Catskiing in the Altai mountains
December — March
Ridder, East Kazakhstan
Discover the hidden gem of Kazakhstan and ride snowy and unexplored terrain in the pristine mountains of the Altai.
You save time and money compared to heliskiing and get much more pow runs compared to ski touring. The wild mountains covered with deep snow and it’s welcoming people are the reason why we are in love with this special place called Altai. On this trip you will visit Ridder, the small industrial city at the foot of the Altai mountain range, and explore the surrounding terrain on skis and snowboards.
Timing: December to March
Our 6-day trip starts from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, which is an hour and a half flight from Almaty and Astana. Then we have a 2-hour drive to Ridder - the center of mining industry of Eastern Kazakhstan, surrounded by magical dark pine taiga and pine forests.
The neighbourhood of Ridder is a real cradle of Altai wildlife and the snowiest region of Kazakhstan
The terrain, snow cover and low avalanche danger of this region allow us to experience the most exciting winter activities such as ski touring and freeride, heliskiing and catskiing.
Duration: 6 days
Cost: from €1400 per person (depends on the type of accommodation and number of people in the group)
Cost includes: The services of an English-speaking ski guide and tail guide, 4-day skiing/snowboarding on a private snowcat, return transfer from Ust-Kamenogorsk and all the transfers during the trip, 5-night accommodation in a lodge or a hotel, banya (Russian sauna)
Customization: We are happy to arrange a tour that will meet your needs and preferences (number of participants, dates, amount of days etc). If you're interested, we can also add a couple of days of skitouring or heliskiing or combine both activities to make your trip as intense and unforgettable as possible.
Programme:
Day 1. Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the mountain lodge (about 2-3 hours), dinner, equipment check.
Days 2-5. Cat skiing.
We will be exclusively in forested areas of the Altai. After an intensive day of skiing/snowboarding, we will enjoy a hot dinner and a relaxing banya.
Day 6. Transfer to the Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport after breakfast. Flight to Almaty or Astana
We’ll choose our routes based on the weather, the snow conditions and the ability of the group. 
Day 6-7-8. You can enjoy untracked turns in the backcountry with skitouring or heliskiing.
If you’re interested we’re also able to organise a one/multi-day trip in Almaty on the way out or back (if you fly to Ust-Kamenogorsk via Almaty).
We’re happy to organise a tour to Shymbulak or Ak-bulak ski resorts (two main ski resorts in Almaty region) / a sightseeing tour in Almaty region (visiting the best nature spots around Almaty such as Big Almaty lake, Charyn canyon etc).
Accommodation
Different types of accommodation are available in this trip.
Depending on your need and personal preference you can choose the option that suits you best. Please contact ask for more detailed information on accommodation options
Remote mountain lodge surrounded by the pine forests.
It's a wooden 2-floor guest house with double (with private bathroom) and triple (shared bathroom) rooms. Real Russian banya and homemade cuisine will make your stay there warm and cozy
Comfortable Bearlog hotel with well-equipped rooms, a restaurant and a spa center
This option combines comfort and service with quite a short approach to the best freeride spots. The hotel offers accommodation in standard and superior rooms and also wooden cottages for 5 people.
You will need to be:
– confident riding on piste (preferably off-piste as well);
– in good physical shape (able to shred powder for hours :) ;
– inspired to have fun!
You will need:
– Avalanche kit (Beeper/transceiver (with spare batteries), probe, shovel);
– Avalanche backpack (optional);
– Skis or snowboard suitable for freeride;
– Backpack;
– Helmet;
– Warm clothes (waterproof outer shell, fleece, down jacket in case of cold weather);
– Goggles (ideally with lenses for bright and flat light);
– Sunscreen;
– Thermos and individual snacks if needed;
– Travel insurance covering backcountry skiing in the remote mountain area.
