In the eastern Altai region of Kazakhstan lies a remote wilderness waiting to be discovered.
Here, in the foothills of Siberia, temperatures can drop far below freezing. So don’t expect gondolas, après-ski bars, or revolving restaurants. This is raw, back-to-nature adventure — frozen eyelashes, long winter nights, and a steaming hot sauna at the end of the day. By day, the Pistenbully snowcat takes you up to the surrounding peaks near the small town of Ridder.
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
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.
- 5 days on snow with staff
- Backcountry guidingLocal guides; English-speaking trip leader
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- The cat-ski terrain around Ridder stretches through the Western Altai foothills, from about 1,000 to 2,500 meters.
- It covers dozens of square kilometers of untouched slopes, forests, and open alpine bowls.
- Lower down, dense Siberian pine and birch forests transform into magical tree runs with deep, dry powder.
- Higher up, the landscape opens into wide, rolling alpine meadows and steeper couloirs overlooking the snow-covered Altai peaks.
- You're an advanced skier or snowboarder with off-piste experience
- You love adventure and deep powder
- You're looking for something beyond the Alps
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Max group size
- 12 guests
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals
- Transfers
- Use of the sauna
- All local transfers
- 5 days of cat skiing
- 6 nights in a local guesthouse (twin/triple rooms)
- All meals + drinks during meals
- English-speaking trip leader
- Local guides
- Use of the sauna
Not included
- Avalanche gear (participants bring their own)
- Ski or snowboard rental · extra cost€150 per week
- Flights to Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) — approx. €550–700 return
- Food & drinks outside the three daily meals
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and tips
- Ski or snowboard rental (€150 per week)
- Travel insurance
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson.
Day by day
* order of program can change
- Step 1: Sundaytransfer to RidderAccommodation: guesthouse Ridder
- Step 2: MondayCat ski day 1Accommodation: guesthouse Ridder
- Step 3: TuesdayCat ski day 2Accommodation: guesthouse Ridder
- Step 4: WednesdayCat ski day 3Accommodation: guesthouse Ridder
- Step 5: ThursdayCat ski day 4Accommodation: guesthouse Ridder
- Step 6: FridayCat ski day 5Accommodation: guesthouse Ridder
- Step 7: SaturdayReturn flight from Öskemen
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
Where you stay
We stay with a local family in a cozy guesthouse, featuring twin or triple rooms. Meals are served in a shared dining area, and there’s plenty of space to relax. A traditional banya (sauna), heated up to 100°C, is the perfect place to unwind after a long day in the snow.
Getting There
- START TOUR: Sunday 10:00 a.m. – Arrival hall, Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport Pick-up in Öskemen city center possible upon request
- END TOUR: Saturday 07:00 a.m. – Departure hall, Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport Drop-off in Öskemen city center possible upon request
- Transfers from Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport are included.
- The easiest way to reach Öskemen is via Almaty or Astana (Nur-Sultan) — we usually recommend Turkish Airlines.
- You can also take the overnight train from Almaty, a real experience in itself.
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
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
- Mar 14 – Mar 20, 20272026/27 · 7 days2,295 EUR€2,295 per person; full board, excl. flights to Öskemen (approx. €550–700 return); group 1–12AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
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
We ask participants to bring their own avalanche gear, as equipment is still limited locally. Don’t worry — the guides will run a safety briefing and make sure everyone knows how to use it properly.
From the trip description by Ryce Travel
Reviews
Reviews reflect the named reviewer's experience and link to their original source. Powderscape does not verify individual claims.