a team of mountain lovers and explorers

We’re not just a tour company — we’re a community of people who feel most alive when we’re in the mountains. Since our teenage years, we’ve spent every free moment hiking trails, skiing powder, and sleeping under alpine skies. At some point, it became clear: the mountains weren’t just a hobby — they were home. That’s when the idea behind Powder Nomads was born.

What started as a few ski touring and freeride trips grew into something bigger. Over the years, we expanded our offerings to include summer hikes, trekking adventures, and horseback expeditions — always staying true to our core: connecting people to wild, remote, and beautiful places.

Our journey naturally led us to ski expeditions — from the untouched slopes of Katon-Karagay and Kyrgyzstan to high-altitude ascents of Peak Lenin and Belukha, and even a ski & sail voyage to Antarctica. These are not just trips — they are life-changing experiences, shaped by the raw power of nature and the strength of the community.

We keep learning, growing, and sharpening our skills, continuously training and certifying to provide safe, thoughtful, and unforgettable experiences. And we keep exploring — from the Tien Shan to the Pamirs, from the Altai to the Alps, and beyond.

At our core, we’re still that same group of mountain kids — just with more gear, bigger dreams, and a deep desire to share the magic of the outdoors with others.

We’re proud of

Shaping the adventure culture of Kazakhstan — and beyond

Led the first-ever Kazakh ski-sail expedition to Antarctica in 2023

Featured in international freeride films and projects including Tien Shan Movie, Kazakh Experience, and The Nomad Lines

Developed a signature freeride technique course in 2021 to help local riders master off-piste skiing

Took part in the Kazakh travel TV project Wow, Kazakhstan, showcasing hidden alpine gems\Spoke at avalanche safety lectures, in partnership with Shymbulak Outdoor

The spirit of adventure with the cultural heritage of the land we call “home”

“Powder” — light, dry, fluffy snow that skiers and snowboarders dream of. The kind you can ride all day and never get enough of.

“Nomads” — a way of life rooted in freedom, movement, and curiosity. Nomads are explorers by nature — always learning, always evolving. They live lightly, embrace uncertainty, and seek new horizons.

Powder Nomads is more than a name. It’s our identity — shaped by mountains, snow, freeride culture, and the ancient nomadic spirit of Kazakhstan. We believe in the wild, the authentic, the raw beauty of nature. And we ride not just for the thrill, but for the deeper sense of freedom and discovery.

Our logo is rich in meaning — a reflection of Kazakhstan’s landscapes, mythology, and soul.

The summit represents Khan Tengri, the sacred mountain of the ancient Turkic peoples. It was believed that the Sky God Tengri ruled from its peak.

The blue color stands for honesty, loyalty, and clarity.

The sun and golden eagle, taken from the national flag, symbolize strength, independence, and high aspirations.

The Saka warrior on horseback echoes the legendary Golden Man — a symbol of bravery, leadership, and heritage.

Traditional Kazakh ornament patterns reflect harmony, beauty, and the artistic worldview of nomadic culture, echoing shapes of yurts and flight of swallows.

The Sun God Mitra, worshipped by ancient Saka tribes, ties our symbol to deep spiritual traditions — you can still find his image in Bronze Age rock carvings across the Almaty region.

At Powder Nomads, we carry these stories into the mountains. Every tour, every line, every step is a connection — between rider and ridge, past and present, earth and sky.

Our Guides

Experienced. Certified. Passionate

Our guides are the heart of every adventure. Each one is certified, highly trained, and deeply familiar with the terrain — but more than that, they’re passionate about sharing the beauty of the mountains with others. Whether you’re climbing a peak, skiing remote lines, trekking through alpine valleys or exploring the region by the car, our team is here to lead, support, and inspire you every step of the way.

Alexander Zadneprovskiy

Trekking and skiing guide, ski instructor, ski mountaineer

Certified KMGA skiing and trekking guide
Certified KTA trekking guide
Holder of the “Alpinist of Kazakhstan” badge (awarded by the Kazakhstan Mountain School)
Over 15 first ski descents in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains
20+ years of skiing experience — from local slopes to high-altitude lines
Certified third-category ski instructor
Ski descent from the North Face of Lenin Peak (7134 m) — one of the most challenging lines in Central Asia

Born and raised in Almaty, Alexander grew up with adventure in his blood. From childhood trips in an old GAZ-21 to the mountains and steppes, to guiding travelers through Kazakhstan’s wild beauty – his passion for the outdoors has only grown stronger.

With years of experience in skiing, trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, Alexander has led tours across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Europe. In 2025 he successfully completed education in the International Mountain Guiding School in Kyrgyzstan and became the first Kazakhstan certified skiing guide.

His philosophy is simple: nature is the best teacher. Whether carving lines through untouched snow or sharing stories by a campfire, Alexandr believes every journey should spark connection – between people, places, and the wild freedom of the mountains.

Darya Ponomaryova

Ski & trekking guide, ski mountaineer, expedition leader

Certified KMGA skiing and trekking guide
Certified KTA trekking guide
Third-class alpinist (according to the Kazakhstan Mountain School grading system)
Avalanche Safety Training (AST 2) certified
Kazakhstan Records Book holder — First woman from the CIS to ski down the North Face of Lenin Peak (7134 m) and the North-East Face of East Belukha (4509 m)
Leader of the first-ever Kazakhstan ski touring expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula
Over 10 first ski descents in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains
Team member of international female expeditions to Bayankol Valley and Belukha Mountain
Board member of NAMG Kazakhstan (National Association of Mountain Guides)

Born with a curious spirit, Darya’s adventures began in childhood – when she missed her bus stop just to see what lay beyond. Since then, her love for discovery has taken her from Kazakhstan’s rugged peaks to Southeast Asia’s remote corners, always searching for connection – with nature, people, and herself.

A lifelong athlete and traveler, Darya’s journey began with horse riding and grew to include white-water rafting, mountaineering, snowboarding, skiing and mountain biking. While studying Tourism at Turan University, she immersed herself in extreme sports and deepened her love for the mountains.

Her travels eventually led her inward – toward meditation, mindfulness, and a calling to guide others. In 2025 shesuccessfully completed education in the International Mountain Guiding School in Kyrgyzstan and became the first female Kazakhstan certified skiing guide.

Her philosophy: Adventure isn’t just about the destination – it’s about growth, inspiration, and living each moment fully. She believes the mountains teach us to push limits, stay grounded, and never stop learning.