Mountains
9 Days
Jan - Mar, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Best dry powder snow starting from November;
- 6 full days of skiing in variable terrain (alpine zone and forest);
- Astonishing view of Baikal Lake during skitouring;
- Personal cozy mountain hut for our group;
- Full package trip from airport Irkutsk and back;
Description
I glad to invite you for skitouring in the middle of Siberia next to famous Lake Baikal.
A great place for early winter as generally the biggest snowfalls already in November and December. The best place for ski touring around Lake Baikal is the valley of the Bolshoy Mamay river, just 12 km from Baikal lake. It has the greatest precipitation in the region and very interesting terrain.
Climate and Snow
Mamay valley has a special micro-climate therefore winters here are warmer than in other regions of Baikal. Until middle of January, before Baikal is covered with ice, precipitation is abundant. Combined with stable cold temperatures, it brings a huge quantity of light snow. It’s why I recommend to use there skis not less than 100mm width under the foot.
Skiing and terrain
The main slopes are on a North-West aspect where the valley is protected by mountains on all sides so there are no strong winds at all, which guarantees good snow and excellent riding. The mountains in Mamay are generally 1600 meters high and the average run is about 500 meters vertical. Terrains have everything – forests, snow pillows, open alpine slopes.
Itinerary
Due to its remote location, we can only reach Mamay by van or train about 3h and after by walk(ski) 2.5-3h till the hut. Luggage go with snowmobiles to the hut. After that we will spent 6 full days for skiing and enjoying Siberian food and national Russian Sauna – Banya at evening time.
At day 8 after breakfast and maybe short ski touring we ski same way down and move by van to Irkutsk city. Second part of the day excursion thru unic wooden architecture of Irkutsk and farewell dinner.
Accommodation and food
We are going to stay in a simple but warm and cozy mountain hut completely isolated in the nature. It has some basic facilities only but everything that we need there. Our chef will take care for us preparing some local cuisine with 3 meals, each day and necessary snack for day time. On the back way from Mamay we will stay in the 3 stars hotel with DBL or TWIN rooms accommodation in city center.
You can also check my 10-day Altay mountains ski touring program if looking for trip in remote places in Siberia
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
Price details
- Price includes:
- • Transfer airportMamay-Hotel Irkutsk-airport;
- • Snowmobile accompany for luggage to the hut and back;
- • Hotel in Irkutsk*** (DBLTWIN rooms) 1 night;
- • Hut in Mamay valley 7 nights;
- • Full board throughout the trip, excluding breakfast at 1st day and farewell dinner in Irkutsk;
- • English speaking guide;
- • Cook service in the hut;
- • National Russian sauna – banya (3 times by 2 hours each visit);
- • Visa support.
- Not included:
- • Flights to from Irkutsk airport;
- • Unexpected preliminary evacuation cost;
- • Food, transfers, banya and accommodation not according with the program;
- • Personal expenses, alcohol;
- • Visa costs.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving Irkutsk and approach to the place
Arrive to Irkutsk train station (Trans-Siberian Railway) or airport early morning. Transfer to the place –190km, 4-5hours. By the way stop for lunch in café (bistro) for the tasting the famous Buryat buzz on theway. Roads allow magnify views to Baikal Lake. After – 12km by walk/ski-tour with light bag about flat.
All luggage bring up with snowmobile. Night in the hut in common room.
Distance: 4-5h, 190km by car/ 12 km walk-ski / lunch+dinner
Day 2 to 7: Daily skitouring
Daily ski-tour from hut to hut with average gain 1000-1500 vertical meters and 2-4 runs. Evening time we will have warm Russian Saun-Banya (3 times during the trip)
Distance: 10-15 km skitouring / 1000-1500m gain / Full board
Day 8: Way back to Irkutsk
Skiing back 12km down to the road. All bags will brings with snowmobile. Transfer to Irkutsk, by the way we will visit Baikal Lake coast, lunch on the way.
Irkutsk hotel accommodation in TWIN room. Excursion in the city and farewall dinner.
Distance: 12 km walk-ski / 4-5h, 190km by car / BL
Day 9: Depart
Morning van to airport or train station.
Distance: 40-60min by car / Breakfast
Equipment you will need to bring
Poles
Ski equipment
Sunglasses
Avalanche eqmnt
Climbing skins
About the guide
Konstantin
Mountain Guide
Originally I'm from Altai, a little-known Siberian mountain region. I grew up and developed as a sportsmen and guide in Altai and the Tian-Shan mountains. Since 2010, I live in St. Petersburg and work a lot in the Caucasus region.
Since 2011 I am learning in the Russian Mountain Guides Association (RMGA), under auspices of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). In 2015 I passed the Apprentice Ski Guide exam.
My main work destinations are Russian and CIS mountain regions as Altai, Khibiny, Tian-Shan, Kamchatka and all Caucasus. I specialize in ski tour and climbing projects in uncommon mountain regions of Russia and CIS.
Languages
Russian | English
What people are saying about Explore-Share
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