Ski Touring around Almaty, Shimbulak and Ayusai

program conditions equipment photos

Highlights

Discover ski touring in the mountains surrounding Almaty — one of the most accessible and scenic backcountry areas in Central Asia. This programme combines comfortable access via the Shymbulak ski resort with authentic mountain accommodation, glacier terrain, and remote ski touring routes in the valleys of the Alatau.
Based high above the city in traditional mountain yurts and at the Cosmostation in Ayusai valley, we will explore the Bogdanovich Glacier area and nearby alpine peaks using ski touring equipment. Wide glacier slopes, hidden couloirs, panoramic ridgelines, and long descents create perfect conditions for spring ski mountaineering.
The programme is designed for skiers with previous off-piste and ski touring experience who want to combine comfortable logistics with real mountain terrain and beautiful landscapes.

9 days

First trip Apr 10

Difficulty

Mar - May

Season

Up to 8

Group

1:4

Guide ratio

1 500€

Price

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Program

Day 1

Arrival, transfer to the mountains, and acclimatisation ski tour

Upon arrival at Almaty Airport, we transfer directly to Medeo — the famous high-mountain skating rink located beneath the snowy peaks of the Alatau.
From Medeo, we ascend by cable car through the Shymbulak ski resort to Talgar Pass (3,200 m), where we settle into traditional mountain yurts with panoramic views over the surrounding peaks and the city of Almaty far below.
After check-in and a short rest, we complete an easy acclimatisation ski tour around the Talgar Pass area. This first outing allows us to adapt to altitude, check equipment, and enjoy our first turns in the mountains of Kazakhstan.
In the evening, we gather for dinner and a briefing about the upcoming ski touring days.

Days 2-5

Ski touring around the Bogdanovich Glacier

The next four days are dedicated to ski touring in the valleys surrounding the Bogdanovich Glacier — one of the most famous backcountry areas near Almaty.
Each day we explore different routes depending on weather, snow stability, and the experience of the group. The area offers a huge variety of terrain: glacier slopes, panoramic ridges, wide-open descents, and steep couloirs for stronger skiers.
Possible objectives include nearby alpine peaks and classic ski touring lines around the Bogdanovich, Til, and Ayak glaciers. Some routes may involve glacier travel, bootpacking, or the use of ski crampons depending on snow conditions.
During the programme, we continue avalanche safety training, improve uphill efficiency and ski touring techniques, and gradually expand into more remote terrain.
Accommodation in heated yurts at Talgar Pass creates a unique atmosphere and allows direct access to the mountains without long daily approaches.

Day 6

Ski touring and return to Almaty

In the morning, we complete a final ski tour in the Shymbulak backcountry area before returning to Talgar Pass.
After lunch, we descend by cable car back to Medeo and transfer to Almaty, where we spend the evening resting in the city before the second part of the programme.

Day 7

Transfer to Ayusai and ski touring from the Cosmostation

Early in the morning, we leave Almaty and drive towards the Ayusai valley in the Big Almaty Gorge.
From there, we continue by off-road vehicle to the Cosmostation — a remote high-altitude scientific station surrounded by alpine terrain and panoramic peaks.
After settling in, we begin a ski touring route in the surrounding mountains. Compared to Shymbulak, this area feels much wilder and more isolated, offering a completely different atmosphere and new terrain for exploration.
The routes around the Cosmostation include broad alpine slopes, glaciated valleys, and long descents with spectacular views over the Northern Tien Shan.

Day 8

Final ski tour and return to Almaty

We spend the first half of the day on a final ski tour from the Cosmostation area, making the most of the last descents of the trip.
After lunch, we descend from the mountains and return to Almaty.
The programme officially finishes in the city, although we recommend staying an extra day to enjoy Almaty’s restaurants, cafés, and relaxed atmosphere after a week in the mountains.

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Conditions

We’re happy to provide you with standart services which are included into program and additional services on the request. We offer a loyalty program for groups and returning clients. Groups of four or more receive a 5% discount for each participant. Additionally, you’ll get a 5% discount on every second trip with us. Discounts can be combined for even greater savings!

1 500€

Included

Professional guiding team
Comfortable and high-altitude stays
Delicious meals
Scenic pickup
Cable-car ticket
Group transfers
Avalanche safety training
Advanced safety measures

Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Private services
Individual expenses
Tips for guides

Equipment

Clothes

Equipment

Other

Booking

“If you have any questions or doubts, just share your contact info. I’ll reach out to answer everything: help you pick the right tour, tell you about dates, gear, fitness level — and help with flights if needed.”

— Dmitry, mountain guide,

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