What you get on this adventure : 8-day guided Altay ski touring adventure (6 full days of ski touring) An experienced mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7 nights of accommodation in the yurts (twin room) Daily banya (bathhouse similar to sauna) All meals at the lodge—breakfast, mountain lunch, après-ski soup and snacks, and dinner Group transfers by bus and snowmobiles Transfers to and from airport Daily snowmobile support for the approach, if needed What’s not included : International and domestic airfares Alcoholic beverages Personal expenses Guide gratuities — optional Personal insurance — mandatory

How fit do I need to be?

This Altay ski touring adventure is suitable for skiers with great physical fitness and at least intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills, especially in deep-snow conditions. You will spend 6 consecutive days skiing or splitboarding in varied and occasionally challenging backcountry terrain. To enjoy this adventure, you should be able to skin up at least 1,000 vertical meters per day and have at least a few weeks of previous ski touring experience. To ensure your safety and the safety of your group, be honest with your skill level.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Clothing : Heavy/mid weight socks compatible with your footwear (2-3 pairs) Heated electric socks or insoles highly recommended Warm base layer top and bottom (2 each) Mid-insulation layer top (Polartec 100 or analog) Mid-insulation layer bottom (Polartec/Powerstretch pants or analog) Warm jacket (synthetic or down) Waterproof breathable weather layer top (e.g. Gore-Tex/Softshell) Waterproof breathable weather layer pants (e.g. Gore-Tex/Softshell) Down jacket suitable for temperatures as low as -20 to -25°C. Warm, lightweight hats Light gloves Insulated gloves Insulated mittens High snow boots Slippers for the lodge Ski gear : Skis or splitboard — skis 110mm underfoot or wider recommended Skins with good glue condition (no glueless skins); tail clips strongly recommended Touring boots Telescopic poles Ski helmet Personal repair kit for your bindings, boots, and poles Electric ski boot dryer Avalanche gear : Transceiver (three antennas) and extra batteries Probe Shovel Personal equipment : 25-30L backpack Personal first aid kit (blister kit, personal medications) Thermos or insulated flask (1L capacity) — recommended to have both Sunglasses (CE rated 3 or 4) Ski goggles, plus an extra pair Headlamp and extra batteries Sun, cold and lip cream (SPF 30+) Camera — optional (but recommended) Please note that there is no ski-service or rental option in the area (except a limited number of ski touring skis). Make sure you bring your equipment with you in good condition. Service your skis or board before arrival and bring pocket waxes.

Can I rent equipment?

Equipment rental is not available for this Altay ski touring adventure , except for a limited quantity of ski touring skis. Please service your skis or board before arrival or bring pocket waxes, as there is no ski service at your guides’ base. While repair parts and tools for common issues are available, equipment for hot waxing is not provided. The remoteness of the area offers incredible untouched snow, but it also means you should come prepared with all the necessary gear.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Altay ski touring adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1, plus a tail-guide if needed. It takes a minimum of 1 person for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. A guided Altay ski touring adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join this Altay ski touring adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Altay ski touring adventure is Ust-Kamenogorsk, also known as Oskemen. To get there, most people fly into Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport (UKK) . You will meet your guide upon your arrival at the airport in the afternoon of Day 1. From there, a 3.5-hour bus ride and a brief 10-minute snowmobile transfer will bring you to the lodge.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help! Please note that travel and medical insurance is mandatory for this trip.

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ALTAY MOUNTAINS | KAZAKHSTAN

Altay Ski Touring: The Ultimate Remote Adventure

8 days | 5.00

From $2,689 ()

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East Kazakhstan has been guarding a secret: miles and miles of limitless, untouched powder. In these 8 days of ski touring the remote Altay range, we’ll score epic lines that rival the best heli-drop—but we’ll earn our turns the old-school way. After each long ascent, we’ll float through powder in open bowls, weave through deep taiga, and charge down steep chutes. In the evening, we retreat to our yurt basecamp to load up on traditional Kazakh food and let the banya session steam out the lactic acid. This is ski touring in one of its last pristine landscapes—the only tracks you’ll see are the ones you lay down.

Adventure Highlights

Shred the unshredded: Lay down fresh tracks on every run in 25 sq km (9.7 sq mi) of exclusive, untouched Altay terrain
All-you-can-ski buffet: Push your limits on terrain ranging from mellow glades to heart-pumping couloirs, depending on your group’s skills and ambitions
Nomad-style après: Get immersed in mountain culture with traditional yurt lodging, Kazakh cuisine, and soothing banya/sauna sessions after each ski day

Duration

8 days

Season

November through March

Group size

Up to 12 people

Accommodation

Spacious yurts

The adventure, day by day

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Discover one of the world’s most remote skiing destinations on this 8-day ski touring adventure in the Altay Mountains of East Kazakhstan. We’ll venture far away from civilization, but we’re bringing all the essentials: an expert guide, accommodation in comfy yurts with daily banya sessions, all meals and snacks and in-country transfers are taken care of. Gear up and disappear into the dream of every powder hound.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Altay Mountains

Snow-covered yurts at Altay Mountain Lodge

Our journey into the Altay Mountains begins with your afternoon arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk (UKK). From there, a 3.5-hour bus ride followed by a short snowmobile transfer will bring us to the Altay Mountain Lodge, our base camp for the week. Nestled in the snow-covered Altay range, the lodge offers a true escape from civilization. After settling into our yurts, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner. The evening is yours to unwind in the banya or turn in early to prepare for the days ahead.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Altay Mountain Lodge

Day 2-7: Ski touring/splitboarding the Altay Mountains

A skier climbs a slope of untouched snow in the Altay Mountains

For the next six days, we’ll explore the wild, untouched terrain surrounding Altay Mountain Lodge. We’ll start each morning with a hearty breakfast to fuel us for a day of ski touring or splitboarding. For those who want to go further into the wild, we have snowmobiles to reach more distant areas.

Our exclusive terrain spans 25 sq km (9.7 sq mi) of deep powder and a variety of slopes, from steep descents to open glades and well-spaced tree runs. Our runs will range from 400 to 900 m (1,312 to 2,953 ft), with slope gradients between 25 and 40 degrees. We’ll cover 1,200 to 1,300 m (3,937 to 4,265 ft) of vertical ascent per day, but we can adjust this based on the group’s skills and ambitions. Post-ski, we’ll return to the lodge for dinner and recovery in the banya before bed.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Altay Mountain Lodge

Day 8: Departure

A snowmobile parked between the yurts at Altay Mountain Lodge

Our final morning in the Altay mountains begins with an early breakfast before we depart for Ust-Kamenogorsk. We’ll arrive in time for your afternoon flight home, and we’ll part ways with memories of the untamed wilderness of the Altay Mountains.

Meals: Breakfast

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Photo gallery

A skier descending a snowy slope surrounded by trees and rocks

A skier carving down a steep slope in the Altay Mountains, with snow spraying up around him

Two skiers walking uphill on a snowy slope overlooking the Altay Mountain Range

Accommodation and food

Altay Mountain Lodge & Yurts Camp

Nestled deep in the remote Altay Mountains, our accommodation proves that being off the beaten path doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice practicality. The heart of our experience lies in the spacious yurts, each covering 50 square meters (approx. 538 square feet). Inside, you’ll find four separate compartments, each with two beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a day on the slopes.

Each yurt is equipped with a modern wooden stove, providing a cozy retreat even in the coldest weather. The dining yurt serves as a welcoming communal space, where we gather for hearty meals and share stories of our adventures. Adjacent to the camp, the traditional banya—similar to a sauna—allows us to unwind and recharge.

Traditional Kazakh and Central Asian dishes

Our chef at Altay Mountain Lodge will make us tasty meals that blend traditional Kazakh dishes with modern culinary twists. We’ll enjoy three hot meals daily: a hearty breakfast, warming après-ski soup with snacks, and a delicious dinner crafted from premium local ingredients. For mountain lunches, we’ll have convenient sandwiches and muesli bars to keep our energy up. There’s a selection of reasonably priced beer and wine available, and guests are welcome to bring their preferred drinks as well. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.

Adventure, packed to go

Altay Ski Touring: The Ultimate Remote Adventure

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Grigory Mintsev

ACMG Ski Guide

Fueled by a passion for skiing, backpacking, and mountaineering, Grigory began his guiding career in the late 1990s. After several years of studying in Canada, Grigory became a certified ACMG Ski Guide and a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association. He has since guided ski tours and heliski trips worldwide, including regular ski touring programs in Siberia and Kamchatka for the last 10 years. Nowadays, he is running avalanche courses in the Alps and Central Asiа and guiding in the Altay Mountains (Еast Kazakhstan).

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (4 reviews)

Tyler R.

This has been one of the top ski trips of my life, and I have been lucky to go many places. The crew took amazing care of our group, we felt right at home here. He skiing, terrain, atmosphere, and no other people… so special. Already thinking about when I can come back, and look forward to watching how the operation grows, off to such a great start!

Titus L.

Altay Mountain Lodge team, Thank you for an incredible experience & your warm hospitality. You’ve created a very special place & I feel so lucky to have been part of your first season.. and looking forward to way more in future.

Wolf R.

It has been a week of rad experiences, absolutely magical, and you made us feel at home in this beautiful country.

Show all reviews

Tyler R.

Titus L.

Wolf R.

It has been a week of rad experiences, absolutely magical, and you made us feel at home in this beautiful country.

Johny C.

Simply the bomb! Amazing experience! I cannot put into words how much you’ve given me. You are beautiful people and have created the most unique mountain experience I’ve ever encountered.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - 8-day guided Altay ski touring adventure (6 full days of ski touring)
  - An experienced mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7 nights of accommodation in the yurts (twin room)
  - Daily banya (bathhouse similar to sauna)
  - All meals at the lodge—breakfast, mountain lunch, après-ski soup and snacks, and dinner
  - Group transfers by bus and snowmobiles
  - Transfers to and from airport
  - Daily snowmobile support for the approach, if needed
What’s not included:
- - International and domestic airfares
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Personal expenses
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Personal insurance — mandatory
This Altay ski touring adventure is suitable for skiers with great physical fitness and at least intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills, especially in deep-snow conditions. You will spend 6 consecutive days skiing or splitboarding in varied and occasionally challenging backcountry terrain. To enjoy this adventure, you should be able to skin up at least 1,000 vertical meters per day and have at least a few weeks of previous ski touring experience. To ensure your safety and the safety of your group, be honest with your skill level.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

Clothing:
- - Heavy/mid weight socks compatible with your footwear (2-3 pairs)
  - Heated electric socks or insoles highly recommended
  - Warm base layer top and bottom (2 each)
  - Mid-insulation layer top (Polartec 100 or analog)
  - Mid-insulation layer bottom (Polartec/Powerstretch pants or analog)
  - Warm jacket (synthetic or down)
  - Waterproof breathable weather layer top (e.g. Gore-Tex/Softshell)
  - Waterproof breathable weather layer pants (e.g. Gore-Tex/Softshell)
  - Down jacket suitable for temperatures as low as -20 to -25°C.
  - Warm, lightweight hats
  - Light gloves
  - Insulated gloves
  - Insulated mittens
  - High snow boots
  - Slippers for the lodge
Ski gear:
- - Skis or splitboard — skis 110mm underfoot or wider recommended
  - Skins with good glue condition (no glueless skins); tail clips strongly recommended
  - Touring boots
  - Telescopic poles
  - Ski helmet
  - Personal repair kit for your bindings, boots, and poles
  - Electric ski boot dryer
Avalanche gear:
- - Transceiver (three antennas) and extra batteries
  - Probe
  - Shovel
Personal equipment:
- - 25-30L backpack
  - Personal first aid kit (blister kit, personal medications)
  - Thermos or insulated flask (1L capacity) — recommended to have both
  - Sunglasses (CE rated 3 or 4)
  - Ski goggles, plus an extra pair
  - Headlamp and extra batteries
  - Sun, cold and lip cream (SPF 30+)
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Please note that there is no ski-service or rental option in the area (except a limited number of ski touring skis). Make sure you bring your equipment with you in good condition. Service your skis or board before arrival and bring pocket waxes.

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Equipment rental is not available for this Altay ski touring adventure, except for a limited quantity of ski touring skis. Please service your skis or board before arrival or bring pocket waxes, as there is no ski service at your guides’ base. While repair parts and tools for common issues are available, equipment for hot waxing is not provided. The remoteness of the area offers incredible untouched snow, but it also means you should come prepared with all the necessary gear.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Altay ski touring adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1, plus a tail-guide if needed.
  - It takes a minimum of 1 person for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
A guided Altay ski touring adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join this Altay ski touring adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Altay ski touring adventure is Ust-Kamenogorsk, also known as Oskemen. To get there, most people fly into Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport (UKK). You will meet your guide upon your arrival at the airport in the afternoon of Day 1. From there, a 3.5-hour bus ride and a brief 10-minute snowmobile transfer will bring you to the lodge.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Please note that travel and medical insurance is mandatory for this trip.
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.

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