Kazakhstan

Ski touring in Ridder

Western Altai is an untouched, off-the-beaten-path paradise for freeride skiers and snowboarders who crave adventure, powder, and spectacular mountain views.

Geo-tech Overview

This region is the ultimate freeride destination in Kazakhstan, offering the freedom to explore vast expanses of pristine snow, all while surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery, giving backcountry lovers a true sense of isolation. Winter season starts early in December and lasts till the end of March. Heavy and frequent snowfalls with continental climate create rich snow cover with thickness 3-5 meters and boast deep, dry powder ideal for off-piste skiing and snowboarding. During the season temperature varies from -5 to -20 Celsius degrees, but few weeks in December and January can be extremely cold and reach the mark -25, -30. The range of altitudes 700–2800 meters ensure a mix of terrain types, including dense and sparse forests, alpine meadows, steep ravines, and high ridges. The backcountry playground covers more than 100 square kilometers including Serzhinskiy, Prokhodnoy, Kholodniy and Ivanovskiy ridges. The area is also known as “Ore Altai”, because of Ridder town – the center of local mining industry.

December – March
8 days
intermediate, advanced
Western Altai
720 – 2400 m.a.s.l.
Ust’-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen)

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

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Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Early and long season from December till March.
The snowiest mountain region of Kazakhstan.
Magnetism of taiga forest and fun riding among the larches and cedars.
Freedom to explore vast expanses of pristine snow and the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
Fresh rowan and viburnum berries from the branch — a special Altai dessert.
Isolated countryside atmosphere, peace and Internet detox.
Homemade cuisine and special traditional Altai sauna.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Flight from Almaty or Astana to Oskemen (plane can be changed to the night train, if you have extra day). Arrival to Oskemen, departure to the Ridder town by car (130 km) and transfer to the mountain lodge, located in 15 km from the town at the foothills of Serzhinskiy ridge at an altitude of 720 meters. Arrival to the lodge, check-in. Evening Altai sauna – «banya», dinner and rest.

Day 2-3-4

Breakfast and preparations. Departure for ski-touring at 9.00 am. Touring and riding on the slopes of Serzhinskiy ridge. During the day it will be possible to make 2 descents. Length of each run varies from 2 to 4 km with 400-900 vertical meters. Picnic lunch in the picturesque place near the forest or at the top of the ridge depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the lodge by 4 pm, late lunch. Evening sauna, dinner and rest.

Day 5

Breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the Klimov Family Ranch located at the foothills of Ivanovskiy Ridge (50 km). Arrival to the ranch, guest house check-in. Ski-touring to the one of the home slopes located nearby. Elevation range: 1100-2400 meters. Duration: 4-5 hours. Coming back to the Ranch. Afternoon dish, sauna, dinner and rest.

Day 6

Breakfast and preparations. Departure for ski-touring at 9.00 am. Touring and riding on the home slopes near the Ranch. During the day it will be possible to make 2 descents. Length of each run varies from 2 to 5 km with 800-1500 vertical meters. Picnic lunch in the picturesque place near the forest or at the top of the ridge depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the Ranch by 4 pm, afternoon dish. Walking and horseback riding on the territory of the Ranch. Evening sauna, dinner and rest.

Day 7

Breakfast and preparations. Transfer by SUV to the starting point of the backcountry route (20 km), located at the foothills of the Ivanovskiy ridge. Touring to one of the spots chosen according to the snow and weather conditions. During the day it will be possible to make 2 descents with the length of each run from 2 to 4 km and with gaining 800-1500 vertical meters. After backcountry transfer to the Ridder town and visiting local historical museum and cosy coffee shop with home made cakes and sweets. Return to the Ranch by 7 pm. Sauna, farewell dinner.

Day 8

Breakfast and check-out. Transfer to Oskemen. On the way visiting the streetl market in Cheremshanka village, where the residents sell locally produced packages with medical herbs and roots, sea buckthorn and fir oils, pickled mushrooms and cucumbers, honey, jams made from blueberries or pine cones, various plant and animal tinctures.

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

3200 EUR for one person
2300 EUR per person for a group of 2
1900 EUR per person for a group of 3
1800 EUR per person for a group of 4
1700 EUR per person for a group of 5-7
1600 EUR per person for a group of 8-9
1500 EUR per person for a group of 10-12

Accommodation:

You’ll stay in comfortable wooden cottages surrounded by wild nature, with shared or private bathrooms, hot showers, and daily access to a traditional sauna. Each place offers hearty homemade meals served in a common dining area, where breakfast, mountain lunches, and dinners bring everyone together after a day outdoors. Wi-Fi (via satellite) is available, while mobile signal is limited — a perfect chance to disconnect and enjoy peace, fresh air, and simple mountain comfort.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Safety:

– avalanche equipment (avalanche safety kit: shovel, probe, transciever)
– airbag backpack (optionally)

Personal clothing and accessories:

– thermal base layer
– membrane jacket and pants
– mid layers (polartec or softshell jacket and downy sweater or vest)
– warm down jacket
– extra set of warm thermal base layer
– two pairs of thermal skiing socks
– winter insulated boots
– softshell gloves
– warm mittens
– beanie
– cap
– neck warmer
– sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection SPF 50+
– sunglasses
– swimsuit and rubber slippers for visiting sauna
– personal hygienic and bath items
– home slippers or booties
– personal AID kit (pain and flu medication, adhesive tape, individual medications in case of having chronic diseases)
– isothermal foil survival blanket
– repair kit (spare parts and tools for adjustment and repair your bindings, duct tape, rubber straps)
– thermos
– water tank
– head lamp
– spare batteries for your electronic devices and transceiver
– adaptor for outlet charging, if needed (220V 50Hz European outlet)
– matches or a lighter in a waterproof package
– chargers and cords for your electronic devices

Equipment:

– freeride backpack with skis/splitboard fixation (volume 30-40 liters)
– helmet
– goggles with a spare lens for foggy conditions
– ski-touring/snowboard boots
– freeride skis with proper touring bindings or splitboard
– climbing skins
– telescopic poles

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. Accommodation in the Mountain Lodge at Serzhinskiy ridge with full meal board and every day sauna.
2. Accommodation in the private cottage of Family Ranch at Ivanovskiy ridge with full meal board and every day sauna.
3. Six days of ski-touring.
4. All transfers according to the program.
5. English-speaking skiing guide.
6. All environmental and ecological fees.
7. Drinking water.

Services does not included in the package:

1. Rental of ski and avalanche equipment.
2. Meals not indicated in the program and/or not included into the tour price.
3. Visa support and registration on the territory of Kazakhstan, if required.
4. Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program.
5. Insurance policy.
6. Cost of the domestic flight to/from Oskemen (~120-180 USD).

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Depending on weather and snow conditions, the guide can make adjustments to the the program.

It is required to have appropriate insurance policy covering freeride and backcountry in remote places, including rescue by helicopter.

To participate in the program you need to be confident in off-piste skiing or boarding and fit enough for performing daily backcountry and ski-touring activities.

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