| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Helicopter Tour |
One-day heli-skiing program in the icy kingdom of the Almaty Highlands. If you are an experienced and bold freerider ready to test yourself at altitudes above 4,000 meters, this adventure is designed for you. Wild terrain, untouched snow, helicopter drops, and an ocean of unforgettable эмоtions await!
Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: April – June
Complexity: Suitable for fit, experienced freeriders
Maximum Landing Altitude: 3500–4200 meters
Length of Descents: approx. 3000–5000 meters
Aircraft Type: Mil Mi-8 helicopter (capacity up to 16 people)
Heli-Skiing Areas Near Almaty
There are several high-mountain areas near Almaty with glacier zones that are ideal for heli-skiing:
Cirque of Bogdanovich Glacier
Located in the Sauryksay River Gorge above the Shymbulak ski resort, this area belongs to the Left Talgar River basin. It is highly popular among tourists and mountaineers due to its accessibility from the Small Almaty Gorge.
The glacier is named after the renowned Russian scientist, geographer, geologist, and ethnologist Professor Bogdanovich, who studied the causes and последствия of the catastrophic earthquake in Verniy on January 4, 1911.
The most suitable peak for skiing here is Karlytau Peak (4100 meters).
Cirque of Tuyuksu Glacier
This area is well known for the T-1 glacier station, built in 1956 at an altitude of 3450 meters. The cirque forms the upper part of the Small Almaty River basin and lies between the Small Almaty and Kumbel spurs.
The Central Tuyuksu Glacier stretches from south to north and is a classic valley glacier with a clearly defined accumulation zone and an elongated tongue.
The slopes in the upper section reach angles of 35–40° and are heavily crevassed. The best skiing spots include Molodezhniy Peak (4150 m), Tuyuksu Glacier Shoulder (4150 m), and Pogrebetskiy Peak (4231 m).
Glaciers of Ozyornoe (Lake) Gorge
The Ozyornaya River has two main sources formed by melting glaciers descending from the Trans-Ili Alatau ridge.
The first originates at Ozyorniy Pass, among the moraines of Perevalniy (Intersecting) and Cherniy (Black) glaciers.
The second source begins in the cirque of Timofeev Glacier in Kyzylsai Gorge, near Tourist Pass and the Gryazniy (Dirty), Timofeev, and Mutniy (Turbid) glaciers.
This cirque covers a vast area stretching from east to west. The most suitable heli-skiing peaks here are Satpayev Peak (4317 m), Lokomotiv Peak (4209 m), and Ozyorniy Peak (4130 m).
Dmitriev Glacier
Dmitriev Glacier was first explored in 1936 by V. G. Gorbunov, who named it after S. E. Dmitriev, an early researcher of Trans-Ili Alatau glaciers.
It is the largest glacier in the Left Talgar Gorge basin and is classified as a hollow glacier.
The glacier originates from the main ridge, with a central peak at 4468 meters. To the east lies the CDKA Peak, and further southeast is the Constitution Peak.
The glacier mainly faces northeast. The average height of the cirque walls is about 4350 meters, while the lowest exposed tongue lies at approximately 3550 meters. Ice buried beneath moraines extends even lower, to around 3300 meters above sea level.
TOUR PROGRAM:
Transfer by comfortable car or minivan from Almaty city to the helipad (travel time up to 1 hour).
Preparation and equipment check, followed by a safety briefing from the pilot and guide.
Helicopter transfer to the glacier area.
Guided freeride skiing or snowboarding in glacier zones. The exact riding location will be selected by the guide based on participants’ skill levels, snow conditions, and weather. Areas may include the cirques of Bogdanovich, Tuyuksu, and Dmitriev glaciers, as well as Ozyornoe and Kumbelsu gorges.
During one heli-skiing day, it is possible to complete up to six descents.
Descent routes pass through glacier zones at altitudes exceeding 4000 meters; therefore, altitude sickness may occur.
After the final descent, return to the helicopter departure point.
Transfer back to Almaty by a comfortable vehicle. Lunch at a local café in Almaty on the way.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND BOOKING TERMS:
Tour Rates Include:
Transfers: Almaty – helipad – Almaty
Professional English-speaking heli-ski guide services
Lunch at a café in Almaty after the tour
Up to six descents using a Mil Mi-8 helicopter (depending on group speed and ability; fewer runs may occur)
Bottled water (1.5 liters per person)
(Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. Traditional cuisine mainly includes lamb or beef, dough-based dishes, and dairy products.)
Tour Rates Exclude:
Rental of ski/snowboard equipment
Rental of avalanche safety equipment
Meals not specified in the program
Snacks during the tour
Personal expenses
Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour (if required)
Visa support and registration (if required)
Insurance policy
Booking Terms:
Full payment is required to confirm the reservation. Accepted payment methods include cash (local currency), bank transfer, and credit/debit card.
Cancellation Terms:
50% of the tour price is non-refundable if canceled 24 hours or less before departure
100% of the tour price is non-refundable if canceled 12 hours or less before departure, or in case of no-show or late arrival
Group Size:
Minimum 1 person, maximum 12 people
Age Restriction:
18+
Required Equipment:
Freeride skis or a snowboard
Ski/snowboard boots
Poles (for skiers)
Functional riding clothing (thermal base layer, Gore-Tex jacket and pants, insulating layers such as down jacket or vest)
Avalanche safety equipment (airbag system, shovel, probe, transceiver)
Freeride backpack
Goggles with interchangeable lenses
Helmet
Gloves or mittens
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Thermos with hot tea
Water bottle or hydration system
Personal first-aid kit
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, etc.)
NOTE:
This program is designed for strong, physically fit skiers and snowboarders who are confident riding off-piste.
Carrying a full set of avalanche safety equipment is mandatory.
