The Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan offer a dream-like powder touring experience.
Hokkaido-like snow, Lord of the Rings terrain, amazing hospitality, and the quiet solitude of a remote backcountry lodge.
Four spacious modern yurts, along with a bathhouse and banya (sauna) make up the compound. Snowmobile assists get you deeper into the mountains, and a professional chef keeps you well fueled with high caliber cuisine all week long.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
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.
- 7 days on snow with staff
- Resort and backcountry guiding7 days of guided skiing in the Altai Mountains and Alatau Range; limited to 6 skiers & 2 guides; snowmobile assists
- 1 guide : 3 guests
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Here we have six full days of powder touring – with opportunities to explore these beautiful mountains and settle into the vibe of this amazing place.
- Six full days of exploring these beautiful mountains, seeking beautiful tree runs and powder snow.
- This a small group, low ratio experience limited to 6 skiers & 2 guides.
- Sport
- Ski
- Max group size
- 6 guests
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals · partly
- Snowmobile assistsSnowmobile assists get you deeper into the mountains.
- 7 days of guided skiing in the Altai Mountains and Alatau Range
- 8 nights lodging (double occupancy) including 2 nights in Almaty
- Most meals as stated in the itinerary, prepared by a professional chef
Not included
- Flights to/from Almaty and Ust-Kamenogorsk
- Alcohol, some meals in Almaty
- Additional activities outside of the itinerary
- Single occupancy upgrade in Almaty (available at additional cost)
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson, Transfers.
Day by day
B = Breakfast included, D = Dinner included
- Day 1: ARRIVE ALMATY / SKI SHYMBULAK in the ALATAU RANGEAlmaty arrival day. As many flights land in the early morning hours, there is plenty of time for some easy ski area laps at Shymbulak, the largest ski area in Central Asia. The highest peaks in this range rise to over 16,000' (almost 5000m). You may also consider arriving an extra day or two early to explore the city and work out the jet lag. We stay at a hotel in the city.
- Day 2: FLY TO UST-KAMENOGORSK / TRAVEL TO THE YURTSWe fly to Ust-Kamenogorsk in East Kazakhstan, about 1.5 hrs from Almaty. From here it's a 3 hour van ride, followed by a 15 minute snowmobile ride into the Altai Mountains. We settle into our cozy yurts for the week. B, D
- Days 3–8: SKI TOURING in the ALTAI MOUNTAINSSix full days of exploring these beautiful mountains, seeking beautiful tree runs and powder snow. B, L, D
- Day 9: FLY to ALMATYWe say goodbye to this magical place and fly back to Almaty for our final night in Kazakhstan. B
- Day 10: DEPARTUREOutbound flights can be planned for anytime on this day. B
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
Where you stay
- 8 nights lodging (double occupancy) including 2 nights in Almaty
- Single occupancy upgrade available in Almaty at additional cost
- In February 2024, we went to experience a new ski operation in East Kazakhstan, Altay Mountain Lodge.
- Four spacious modern yurts, along with a bathhouse and banya (sauna) make up the compound.
Getting There
Fly into Almaty International Airport (ALA). There are many flight itineraries of varying lengths to get to Almaty, ranging from 18-26 hrs from the US west coast. Common connecting hubs include Frankfurt, Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai.
Departures from Almaty International Airport can be arranged for any time on Day 10.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
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
- Jan 8 – Jan 17, 20272026/27 · 10 days4,400 USD$4400 per person, 10-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing)AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
Published as "Jan 8-17, 2027".
- Feb 12 – Feb 21, 20272026/27 · 10 days4,400 USD$4400 per person, 10-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing)Sold OutChoose these datesBook on company website
Published as "Feb 12-21, 2027 [FULL]".
- Dec 4 – Dec 13, 20272027/28 · 10 days4,400 USD$4400 per person, 10-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing)AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
Published as "Dec 4-13, 2027" under 2027 DATES.
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
Custom dates and itineraries are available for private groups and individuals.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
Reviews
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