KAZAKHSTAN

Cosmostation Spring Backcountry

Just one hour from Almaty, you’ll transport yourself into another world – the high‑alpine realm known as Cosmo Station.

Geo-tech Overview

A scientific station tucked into the Tien Shan highlands where cosmic‑ray research meets pure mountain magic. This backcountry adventure offers spring freeride in dramatic terrain, with peaks reaching up to ≈ 4000 meters, glacier views, steep ridges, and alpine huts above 3,000 m. You’ll stay in a rustic yet comfortable mountain hut at about 3,350 m, ride pristine slopes each day, and enjoy sweeping panoramas over Big Almaty Lake, glaciers, jagged peaks, and even the shimmering rooftops of Almaty in the distance. On the final day, wind down in a high-mountain open-air spa surrounded by snow-topped summits: steam rooms, hot and icy plunge pools, and the kind of view that resets your sense of what “getting away” truly means.

April – May
3 days
intermediate, advanced
Ile Alatau
3300 — 4100 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

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Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Stay at 3,350 m in a hut perched high in the Ile Alatau, ride routes up to ~ 4,000 m including summits like Tourist, Turan and Cornice peaks.
Multiple descent types: ridgelines, glacier shoulders, steep faces, open bowls – ride both steep, challenging lines and mellower slopes depending on conditions and ability.
Panoramic views of Big Almaty Lake mirrored by glaciers, sharp rocky spires, wild alpine flora in bloom, dramatic sunrises & sunsets, and brilliant star‑filled skies.
The Cosmo Station itself (cosmic rays / high‑energy physics research) adds a unique element – meet researchers, learn about high‑altitude science, and feel part of something bigger.
After alpine routes, enjoy recovery with an open‑air spa: steam rooms, hot & cold pools, serene rest areas with mountain views. Bonus: views of Almaty from above, as if the city were a delicate diorama beneath you.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Early morning departure from Almaty; drive up to Zhusaly‑Kezen pass. Pass the boundary checkpoint, then arrive at Cosmo Station. Mountain hut check-in ~3,350 m. 5-6 hour backcountry: western ridge of Tourist Peak, north to northeast facing slopes. Descents will be chosen depending on snow conditions and ability of the participants. Lunch in the hut and rest. Avalanche‑safety training in the afternoon. Dinner and rest.

Day 2

Early breakfast; ascent to the top of Tourist Peak 3954 m. Descend via north / northwest faces to middle section of old ski lift. Optional second ascent. Coming back to the hut. Lunch and rest. Tour around station and meeting with the scientists. Dinner and hut overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast; backcountry to the ridge of Turan Peak 3970 m. Descent back to the hut. Lunch, pack up and head to open‑air mountain spa. On the way, stop at observation viewpoints with panoramic views of Big Almaty Lake. Return to Almaty around ~19:00 – 20:00.

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PRICE LIST:

1500$ for one person
900$ per person for the group of 2
750$ per person for the group of 3
700$ per person for the group of 4-5
600$ per person for the group of 6-8
550$ per person for the group of 9-10
500$ per person for the group of 11-12

Accommodation:

A simple and welcoming mountain hut above 3000 meters, offering warm shelter and all the essentials for a comfortable alpine stay. Inside, the space is neatly arranged with a small kitchen corner, gas stove, and a large dining area for shared meals. The hut has four bedrooms for up to 8 guests, plus a bathroom with hot and cold running water. The outdoor toilet sits in a quiet corner, adding to the hut’s rustic charm.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Safety:

– avalanche equipment (air bag system and avalanche safety kit: shovel, probe, transciever)
– freeride backpack with ski/snowboard fixation (volume 25-40 liters)
– helmet
– goggles with a spare lens for foggy conditions (better to have 2 goggles)

Personal clothing and accessories:

– comfortable functional clothing for riding downhill and skinning up the hill (base layer: thermal underwear, membrane jacket and pants, fleece jacket, additional layers of clothing for insulation, downy sweater or vest)
– extra set of warm clothing, extra pair of shoes (sneakers or lightweight trekking shoes)
– sleeping bag with temperature rate 0C – +5C degrees in comfort zone
– two pairs of gloves or mittens (one light and one warm)
– warm hat, light cap, neck gaiter
– sunscreen
– sunglasses
– personal AID kit (adhesive plaster, emergency thermal blanket, individual medications) – repair kit (spare parts and tools for adjustment and repair your bindings,duct tape, rubber straps)
– thermos
– water tank
– head torch
– personal hygienic stuff – spare batteries for your devices – adaptor for outlet charging, if needed (220V 50Hz European outlet)

Equipment:

– ski/snowboard boots (for skiers with system of switching to walking mode)
– proper freeride skis/snowboard with touring bindings
– snowshoes (for snowboarders without splitboard)
– climbing skins
– telescopic poles
– ski/splitboard crampons
– alpinist crampons – ice axe

Food:

– individual snacks (muesli, protein, chocolate of other bars, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition and etc.)
– soft drinks or alcohol

Services included in the package:

1. Professional English-speaking skiing guide.
2. All transfers from Almaty → Cosmo‑Station → Almaty.
3. Accommodation in the hut at 3,350 m (electricity, stove, basic comfort).
4. Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners (self-cooking), drinking water. (Chefs service is available upon request).
6. Environmental and ecological fee.

Services does not included in the package:

1. Rental of ski and avalanche equipment (available upon request). 2. Visa support and registration on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, if required. 3. Meals (other than specified), personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program. 4. Accommodation in Almaty before / after the tour. 5. Insurance policy. 6. Tickets to the open-air SPA (~30 USD). 7. Cost of the dinner in Day 3 (~25-40 USD).

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Best for intermediate, advanced or expert riders with previous backcountry / alpine touring experience. Slopes include steep, exposed terrain.

Conditions can change rapidly: snowpack stability, weather, avalanche risk will be monitored continuously and the itinerary adjusted as needed.

It is required to have proper travel insurance covering backcountry and ski‑mountaineering in the remote mountains with rescue by helicopter.

Passport / ID needed for checkpoint (boundary area).

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