Hut based ski touring in Kazakhstan, 5-day Itinerary on the Ketmen Ridge (Tian Shan)

Join certified guide Sergey Brodskiy on a thrilling 5-day program on the Ketmen Ridge in Kazakhstan and discover remote spots with pristine powder snow in the Tian Shan Range.

Tian Shan

5 Days

Jan, Feb, Dec

High

Advanced

Highlights

Discover remote skiing options in the Tian Shan Mountains
Enjoy a unique ski touring adventure in Kazakhstan
Put your ski touring skills to test on the untouched powder of the Ketmen Ridge

Description

Would you like to experience a unique hut based ski touring adventure in the Tian Shan range in Kazakhstan? Then join me on a 5-day program on the Ketmen Ridge!

The Ketmen ridge is located in northern Tian Shan, just 20km from the Kazakhstan and China border to the east of the Zailiisky Alatau. It’s up to 40-50km wide at some points and between 3,000 to 3,600m high in terms of altitude. The highest point on the ridge is Mount Aspan at 3,652m. Although the Ketmen ridge is close to Almaty, it is a remote location with stunning geography. Furthermore, it gets early and heavy snowfalls, which makes it ideal for ski touring.

On this 5-day program, we will get the chance to discover the pristine powder snow of the area. We will start our adventure on horseback towards our comfortable, heated hut in the Ketmen valley, where we will rest every night. Additionally, we will have a banya (Russian sauna) available to recover from long and thrilling days out on the slopes. Every day, we will head out to explore the different routes the region has to offer depending on weather conditions and on the group.

Keep in mind that this is a demanding ski touring program. Therefore, you must be confident on the piste and have off-piste experience as well. Also, it is very important that you are physically fit. Of course, I will be there to help and guide you every step of the way.

So, are you ready for a thrilling challenge in the Tian Shan mountains in Kazakhstan? Then book your place now and start preparing for an unforgettable ski touring adventure in the Ketmen Ridge!

I also offer a 5-day ski touring program in Alatau, near the Shymbulak ski resort, make sure to check it out!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Luggage transfer

Price details

Price is per person and also includes return transfer from Almaty and Banya.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to mountain hut from Almaty

We will meet in Almaty, and then transfer by car to Ketmen village and further on horseback to the mountain hut.

Day 2 to 5: Ski touring/splitboarding days

From days 2 to 5 we will go ski-touring / splitboarding from the mountain hut and explore the surrounding ridges and couloirs. We’ll choose our routes based on the weather, the snow conditions and the ability of the group.

Day 5: Transfer back to Almaty

Transfer (on horseback and then by car) to Almaty.

If you’re interested we can also organize a one-day trip to the hot springs at Chundzha on the way out or back.

Equipment you will need to bring

Crampons

Backpack

Helmet

Poles

Ski equipment

Goggles

Avalanche eqmnt

Climbing skins

Rucksack. Sleeping bag. Torch (with spare batteries). Medical kit. Down jacket / vest. Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers). Ski gloves. Thermal underwear. Fleece / midlayer. Thinner gloves for ascending / wearing at base camp. Balaclava. Hat. Skiing / trekking socks. Regular socks. Thermos. Suncream. Sunglasses

About the guide

Sergey

Mountain Leader

I grew up in Almaty, Kazakhstan. At the age of 14I began to walk in the mountains. In 19 I came to the club of the mountaineering. I took a part of the national team of Kazakhstan. I participated in expeditions to the Himalayas, Karakorum, Tien Shan, Pamir. I started ski touring in 2012 and I haven’t stopped since then. The love of the mountains turned my hobby into my craft and I’m absolutely happy. The tourism in Kazakhstan develops very slow that’s why, you can see their primordial character and enjoy.

Languages

Russian | English

Certificates

KMGA

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