Ski Mountaineering and extreme backcountry
March — June
Almaty, Tuyuk-su, Shymbulak, Kymbelsu, Ozerniy
This tour is designed for riders who are confident and experienced in the backcountry ski mountaineering, and are ready to open new horizons at new altitudes.
To go ski mountaineering in the Ile-Alatau (Zailiisky Alatau) around Almaty is to scale 4,000 metre-plus peaks and thread lines down untouched couloirs and glaciers. Given how few people ride these mountains, chances are you’ll be able to put in a first descent or two along the way.
The Ile-Alatau is full of challenging lines waiting to be discovered by those skilled and adventurous enough to look for them.
Timing: March to June. Best timing: April-May
Igly Tuyuk-Su peak
Glacier between Igly Tuyuk-su and Tuyuk-su peaks
Tour duration: Variable, but allow 2-3 days for a single peak or 4-6 days for a combined 3-4 summit expedition. Accommodation can be in a mountain cabin or in a tent, depending on the chosen location.
The cost includes: Services of a qualified mountain guide; all transfers during the tour; accommodation including general camping equipment: tent (if necessary), stove, etc.; meals (we buy the food, everyone helps out with the cooking), optional classes on using avalanche safety equipment and mountaineering equipment.
Customization: Our team is flexible, and will be happy to create a special tour, you're free to choose dates, amount of people in a group, duration of the trip, itineraries which meet your needs and expectation.
Rent of avalanche safety equipment (beeper, probe, shovel) and mountaineering equipment is available on request.
You will need to be:
– confident riding on and off piste (including the steepest black runs);
– in good physical shape, able to climb long distances at altitude;
– familiar with the basics of mountaineering (helpful but not essential);
– inspired to develop your skills and abilities – and most importantly to have fun:)
What characterizes these itineraries are high altitudes and technical difficulties which require a good mastery of skis and basic mountaineering skills
(Optional) While we’re at it, we can also throw in optional classes to teach you more about how to use avalanche safety equipment as well as train you in the use of climbing equipment, rope skills, and riding on mixed, high-altitude terrain.
You will need:
Safety:
1. Beeper (transceiver) with spare batteries
2. Avalanche probe
3. Avalanche shovel
4. Ski / alpine crampons
5. Helmet
6. Avalanche backpack (optional)
Equipment:
1. Skis / splitboard
2. Ski boots / snowboard boots
3. Ski / splitboard poles
4. Goggles
5. Skins
6. Backpack at least 50 L with ski fixation
Clothing and accessories:
1. Sunglasses
2. Sleeping bag -15 to +0 degrees
3. Headlamp (with spare batteries)
4. Personal medical kit
5. Down jacket and Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers)
6. Thermal underwear and fleece / midlayer
7. Ski gloves and thinner gloves for ascending / wearing at base camp
8. Mug, spoon, bowl and knife
9. Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher
10. Hat and balaclava (neck warmer)
11. Skiing socks and regular socks for wearing at base camp
12. Thermos
13. Individual snacks
14. Power banks and solar chargers (there's no electricity in the cabins)
EXAMPLES OF AVAILABLE LOCATIONS
– Tuyuk-su: Ordzhonikidze, Partizan, Igly Tyyuk-su
– Chkalov and Fizkulturnik Peak in Shymbulak
– SGU Peak, Soviet Alpinists
– Pogrebetskiy Peak
– Molodezhny Peak
– Ozerny Peak
– Soviet Peak
The route maps on the photos are taken from powder.kz guidebook
