Ski Tuyuk-su – Ski touring in the Tuyuk-su valley
April — June
Almaty
Our seven-day Ski Tuyuk-Su tour offers the chance to explore the highest terrain of the Ile Alatau, including 4,000m peaks forming incredible couloirs and long "big mountain" descents.
The Tuyuk-su valley is full of beautiful and impressive lines waiting to be discovered by those bold enough to look for them. This tour is designed for riders who are in good physical shape, are confident and experienced in the backcountry, and are ready to open new horizons at higher altitudes. We’ll explore some of the region’s most stunning areas at a time when most people have already packed up their skis and snowboards and are preparing for the summer!
Time window: mid-April to mid-June
Tuyuksu Glacier is a valley glacier in the Maloalmatinskiy Gorge. It is the central and largest glacier in this cirque.
It is considered to be the most studied glacier of the former Soviet Union. This is due to the glaciological station "Tuyuksu-1" which still functions not far from the tongue of the glacier. You will have an opportunity to visit one of the oldest research station in the world between skiing amazing big mountain terrain!
This is a unique ski tour in the Tuyuk Su valley, ascending and riding down 4,000m peaks and glaciers in the company of an experienced ski guide.
Tour duration: 7 days
Cost: from € 850 per person
Cost includes: English-speaking ski guide (2 guides for a group of more than 4 people), all the transfers (return transfer from your hotel or airport to Medeu cable car station, return transfer from Medeu to Shymbulak 2300 m (and if conditions allow to Manzhylki 3100 m), accommodation at the Tuyuk Su research station (3,450m) or at the trailer (vagon), catering (we buy the food, everyone helps out with the cooking).
Customization: We can organise any personalized trip to suit you – please contact us for more info and to agree dates, number of participants, amount of days and other details. We will gladly assist you with accommodation booking and transfers in Almaty on the way out or back if needed.
Programme:
Day 1. Meet in Almaty, transfer to the Tuyuk Su camp (2,300m). Acclimatization.
Day 2. Ascent (on foot or skis) to the Tuyuk Su research station (3,450m). Downtime, with an option to ski tour in the immediate area.
Day 3-7. Ski touring on 4,000m peaks, including Peak Molodezhny (4,150m), Tuyuk Su ridge (4,100m), Peak Lokomotiv (4,200m), Peak Ordzhonikidze (4,050m), Peak Pogrebetskiy (4,220m) and many others.
Day 7. Descent (on skis / snowboard) to the Manzhylki weather station, then on foot to Shymbulak. If snow conditions allow, transfer direct from Manzhylki / Shymbulak to Almaty – otherwise, we’ll take the gondola lift.
The choice of lines will depend on weather and snow conditions, as well as the group’s level of experience and physical fitness.
Days 8-9 (optional). We’re happy to organise a 1-day sightseeing tour in Almaty (visiting the most popular attractions of the city) or a 1-2 day sightseeing tour in Almaty region (visiting the best nature spots around Almaty such as Big Almaty lake, Charyn canyon, Kolsay lake etc). Skiing and exploring the local resorts is also a perfect option.
Accommodation
We will stay in the wilderness at an altitude of 3400 m. The living conditions are spartan, but it's worth it. The trailer is equipped with a stove, gas, beds, table and tableware. No electricity or city noise- let's stay alone with nature and the high mountains!
Enjoying the starry skies over mountain peaks and glaciers with nobody around is a great privilege.
What to bring:
Safety:
1. Beeper (transceiver) with spare batteries
2. Avalanche probe
3. Avalanche shovel
4. Ski / alpine crampons
5. Helmet
6. Avalanche backpack (optional)
Equipment:
1. Skis / splitboard
2. Ski boots / snowboard boots
3. Ski / splitboard poles
4. Goggles
5. Skins
6. Backpack with ski fixation
Clothing and accessories:
1. Sunglasses
2. Sleeping bag -5 to +5 degrees
3. Headlamp (with spare batteries)
4. Personal medical kit
5. Down jacket / vest
6. Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers)
7. Ski gloves and thinner gloves for ascending / wearing at base camp
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 and solar chargers (there's no electricity in the cabin)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note! To take part in this tour you will need to be an experienced skier or snowboarder (with off piste / backcountry experience) in good physical shape (there will be a lot of uphill involved!).
Travel insurance covering backckountry skiing in the remote mountain area (and evacuation by helicopter)
