Backcountry in the gorges

close to Almaty

Duration: 1 day
Season: December – March
Mountain Range: Ile Alatau

About tour:

A distinctive feature of backcountry in Almaty is the close proximity to the mountains and a large selection of the routes, which are suitable for people with any skill level and ski-touring experience. Kotyrbulak, Butakovka, Kimasar, Kok Zhailyau, Medeu are amazingly beautiful gorges where you can try guided ski-touring routes in the tree line among Tien-Shan spruces with elevation range from 1700 to 2700 meters.

HIGHLIGHTS:

– close proximity to the city and simple logistics

– amazing view of 3000+ meters peaks

– stunning panorama of Almaty city drowned in the clouds

– riding in mellow snow among Tien-Shan spruces

– acquaintance with local culture and tasting traditional cuisine

– friendly terrain for beginners and experienced backcountry lovers

– opportunity to find yourself isolated from the crowds not far from the city

PRICE:

300 USD per one person
180 USD per person for the group of 2 people
140 USD per person for the group of 3 people
120 USD per person for the group of 4-6 people
100 USD per person for the group of 7-10 people
90 USD per person for the group of 11-12 people

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MOUNTAIN RANGE:

Ile Alatau

SEASON:

December – March

The highest point:

2700 m.a.s.l.

Duration:

1 day

Ability level:

beginner, intermediate, advanced

Start point:

Almaty

meteoblue

Itinerary:

Almaty – Ile Alatau National Park – Almaty

Schedule:

Meeting the guide at your place in Almaty at 8 am. Transfer to one of the mountain gorges located near the town in the Ile-Alatau National Park (15-20 km away from the city). Arrival to the spot, preparations, instructions from the guide. The route will be chosen by the guide according to the weather, snow conditions and skill level of the participants. It will be possible to make one or two runs with 1200 vertical meters in total. On the way back to the city you will have lunch in one of the local cafes, where you will be served «shashlyk», fresh salads, «plov» and other traditional dishes with tea and sweets for the dessert. Coming back to Almaty about 6 pm.

Required clothing and equipment

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

Personal clothing and accessories:
– thermal base layer
– membrane jacket and pants
– insulation layers (polartec jacket and light downy sweater or vest)
– warm down jacket
– thermal socks
– softshell gloves
– warm mittens
– beanie or cap
– neck tube
– sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection SPF 50+
– sunglasses
– personal AID kit (pain and flu medication, adhesive plaster, 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 bottle
– head lamp
– spare batteries for your transciever
– matches or a lighter in a waterproof compact package
– power bank
– chargers and cords for your electronic devices

Equipment:
– freeride backpack with skis/splitboard fixation (volume 25-35 liters)
– helmet
– goggles with a spare lens for foggy conditions
(better to have 2 goggles)
– ski-touring boots or snowboard boots
– freeride skis with proper touring bindings or splitboard
– climbing skins
– telescopic poles with big snow baskets

Food and drinks:
– individual snacks (energy and protein bars, muesli, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition, isotonic and etc.)
– water (1-1,5 liters)
– hot tea (0,5-1 liters)

Services included in the package:

1. English-speaking KMGA skiing guide.
2. Return transfer from Almaty.

3. National Park ecological fee.
4. Lunch in cafeteria after backcountry.

Services does not included in the package:

1. Rental of ski/splitboard and avalanche equipment.
2. Snacks during backcountry.
3. Personal expenses.
4. Insurance policy.

Please, note:

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

It is required to have travel insurance covering freeride, alpine touring and backcountry in the remote mountain area, including rescue by helicopter.

To participate in the program you need to have confident level of off-piste skiing or boarding and be fit enough for performing daily outdoor activities.

Apply for the tour