Altai Mountains — where fresh snow never stops falling
Somewhere in Eastern Kazakhstan, deep in the Altai Mountains — where Siberia meets Mongolia, China, and Russia.
A remote region with surprisingly low elevation, yet blessed with extraordinary snowfall — meters of deep, cold powder every season. Vast, untouched terrain. Endless freeride possibilities.
Here, access is everything. We reach remote valleys by snowcat and snowmobile, unlocking terrain that, in most places, would take days to access.
Wide-open slopes, playful tree runs, and natural lines that feel made for skiing — all shared with only a handful of riders.
This is not just another trip.
This is freeride in its purest form.
Raw and authentic, yet thoughtfully refined —
with home-cooked food, local traditions, and the warmth of a Russian banya,
Fresh lines. Every day. No crowds. No rush.
Dates
Trip Profile
Price
Dec 2027
Free Ride
4600 $
Day 1 — Arrival & Transfer to the Mountains
Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk (Öskemen), Eastern Kazakhstan.
Flights are available via Turkish Airlines and Air Astana.
From the airport, we begin a ~2-hour scenic drive into the Altai Mountains, heading toward the town of Ridder.
Our destination is East Pole Camp — a truly unique private operation spread across vast terrain, offering exclusive access to freeride groups.
In the evening, we settle in, enjoy a home-cooked dinner, and hold a full trip briefing to prepare for the days ahead.
Days 2–4 — Freeride at East Pole
Three full days of cat-assisted freeride in untouched terrain surrounding the camp.
There are no ski lifts here — and that’s exactly the point.
The entire mountain is ours.
Our snowcat will shuttle us repeatedly to the top of multiple zones, giving access to:
- Wide-open alpine faces
- Playful tree runs
- Deep, cold, consistent powder
Each run brings us back to the snowcat, ready to go again —
lap after lap, until we’ve truly had enough.
Expect up to 3000+ vertical meters per day.
Evenings are all about recovery and atmosphere:
local cuisine, warm meals, and the traditional Russian banya.
Day 5 — Transition Day & New Terrain
After breakfast, we check out and begin a short transfer (~30 minutes) toward Ridder.
Before reaching our next accommodation, we spend the day exploring a new valley above the town, using snowmobiles to access fresh terrain.
This is a unique freeride day — more exploratory, more raw.
By late afternoon, we arrive at our second mountain base:
a remote alpine lodge in a completely new zone, opening access to even more terrain.
Days 6–7 — Freeride in the Second Valley
Two full days of cat-assisted freeride in a new, equally impressive region.
Once again:
- Deep powder
- Zero crowds
- Endless lines
Our goal remains simple — maximize the experience while maintaining safety and flow.
Expect again 3000+ vertical meters per day, with terrain that feels both expansive and private.
Evenings continue in the same spirit:
good food, relaxed atmosphere, and recovery in the banya.
Day 8 — Departure
Morning transfer back to Ust-Kamenogorsk airport for departure.
IFMGA Led
100% Free Ride
Riding skills
2 different locations
Ski Lodge
IFMGA Led
Safety is our highest priority.
This freeride expedition in the Altai Mountains is led by a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, ensuring that every decision in the mountains is made with a high level of professionalism, risk awareness, and international guiding standards.For groups of 8–10 participants, the program is supported by two guides:
- An IFMGA-certified guide leading the trip
- A highly experienced local guide, with deep knowledge of the terrain, access routes, and snow conditions
This combination provides the perfect balance of global guiding standards and local expertise, allowing us to move efficiently through terrain while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
With this setup, we are able to deliver a safe, well-managed, and high-quality freeride experience, without compromising on flow, terrain access, or overall enjoyment.
Free ride
This is a 100% freeride-focused expedition.
The program is built around accessing and riding deep, natural terrain — not a traditional ski touring itinerary.Bringing freeride or all-mountain skis is essential for this trip.
Snowboards and splitboards are also fully supported and well suited to the terrain and access methods.While this is not a touring-based program, having touring skis or splitboard capability can be useful for short approaches or limited traverses in certain zones.
Primary access throughout the trip is provided by snowcat and snowmobile, allowing us to maximise vertical, terrain variety, and overall riding time.
Ride Difficulty
To get the most out of this trip in the Altai Mountains, you should be a confident and experienced freeride skier or snowboarder.
Terrain is entirely off-piste, with conditions ranging from deep, cold powder to occasionally wind-affected snow, requiring strong control and adaptability.A useful benchmark:
If you can confidently ride black runs off-piste in a resort, you will be well prepared for this experience.For the best performance in these conditions, we strongly recommend bringing longer and wider (fat) skis, or an appropriate snowboard designed for deep snow.
Safety Equipment
Participants are expected to carry standard backcountry safety equipment, including:
- Avalanche transceiver
- Shovel
- Probe
Use of an avalanche airbag backpack is recommended.
Accommodation
Throughout the trip, we stay in two unique mountain locations, both set deep in the Altai Mountains.
Our bases are beautiful, clean ski lodges, offering a rare combination of European-level organization and comfort with the warmth of local Kazakh culture and hospitality.
Accommodation is typically arranged in shared rooms of two people, and in some cases three people per room, depending on availability.
Each location provides:
- Comfortable, well-maintained rooms
- Warm, welcoming communal spaces
- Fresh, home-cooked meals prepared by local hosts
The atmosphere goes far beyond just accommodation — it’s part of the experience.
After each day in the mountains, we come together for après-ski:
sharing stories, relaxing with a drink, and unwinding in the traditional Russian banya (wood-fired sauna) — a true highlight of the trip.Locations
We explore two distinct mountain regions in the Altai, each offering its own character, terrain, and freeride potential.
At East Pole Camp, we access vast, untouched terrain directly from the lodge, with snowcat-assisted laps across wide-open faces, playful tree runs, and consistent deep powder.
In the second location, set in a more remote valley, the experience becomes even more raw and exploratory — with new lines, varied terrain, and a stronger sense of isolation in the mountains.
This combination allows us to ride different aspects, terrain styles, and snow conditions, while maintaining access to low-traffic, exclusive freeride zones throughout the trip.
Why us:
Daily avalanche and weather assessments
Terrain selection based on current conditions
Mandatory avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)
Instruction on safe travel, spacing, and group management
Clear communication throughout the tour
Conservative decision-making focused on longevity, not risk
Your guide’s goal is simple:
Keep you safe, help you progress, and make sure you have one of the most memorable ski touring experiences of your life.
Includes
- 6 full days of riding with snowcat and snowmobile access
- Accommodation in two remote, high-quality mountain ski lodges in the Altai
(shared rooms: typically 2, occasionally 3 guests per room) - All meals included — fresh, home-cooked local cuisine
- Access to the traditional Russian banya (wood-fired sauna)
- All ground transfers (airport pickup and inter-location transfers)
- Guiding by an IFMGA-certified guide, supported by an experienced local guide
- Access to low-traffic, exclusive freeride terrain
- Daily safety management and terrain planning
International flights
Rental equipment (skis, splitboards, boots, etc.)
Safety equipment such as avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
Personal ski insurance or snow sports coverage
Tips / gratuities
itinerary
Click on the photo!
Day 1 — Arrival & Transfer to the Mountains
Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk (Öskemen), Eastern Kazakhstan.
Flights are available via Turkish Airlines and Air Astana.
From the airport, we begin a ~2-hour scenic drive into the Altai Mountains, heading toward the town of Ridder.
Our destination is East Pole Camp — a truly unique private operation spread across vast terrain, offering exclusive access to freeride groups.
In the evening, we settle in, enjoy a home-cooked dinner, and hold a full trip briefing to prepare for the days ahead.
Days 2–4 — Freeride at East Pole
Three full days of cat-assisted freeride in untouched terrain surrounding the camp.
There are no ski lifts here — and that’s exactly the point.
The entire mountain is ours.
Our snowcat will shuttle us repeatedly to the top of multiple zones, giving access to:
- Wide-open alpine faces
- Playful tree runs
- Deep, cold, consistent powder
Each run brings us back to the snowcat, ready to go again —
lap after lap, until we’ve truly had enough.
Expect up to 3000+ vertical meters per day.
Evenings are all about recovery and atmosphere:
local cuisine, warm meals, and the traditional Russian banya.
Day 5 — Transition Day & New Terrain
After breakfast, we check out and begin a short transfer (~30 minutes) toward Ridder.
Before reaching our next accommodation, we spend the day exploring a new valley above the town, using snowmobiles to access fresh terrain.
This is a unique freeride day — more exploratory, more raw.
By late afternoon, we arrive at our second mountain base:
a remote alpine lodge in a completely new zone, opening access to even more terrain.
Days 6–7 — Freeride in the Second Valley
Two full days of cat-assisted freeride in a new, equally impressive region.
Once again:
- Deep powder
- Zero crowds
- Endless lines
Our goal remains simple — maximize the experience while maintaining safety and flow.
Expect again 3000+ vertical meters per day, with terrain that feels both expansive and private.
Evenings continue in the same spirit:
good food, relaxed atmosphere, and recovery in the banya.
Day 8 — Departure
Morning transfer back to Ust-Kamenogorsk airport for departure.
Tour info
IFMGA Led
Safety is our highest priority. All of our ski expeditions are led by a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, ensuring that every decision made in the mountains is informed, conservative, and grounded in world-class training and experience.
We operate with a strict guide ratio of 1:4, and for groups of up to 10 participants we add a second guide, typically an experienced local guide who knows the terrain and snowpack intimately. This combination gives you the safest possible experience while also maximising your enjoyment.
Touring Trip
This expedition is a 100% ski touring program. You should be prepared to skin uphill each day, typically for several hours at a steady pace. Rest days or easier days can be arranged as needed, depending on group energy and weather conditions.
Additional access options such as snowmobiles or cat-skiing may be available if the group agrees to use them, allowing for bigger objectives or varied terrain on certain days.
Fitness Level
This trip requires an intermediate level of fitness. Expect daily altitude gains of 700–1200 metres on several days. The IFMGA guide will adapt routes and pacing according to group ability, ensuring everyone can progress safely while still enjoying a rewarding touring experience.
If you are unsure about your fitness, we recommend preparing with consistent cardio and uphill training prior to the trip.
Ride Difficulty
To get the most out of skiing in Kyrgyzstan, you should be a confident and competent rider. Snow conditions can vary from deep, dry powder to wind-affected or firm snow, so riders must feel comfortable adapting to changing surfaces.
A good benchmark:
If you can ski or snowboard black runs confidently in a resort, you are ready for this trip.
For the best experience, we strongly recommend bringing longer and wider skis suitable for deep snow, or having a high level of skill with narrower skis if that is your preference.
Accommodation
Throughout the trip, we stay in a combination of comfortable and authentic accommodations:
Bishkek: A modern and well-appointed hotel (final night)
Karakol: A clean and friendly hostel with great local atmosphere
Jyrgalan: A warm, traditional yurt camp — an unforgettable cultural experience
All accommodations are heated, clean, welcoming, and suitable for recovering after long days in the mountains.
Locations
We explore two distinct mountain regions, giving you a diverse and memorable ski touring experience.
Around Karakol, we tour some of the area’s classic peaks and longer summits.
In Jyrgalan, we enjoy different snow conditions, terrain character, and a more remote, nomadic mountain environment.
This combination allows for varied skiing, multiple snowpacks, and exposure to the unique flavour of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains.
Why us:
Daily avalanche and weather assessments
Terrain selection based on current conditions
Mandatory avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)
Instruction on safe travel, spacing, and group management
Clear communication throughout the tour
Conservative decision-making focused on longevity, not risk
Your guide’s goal is simple:
Keep you safe, help you progress, and make sure you have one of the most memorable ski touring experiences of your life.
included
Includes:
2 nights in a hotel, 3 nights in a hostel, and 4 nights in a traditional yurt camp
All meals and drinks included throughout the trip
7 full days of ski touring across multiple mountain locations
All private ground transfers during the expedition
IFMGA-certified guide leadership, plus a second experienced local guide for groups of 5–10 participants
Liability insurance and travel insurance included
Excluded
Excluded:
International flights
Rental equipment (skis, splitboards, boots, etc.)
Safety equipment such as avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
Personal ski insurance or snow sports coverage
Tips / gratuities
FAQ — Before You Join the Tour
1. What skill level is required for this trip?
A high level of skiing or splitboarding ability is required for this trip.
Riding in Kazakhstan means dealing with deep, untracked powder on a daily basis.
There are no groomed slopes — all terrain is off-piste and natural.
Participants must be confident skiing or riding in deep snow, and comfortable navigating variable terrain, including occasional tree runs.
This trip is designed for experienced riders who are comfortable in real backcountry conditions.
2. How are the transfers organised?
All transfers and mountain access (snowcat & snowmobile) are fully organized. No local logistics required.
3. Is this trip suitable for beginners?
No
4.Can I join the trip with my splitboard?
Absolutely.
This is a freeride trip at its core — meaning both splitboarders and snowboarders are fully supported.
With snowcat access and deep, natural terrain, riders can enjoy the same level of freedom and flow as skier
5. What is included in the price?
- 6 full days of riding with snowcat and snowmobile access
- Accommodation in remote mountain lodges (guesthouse + traditional village houses)
- All meals included — fresh, home-cooked local cuisine
- Access to the traditional Russian banya (wood-fired sauna)
- All ground transfers (airport pickup, inter-location transfers, daily logistics)
- Guiding by an IFMGA-certified guide, supported by experienced local operators
- Daily terrain planning and safety management throughout the trip
- Small group experience with access to low-traffic, private freeride terrain
6.What is not included?
International flights
Rental ski/splitboard equipment
Personal safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe)
Personal expenses
Tips for guides
7. What is the group size?
Groups are kept small, with 8–10 participants supported by two experienced guides — ensuring safety, smooth operations, and a high-quality freeride experience.
8. Is travel insurance required?
Yes. We include basic travel insurance, but it does not cover skiing. Participants must arrange their own ski-specific insurance, and we can assist with recommendations. Liability insurance is included, but personal coverage is still required.
9. What happens in case of bad weather?
If weather conditions are unsafe, the guide will adjust the plan to a safer zone, shorten the day, or replace the activity with technical training or avalanche-safety sessions. Safety is always the priority.
10. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. We can accommodate most dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) as long as you inform us at least one week before the trip.
11.What type of skis should I bring with myself?
This is a true freeride trip — bring your widest and longest skis.
12. Is bringing an avalanche airbag backpack recommended for this trip?
Yes — an avalanche airbag backpack is highly recommended for any freeride activity.
While it is not mandatory, it can provide an additional layer of safety in backcountry terrain.
To avoid potential issues during flights, we recommend using electronic (battery-powered) airbag systems, which are generally easier to travel with compared to cartridge-based systems.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Professional guiding, fun group and deep snow like nowhere else. One of the best ski touring adventures of my life.”
— Marcus L., Germany
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Fantastic experience from start to finish. The guides were highly skilled, the terrain was incredible, and the snow quality was better than anywhere I’ve toured before. Kyrgyzstan truly surprised me in the best way.”
— Emily S., United Kingdom