Ski Ketmen - Ketmen Ridge skitour programme
December — March
Ketpen, Kazakhstan
Join us on one of the wildest ski touring trips in Kazakhstan! Staying in the middle of nowhere, skiing untracked snow, being alone in nature of the Tien Shan- the essentials for an exciting and memorable ski trip to Kazakhstan.
The Ketmen ridge, just 20km from the Kazakhstan / China border, is almost untouched by humans, notwithstanding its proximity to Almaty. The unique geography of the ridge means it gets more snow than Almaty, allowing us to open the Tien Shan backcountry season earlier.
Best timing: mid December to mid March
The Ketmen ridge is located to the East of the Zailiisky Alatau in the Northern Tien Shan. It’s up to 40-50km wide at some points, running from the Kyungei-Ala-Too ridge in the West to the Narat ridge in the East. It forms the Southern border of the ‘Semirechiya’ (‘Seven Rivers’) region, which surrounds Almaty. Its altitude ranges from 3,000 to 3,600m, with the highest point being Mount Aspan at 3,652m).
Accommodation for the six-day ski trip is in a comfortable, heated mountain hut in the Ketmen valley. A banya (Russian sauna) is also available. The route to the hut is on skins, through a picturesque pass.
Cost: from € 850 per person
Maximum group size: 6 people
Cost includes: English-speaking ski guide (2 guides for a group more than 4 people), return transfer from Almaty (around 5 hours by car), further transfer towards the hut, transfer of buggage by horses to the hut, accommodation, full board, banya 2-3 times depending on tour’s duration.
Customization: We are happy to arrange a personalized tour that will meet your needs and preferences (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. Meet in Almaty, transfer to Ketmen village and further on horseback (optional) or 4wd minibus, then ski touring to the mountain hut.
Days 2-5. Ski-touring / splitboarding from the mountain hut, exploring the surrounding ridges and couloirs.
Day 6. Ski touring to the point where we will be picked up by a 4wd minibus. Transfer to Almaty.
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) or a 1-day ski tour in the mountains of Almaty.
If you’re interested we’re also able to organise a one/two-day trip to the hot springs at Chundzha and Charyn canyon on the way out or back.
What to bring:
Safety:
1. Beeper / transceiver (with spare batteries)
2. Avalanche probe
3. Avalanche shovel
4. Ski crampons
5. Helmet
6. Avalanche backpack (optional)
Equipment:
1. Skis / splitboard
2. Ski boots / snowboard boots
3. Ski / splitboard poles
4. Goggles
5. Climbing skins
6. Backpack (30-40 L with skis or snowboard fixation)
Clothing and accessories:
1. Sunglasses
2. Sleeping bag about 0 degrees
3. Headlamp (with spare batteries)
4. Personal medical kit
5. Down jacket
6. Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers)
7. Ski gloves and thinner gloves for ascending
8. Thermal underwear and fleece / midlayer
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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This tour is designed for skiers / snowboarders who are confident on the piste (including black runs) and have an experience of riding off piste. You should also be in a good physical shape and up for a wild adventure!
You will need a travel insurance covering backckountry skiing in the remote mountain area (and evacuation by helicopter).
