




Explore the mountains around Almaty, Kazakhstan with certified guides on this ski touring adventure. Enjoy glacier terrain, remote backcountry routes in the Alatau Mountains, and panoramic descents from Shymbulak to Ayusai Valley. Perfect for experienced off-piste skiers seeking safe, guided high-mountain adventure!
9 Days
Mar - May
High
Intermediate
Experience ski touring in the stunning mountains surrounding Almaty! One of Central Asia’s most accessible backcountry regions.
This program blends easy access via the Shymbulak ski resort with authentic mountain accommodations, glacier terrain, and remote ski touring routes through the valleys of the Alatau.
Explore the Bogdanovich Glacier area; from traditional mountain yurts high above the city and the remote Cosmostation in Ayusai Valley, Wide glacier slopes, hidden couloirs, panoramic ridgelines, and long, exhilarating descents provide ideal conditions for spring ski mountaineering.
Designed for skiers with previous off-piste and ski touring experience, the program offers the perfect balance of comfortable logistics and true mountain adventure amid breathtaking landscapes.
Book your adventure today and discover the thrill of ski touring in Kazakhstan’s high mountains!
Meeting point
Upon arrival at Almaty Airport, participants are transferred directly to Medeo, the famous high-mountain skating rink beneath the Alatau peaks.
From Medeo, the journey continues via cable car through Shymbulak Ski Resort to Talgar Pass at 3,200 meters, where we check into traditional mountain yurts with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.
After a short rest, an easy acclimatization ski tour around Talgar Pass allows everyone to adapt to the altitude, check equipment, and enjoy their first turns in the mountains. The day ends with a briefing and dinner.
The following four days are dedicated to ski touring around the Bogdanovich Glacier and its surrounding valleys, one of the most renowned backcountry areas near Almaty. Each day features a different route depending on weather, snow stability, and the group’s experience.
Skiers navigate glacier slopes, panoramic ridges, wide descents, and steep couloirs. Optional objectives include nearby alpine peaks and ski lines around the Bogdanovich, Til, and Ayak glaciers.
Depending on conditions, routes may involve glacier travel, bootpacking, or the use of ski crampons.
During this time, you'll receive avalanche safety training, refine uphill efficiency and ski touring techniques, and gradually explore more remote terrain.
Accommodation remains in heated yurts at Talgar Pass, offering direct mountain access.
On the sixth day, we complete a final ski tour in the Shymbulak backcountry before returning to Talgar Pass. After lunch, we descend via cable car to Medeo and transfer back to Almaty, where you can enjoy an evening of rest in the city.
The seventh day begins with a drive from Almaty to the Ayusai Valley via Big Almaty Gorge. From there, an off-road vehicle brings participants to the Cosmostation, a remote high-altitude scientific station surrounded by alpine terrain.
After settling in, the group embarks on ski touring in the surrounding mountains, which feature broad alpine slopes, glaciated valleys, and long descents with breathtaking views over the Northern Tien Shan.
Compared to Shymbulak, this area offers a wilder, more isolated atmosphere.
The morning is reserved for a final ski tour from the Cosmostation area, maximizing the last descents of the trip. After lunch, participants descend and return to Almaty, officially concluding the program.
You can stay an extra day if you'd like to enjoy the city’s restaurants, cafés, and relaxed atmosphere after a week in the mountains.
Accommodation
Comfortable lodging in the high mountains
Clothing:
Equipment:
Other Essentials:
5.0
(8)
Languages
English | Russian
Certificates
IFMGA
It was a great journey, within one week we ski toured in two locations: Chimbulak and Cosmostation. Everything was well organized and it was a pleasure to spend a time with a great team and experienced guide!
Dima is one of the most knowledgeable and comfortable guides I know. He lives and breathes the mountains. He understands the group perfectly and does everything to ensure safe skiing. Dima has a great sense of humor and finds an excellent rapport with each group member. He's a reliable companion.
Ski Touring in Karakol: Thanks for the Best Freeride Weekend! We went ski touring in the Karakol area (Kyrgyzstan) in January. I want to give a special thanks to our guide, Dmitry. This was my first ski tour in Kyrgyzstan, and I was a little nervous. But the guide did everything he could to make the trip perfect. What I liked: 1. Professionalism. He knows the terrain around Karakol perfectly. We didn't waste time searching for the "right" snow; from the very first day, we skied only on high-quality, safe slopes. 2.Safety. He constantly monitored the avalanche situation, took readings from the test blocks (he always let us try them ourselves, and explained the physics of snow). The group was confident that we were on the right route. 3. Adaptation to the group. One of us was going slowly, so the guide didn't rush ahead, but patiently waited for the one lagging behind. The faster guys didn't get bored either—he let them speed up on the descents on the safe shoulders. 4.Logistics. He helped with transfers from Bishkek and knows the best houses in Karakol (the flatbreads and tea were a lifesaver after long hikes). Who would recommend him to: ski touring beginners and experienced freeriders. The snow in Kyrgyzstan is incredible: powder, sun, and no people. The guide completely captured the region. Thank you so much, we'll definitely be back!
It was amazing and wonderful trip in my life with a great and very professional guide. I got an unforgettable good impressions from this climb for a lifetime. It’s just cool!
It was an amazing trip with Dmitry from Rock'n'Snow! From start to finish, everything was perfectly planned and organized, which made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. Dmitry is a true professional who is always one step ahead, constantly thinking about the safety and comfort of his clients. His deep knowledge of the mountains, attention to detail, and calm confidence in challenging situations gave me complete trust throughout the climb. He carefully assessed conditions, adapted plans when needed, and made sure I felt prepared and supported at every stage of the route. Beyond his technical skills, Dmitry is also a great companion in the mountains — patient, encouraging, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He shared valuable techniques and tips that I will carry with me on future climbs. I can wholeheartedly recommend Dmitry and Rock'n'Snow to anyone looking for a serious, safe, and unforgettable alpine mountaineering experience. I'm already looking forward to my next trip with him!
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