Ski Cosmostation - ski tour in the Big Almaty Gorge
April — June
Almaty, Kazakhstan
This is a ‘Cosmic’ freeride adventure in the area around the legendary Cosmostation- research station above the Big Almaty Lake.
We’ll ride the couloirs around the Almaty-Alagir range, staying in a heated mountain hut in the research station itself.
Just 35km from Almaty at the head of the Alma-Arasan valley, Cosmostation must be one of the few freeride spots in the world that is also a working space research station. The scientific work carried out here is linked to the study of cosmic particles. The high-altitude Space Station is located on the Zhusaly-Kezen Pass, at an altitude of 3336 meters, where, obviously, it is better to register cosmic particles.. This altitude also means there is snow all year round – it’s even possible to ski in early July.
Best timing: mid April to early June
This region is unique for the number of interesting lines it offers – but also for the chance to live in and observe the work of a functioning research station. In addition to the Tien Shan High Altitude Research Station, the area has subdivisions of several other organizations such as Institute of Seismology, Institute of Permafrost Science and Meteorological Station.
Accommodation is in the small buildings that form part of the research station –so while you’re drying your boots and socks at the end of the day research is being carried out in the laboratories next door, and if you’re lucky you may get the chance to look through one of the telescopes at the nearby observatory and go on a tour to see how space particle research equipment works.
Duration: 4 days
Cost: from €550 per person
Cost includes: Ski guide services, return transfer from Almaty to the Cosmostation research station, accommodation in a heated mountain hut on the territory of the station, full board.
Customization: We’re happy to organise the customized tour on dates and amount of days to suit your group – please contact us for more information. 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. Early start in Almaty and transfer to the Cosmostation via Big Almaty Lake at 2,500m. Ski tour ascent of Peak Tourist (3,950m). Peak Tourist is located south of Peak Big Almaty – we’ll start our ascent from the Zhusaly-Kezen pass at 3,350m.
Day 2. We’ll ride the western couloirs to the right of the old drag lift at Kosmostantsiya. An ascent to the ridge will offer a range of different descents through different couloirs, all of which will return us to our starting point.
Day 3. We’ll either descend from the ridge above the northern glacier of Peak Tourist or return to the couloirs around the Kosmostantsiya.
Day 4. Ski-tour ascent and descent from Peak Turan (3,970m). Transfer to the nearby astronomical observatory (another unique scientific centre located in the valley above the Big Almaty Lake). We’ll ascend Peak Turan via the Tourist Pass. The descent will bring us to the security post on the road between Big Almaty Lake and the Kosmostantsiya research station, from where we’ll transfer back to Almaty.
Days 5-6 (optional).We’re happy to organise a 1-day tour to Shymbulak (the 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 Charyn canyon, Turgen waterfalls etc).
The ascents are mostly easy but nonetheless interesting: from the higher slopes you’ll have fantastic views of Almaty city and of the surrounding 4000+ meters summits (which include Soviet Peak, Peak Karnizniy, Peak Ozerny, the Tuyuk-su peaks and others).
What to bring:
Safety:
1. Beeper / transceiver (with spare batteries)
2. Avalanche probe
3. Avalanche shovel
4. Ski crampons
5. Helmet
6. Avalanche backpack (optionally)
Equipment:
1. Skis / splitboard
2. Ski boots / snowboard boots
3. Ski / splitboard poles
4. Goggles
5. Climbing skins
6. Backpack (25-40 L with skis or snowboard fixation)
Clothing and accessories:
1. Sunglasses
2. Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher
3. Personal medical kit
4. Down jacket
5. Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers)
6. Ski gloves and mittens
7. Thermal underwear and fleece / midlayer
8. Hat and balaclava (neck warmer)
9. Skiing socks
10. Regular socks (for wearing at base camp)
11. Thermos
12. Head lamp
13. Individual snacks
14. Chargers for your electronic devices
Additional information
This tour is designed for skiers / snowboarders who are confident on the piste (including black runs), ideally have some previous experience of riding off piste, and are in good physical shape. You won’t need to have any previous experience of rock climbing or mountaineering.
You will need a travel insurance covering backcountry skiing in the remote mountain area
