Backcountry Skiing in Kyrgyzstan

Things to know

• Covid measures in the Khrebet Babash-Ata Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Khrebet Babash-Ata Mountains, Kyrgyzstan, please refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice for Kyrgyzstan and the US Government’s Kyrgyzstan travel advisory.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get in this adventure:

  • • Experienced, certified ski guides with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A full day of exploring Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s largest city
    • All in-country transportation, including domestic flights
    • Five full days of backcountry ski touring
    • All in-country accommodation
    • Food and snacks
    • An extra contingency day in case of travel delays

  What’s not included:

  • • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • International transportation to Kyrgyzstan
    • Transportation from the Manas airport to Bishkek
    • Excess baggage charges
    • Travel and rescue insurance
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have a high level of fitness. The tour is strenuous, and you will be on your feet for 5 full days. While there is terrain for all skill levels in the Khrebet Babash-Ata mountains, you will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

• What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

  Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with challenging blue or black-level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

• What equipment do I need to bring?

  For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

  • • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
    • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
    • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
      • Lightweight snow shovel
      • Avalanche probe
      • Harness for glacier travel (for advanced touring)

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Helmet
    • Sunglasses or ski goggles
    • Gloves and hat
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Down jacket or vest
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
    • Warm and comfy clothes for the home-stay
    • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
    • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
    • Water bottle and 1L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • First aid kit
    • Sunscreen
    • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
    • Camera — optional
• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:

  • • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe can be rented in Bishkek
    • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented in Bishkek
    • Splitboards can be rented in Bishkek

  Ski rental locations are in Bishkek and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

• Group sizes and age requirements
  • • This tour is not private. For the group tour, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
    • If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience.
    • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

  Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan 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 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. If you plan to ski with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Arslanbob, most people fly into Manas International Airport half an hour north-northwest of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus, cab, or private shuttle to Bishkek.

  Upon arrival in Bishkek, you will be met by your guides and transferred to the hotel. After a day of sightseeing and acclimating to your new surroundings, your guides will arrange your flight from Bishkek to Osh and the drive from Osh to Arslanbob, where your tour will take place. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.Northeast Mountaineering

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  If you decide to cancel the trip, the following policy applies:

  • Up to 30 days before your adventure: Full Refund will be issued
  • 29 days – 72 hours before your adventure: Full Refund in the form of Northeast Mountaineering credit will be issued
  • Within 72 hours of your adventure: No refund will be issued
  • In the event that you have a positive COVID-19 test and need to cancel within 72 hours, you will be issued a Northeast Mountaineering credit for your adventure
  • If Northeast Mountaineering cancels your adventure due to weather or another unforeseen reason, you will receive a Northeast Mountaineering credit.

  Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.