Ski Alatau - freeride skiing in the Ile-Alatau mountains
December — March
Almaty, Kazakhstan
We’ll ride new spots every day, focussing on couloirs, valleys and peaks below the treeline.
Each morning we’ll hit up a new backcountry spot and after an exciting day in the mountains we’ll return to the city, where you’ll be having rest or walking distance of Almaty’s best bars, restaurants and sights. Freeride below the treeline in the Trans-Ili Alatau – spend your winter vacation enjoying the snowy slopes far from the pistes and lifts!
Timing: December to March
Best months: mid-January to mid-March
The Trans-Ili Alatau (also known as the Zailiiskiy Alatau and the Ile Alatau) belongs to the northern ridge of the Tien Shan mountain system. The mountains were named "Alatau" by nomadic Kazakh tribes (it means "colorful"). And the famous Russian scientist and traveller Semyonov-Tien-Shansky called them "Zailiyskiy" , when he stopped on the ferry by the Ili river and saw a huge mountain range stretching behind the river.
Almaty is a modern, bustling city situated in the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains.
Its location means it offers almost unlimited possibilities for backcountry skiing and snowboarding within a short drive of the city.
Duration: 4 days
Cost: €400 per person (for a group of 4-6 people)
Cost includes: Services of a English-speaking ski guide, return transfer from Almaty, all transfers as part of the ski tour programme, the national parks tickets.
Customization: We are happy to give you a personalized tour according to your wishes and needs (any number of participants, dates, amount of days etc). We will gladly assist you with accommodation booking and suggest the best hotels in Almaty. We can also arrange a transfer from the International airport of Almaty if needed.
Programme:
Day 1. Transfer to the national park checkpoint in the Kim-Asar valley. Acclimatization hike to Furmanov Plateau. Desent from the plateau or in Butakovka couloir.
Day 2. Ski-touring in the Medeu couloir, starting from the helicopter pad below the Medeu dam or Alma-Arasan valley. Ski touring to “3 Brothers” peak or Kumbel peak.
Day 3. Ski-touring to ‘Lenin’s cottage’, starting from the checkpoint. Descent from the Kim-Asar ridge.
Days 4. Transfer to the Butakovka valley. Freeride around Mys Nadezhdy, Peak Bukreev or Butakovka couloir.
We’ll choose our routes based on the weather, the snow conditions and the ability of the group.
Days 6-7 (optional). We’re happy to organise a 1-day tour to Shymbulak or Ak-bulak ski resorts (two main ski resorts in Almaty region) / a sightseeing tour in Almaty (visiting the most popular attractions of the city) / a sightseeing tour in Almaty region (visiting the best nature spots around Almaty such as Big Almaty lake, Charyn canyon etc).
What to bring:
Safety:
1. Beeper / transceiver with spare batteries
2. Avalanche probe
3. Avalanche shovel
4. Ski crampons
5. Helmet
6. Avalanche backpack
Equipment:
1. Skis / splitboard
2. Ski boots / snowboard boots
3. Ski / splitboard poles
4. Goggles
5. Climbing skins
Clothing and accessories:
1. Sunscreen
2. Sunglasses
3. Torch (with spare batteries)
4. Medical kit
5. Down jacket / vest
6. Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers)
7. Ski gloves
8. Thermal underwear
9. Fleece / midlayer
10. Skiing socks
11. Hat
12. Thermos
13. Individual snacks 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This tour is designed for skiers / snowboarders who are confident on the piste, ideally have some previous experience of riding off piste, and are in good physical shape.
You will need a travel insurance covering backcountry skiing in the remote mountain area.
