Kumbelsu Skimo Camp
April — June
Kumbelsu valley, Almaty
A unique spring backcountry camp in the wild and uninhabited Kumbelsu valley, riding lines from the surrounding glaciers.
We’ll be skiing the glaciers in the bowl formed by the ridges linking two 4,000m summits, Soviet Peak (4,317m) and Peak Lokomotiv (4,209m).
We’ll stay in a tent camp by a moraine lake at 3500 m. This is a physically hard ski touring trip for those who are ready to experience the wildest Tien Shan to the fullest. Please note! To take part in the Kumbelsu camp you will need to be an experienced skier or snowboarder (with off piste / backcountry experience) and in good physical shape (there will be a lot of uphill involved!).
Timing: mid-April to mid-June
Duration: 5 days
Group size: 2-6 people
Cost: from €750 per person
Cost includes: The services of an English-speaking ski guide, return transfer from Almaty, meals catering (we buy the food, everyone helps out with the cooking). The service of porters to transfer gear is available on request.
Programme:
Day 1. Meet in Almaty, transfer to Shymbulak, trek to Tuyuk-su glacier station 2300m to 3400m (equipment can be carried by porters- please contact us to discuss), night in the Tuyuk-su at an altitude of 3400 m.
Days 2. Ascending to the Molodezhny pass 3800 m. Skiing down to the Kumbelsu valley. Settle in the camp.
Day 3-5. Ski-touring / splitboarding trips from the camp.
We’ll choose our routes based on the weather, the snow conditions and the ability of the group.
Day 5. Descent to the Big Almaty gorge. Transfer back to Almaty.
What to bring:
Safety:
1. Transceiver , avalanche probe and shovel
2. Avalanche backpack (optional)
3. Ski / alpine crampons
4. Helmet
Equipment:
1. Skis / snowboard / snowshoes
2. Ski boots / snowboard boots
3. Ski / splitboard poles
4. Goggles
5. Climbing skins
6. Backpack at least 50 L with ski fixation
7. General camping equipment: tent, stove etc (can be provided)
Clothing and accessories:
1. Power banks and solar chargers for your electronic devices
2. Sleeping bag (-15 to 0 degrees)
3. Head torch (with spare batteries)
4. Personal medical kit
5. Down jacket / vest
6. Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers)
7. Ski gloves
8. Thermal underwear
9. Fleece / midlayer
10. Thinner gloves for ascending / wearing at base camp
11. Balaclava / neck warmer
12. Hat
13. Skiing / trekking socks
14. Regular socks
15. Thermos
16. Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher
17. Sunglasses
18. Individual snacks
19. Travel insurance covering backcountry skiing in the remote mountain area (and evacuation by helicopter)
