9 Days in Kazakhstan | 2 Days Catskiing | Resort Riding | Optional Heli
Kazakhstan is a big-mountain trip through the Tien Shan, combining side-country resort riding, two days of remote catskiing and the option to go heli riding. Karkara is the main event. The catski operation covers more than 50 square kilometers, with terrain reaching around 3,000 meters and up to 10 runs a day when conditions allow.
From the trip description by Mint Tours
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Resort and backcountry guidingGuiding throughout the riding program. English-speaking tour leader.
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- This tour combines in-bounds resort terrain with lift-accessed backcountry along with heli and cat options.
- Depending on conditions, short boot packs may be required to access certain areas.
- We’ll spend the second part of the trip riding the mountains around Almaty, including Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak.
- This tour is designed for advanced snowboarders and skiers with previous backcountry experience.
- You should be confident riding black diamond terrain and regularly venture beyond the groomed runs, whether in resort sidecountry or the backcountry.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
From the trip description by Mint Tours
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Lift pass
- Meals · partly
- Transfers
- Almaty sightseeing and Charyn Canyon day tour
- 2 days catskiing in Karkara
- 3 nights at the mountain lodge in Karkara
- Full board in Karkara: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the 3 night stay
- 5 nights at 4-star hotel in Almaty
- 3 resort riding / side-country days including lift passes
- Guiding throughout the riding program
- Breakfast daily in Almaty and farewell night dinner
- English-speaking tour leader
- Almaty sightseeing and Charyn Canyon day tour
- All scheduled ground transportation, including airport transfers and transfers between Almaty and Karkara
Not included
- Avalanche safety equipmentGuests bring their own beacon, shovel and probe; rental is not available.
- Optional heli days · extra costHeliski is approximately $1500-$1800 per person / per day.
- Avalanche safety equipment
- Splitboards or touring equipment
- Optional activities listed below
- International and domestic flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
- Guide gratuities
Not confirmed by the operator: Lesson.
Day by day
- Day 1: Arrival to Almaty, sightseeing, dinner, briefing, night in hotel in Almaty.
- Day 2: After breakfast departure to Karkara, Charyn Canyon on the way, check in to the catski base.
- Days 3–4: Two cat ski days in Karkara including breakfast, lunch in the field and a group dinner with your guides.
- Day 5: After breakfast departure to Almaty, possible heli day, overnight Almaty hotel.
- Days 6–8: Resort riding, optional heli days.
- Day 9: Departure day.
From the trip description by Mint Tours
Location
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Feb 14 – Feb 22, 20272026/27 · 9 days4,390 USDUSD $4,390 per person, twin share; single room USD $4,990 per personAvailableChoose these datesEnquire for a quote; a 50% deposit confirms the place
Arrival February 14, 2027; departure February 22, 2027; 08 nights / 09 days. 50% deposit; balance due 90 days before departure.
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
Guests are required to bring their own avalanche safety equipment, including a beacon, shovel, and probe. Rental avalanche equipment is not available for this tour.
Heli days, snowmobiling, ski touring/splitboarding and additional excursions are available at an additional cost. These are dependent on conditions and availability. Heliski is approximately $1500-$1800 per person / per day.
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
From the trip description by Mint Tours
Reviews
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