HIGHLIGHTS:
– Stay at 3,350 m in a hut perched high in the Ile Alatau, ride routes up to ~ 4,000 m including summits like Tourist, Turan and Cornice peaks.
– Multiple descent types: ridgelines, glacier shoulders, steep faces, open bowls – ride both steep, challenging lines and mellower slopes depending on conditions and ability.
– Panoramic views of Big Almaty Lake mirrored by glaciers, sharp rocky spires, wild alpine flora in bloom, dramatic sunrises & sunsets, and brilliant star‑filled skies.
– The Cosmo Station itself (cosmic rays / high‑energy physics research) adds a unique element – meet researchers, learn about high‑altitude science, and feel part of something bigger.
– After alpine routes, enjoy recovery with an open‑air spa: steam rooms, hot & cold pools, serene rest areas with mountain views. Bonus: views of Almaty from above, as if the city were a delicate diorama beneath you.
PRICE:
1500$ for one person
900$ per person for the group of 2
750$ per person for the group of 3
700$ per person for the group of 4-5
600$ per person for the group of 6-8
550$ per person for the group of 9-10
500$ per person for the group of 11-12
MOUNTAIN RANGE:
Ile Alatau, Tien Shan
SEASON:
April – May
Base camp altitude:
3350 m.a.s.l.
Duration:
3 days
Ability level:
intermediate, advanced/expert
Start point:
Itinerary:
Almaty city – Big Almaty Gorge – Big Almaty Lake – Zhusaly-Kezen pass – Cosmo Station
Day by day Schedule:
Early morning departure from Almaty; drive up to Zhusaly‑Kezen pass. Pass the boundary checkpoint, then arrive at Cosmo Station. Mountain hut check-in ~3,350 m. 5-6 hour backcountry: western ridge of Tourist Peak, north to northeast facing slopes. Descents will be chosen depending on snow conditions and ability of the participants. Lunch in the hut and rest. Avalanche‑safety training in the afternoon. Dinner and rest.
Early breakfast; ascent to the top of Tourist Peak 3954 m. Descend via north / northwest faces to middle section of old ski lift. Optional second ascent. Coming back to the hut. Lunch and rest. Tour around station and meeting with the scientists. Dinner and hut overnight.
Breakfast; backcountry to the ridge of Turan Peak 3970 m. Descent back to the hut. Lunch, pack up and head to open‑air mountain spa. On the way, stop at observation viewpoints with panoramic views of Big Almaty Lake. Return to Almaty around ~19:00 – 20:00.
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Required clothing and equipment
Safety:
– avalanche equipment (air bag system and avalanche safety kit: shovel, probe, transciever)
– freeride backpack with ski/snowboard fixation (volume 25-40 liters)
– helmet
– goggles with a spare lens for foggy conditions (better to have 2 goggles)
Personal clothing and accessories:
– comfortable functional clothing for riding downhill and skinning up the hill (base layer: thermal underwear, membrane jacket and pants, fleece jacket, additional layers of clothing for insulation, downy sweater or vest)
– extra set of warm clothing, extra pair of shoes (sneakers or lightweight trekking shoes)
– sleeping bag with temperature rate 0C – +5C degrees in comfort zone
– two pairs of gloves or mittens (one light and one warm)
– warm hat, light cap, neck gaiter
– sunscreen
– sunglasses
– personal AID kit (adhesive plaster, emergency thermal blanket, individual medications) – repair kit (spare parts and tools for adjustment and repair your bindings,duct tape, rubber straps)
– thermos
– water tank
– head torch
– personal hygienic stuff – spare batteries for your devices – adaptor for outlet charging, if needed (220V 50Hz European outlet)
Equipment:
– ski/snowboard boots (for skiers with system of switching to walking mode)
– proper freeride skis/snowboard with touring bindings
– snowshoes (for snowboarders without splitboard)
– climbing skins
– telescopic poles
– ski/splitboard crampons
– alpinist crampons – ice axe
Food:
– individual snacks for the route (energy and protein bars, muesli, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition)
Services included in the package:
1. Professional English-speaking skiing guide.
2. All transfers from Almaty → Cosmo‑Station → Almaty.
3. Accommodation in the hut at 3,350 m (electricity, stove, basic comfort).
4. Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners (self-cooking), drinking water. (Chefs service is available upon request).
6. Environmental and ecological fee.
Services does not included in the package:
1. Rental of ski and avalanche equipment (available upon request).
2. Visa support and registration on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, if required.
3. Meals (other than specified), personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program.
4. Accommodation in Almaty before / after the tour.
5. Insurance policy.
6. Tickets to the open-air SPA (~30 USD).
7. Cost of the dinner in Day 3 (~25-40 USD).
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