KAZAKHSTAN

Shymbulak Off-piste & Sidecountry Tour

Discover freeride at one of Central Asia’s top ski destinations.

Geo-tech Overview

Discover freeride at one of Central Asia’s top ski destinations. Shymbulak (also known as “Chimbulak”) is Kazakhstan’s flagship mountain resort, set high in the dramatic peaks of the Ile Alatau range in the Tien Shan. With its modern lifts, sweeping ridgelines, glacier views, and pristine side‑country terrain, it offers a true blend of thrill and beauty.

This guided tour is perfect for strong intermediates, advanced, or expert riders who want to explore off‑piste lines in safe, awe‑inspiring surroundings. From powder stashes beneath steep faces to panoramic vistas over Almaty, it’s an experience you’ll remember.

December – March
1 day
intermediate, advanced
Ile Alatau
2260 — 3800 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

Ride from the Talgar Pass (~3200‑3400 m), where you’ll get sweeping views over glaciers, rugged rock ridges, and the city of Almaty in the distance.
Enjoy the mix of terrain: steep couloirs, open bowls, tree runs, and side‑country slopes that are not crowded.
Taste authentic Kazakh hospitality: lunch in a traditional yurt, local dishes, and warm teas (or fermented mare’s milk for the adventurous).
Blend adventure with comfort: modern lifts from Shymbulak, cozy mountain infrastructure, and optional evening relaxation in a “saka” bathhouse – hot steam, herbal infusions, and cool-down in a stream or basin.
Spectacular scenery: glaciers shimmering in the sun, forested gullies, dramatic high mountain peaks, and the shifting light across the Tien Shan at sunrise.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

– 08:30 Meet your guide at your Almaty hotel → Transfer to Medeu (≈1690 m).

– Cable car up to Shymbulak; enjoy lift-served terrain and gradually gain altitude through beautiful fir-tree forests and open slopes.

– Explore freeride zones depending on snow/weather/avalanche risk and group ability.

– At midday, ascend to Talgar Pass (~3200-3400 m) for lunch in a yurt with panoramic views over glaciers and surrounding mountains.

– Afternoon freeride or sidecountry riding, discovering quieter terrain away from the busiest runs.

– Return via cable car to Medeu, transfer back to Almaty, with arrival by ~19:00.

– Optional: evening soak in a mountain “saka” bathhouse – perfect to rest muscles, enjoy local traditions, and stargaze.

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

400$ for one person
250$ per person for a group of 2
200$ per person for a group of 3-8
150$ per person for a group of 9-12

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 short hikes uphill (base layer: thermal underwear, membrane jacket and pants, fleece jacket, additional layers of clothing for insulation, downy sweater or vest)
– gloves or mittens
– warm hat, 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

Equipment:

– ski/snowboard boots
– proper freeride skis/snowboard
– ski poles

Food:

– individual snacks for the route (energy and protein bars, muesli, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition)

Services included in the package:

1. Professional English‑speaking skiing guide.
2. Round-trip transfer between Almaty ↔ Shymbulak.
3. Daily ski-pass for resort lifts.
4. Hot lunch in a yurt (local cuisine), snacks, and drinks.
5. Bottled water (1 L)

Services does not included in the package:

1. Rental of ski/snowboard and avalanche equipment (rental is possible upon request).
2. Meals and beverages not indicated in the program.
3. Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour.
4. Visa support and registration in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, if required.
5. Insurance policy.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Best for intermediate, advanced or expert riders. Some terrain is steep, remote, off-piste.

Weather, snow conditions or avalanche risk may require adjustments to itinerary.

It is required to have an appropriate travel insurance covering mountain rescue, backcountry and freeride.

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