| Duration: | 7 Day(s) - 6 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Ski Tour |
Combination of freeride skiing from ski lifts at Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak resorts, along with backcountry adventures in the wild, picturesque gorges of the Almaty mountains. This tour also includes immersion in local culture, exploration of Almaty’s oldest food market, and a visit to the natural wonder of Kazakhstan—Charyn Canyon.
Route: Almaty – Shymbulak – Ak-Bulak – Trans-Ili Alatau – Charyn Canyon
Season: December – March
Route Complexity: Intermediate to advanced level. Suitable for fit and well-trained skiers and snowboarders with confident riding skills on wild terrain. A full set of avalanche equipment is required.
Height Difference: The maximum altitude ranges from 2800 to 3700 m above sea level. Daily elevation gain during backcountry skiing is approximately 1000–1200 meters. Descent lengths range from 3 to 6 km. Slope steepness varies between 15° and 45°.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty – Shymbulak Ski Resort – Almaty
Meeting with the guide and hotel pick-up at 08:30. Transfer to Medeo Gorge (1690 m above sea level) by a comfortable vehicle. Ascend to Shymbulak Ski Resort by cable car. After a 20–25 minute ride above magnificent fir trees, you will reach the first level of the resort at 2260 m above sea level, featuring restaurants, ski and snowboard schools, and a mountain hotel.
The resort was founded in 1954 and served as a training base for Soviet skiers. Numerous USSR and Kazakhstan championships were held here. The total length of slopes is 25 km.
Shymbulak is equipped with snowmaking systems, allowing an extended ski season until April or even May. It offers both groomed slopes and exciting freeride terrain. On sunny days, the resort attracts thousands of visitors.
Skiing from lifts and exploring freeride and backcountry spots such as “Shkolnik,” “Dry Log,” and “Cone.”
Lunch will be served at a stylish café at the highest point of the resort on Talgar Pass. You can relax, sunbathe, enjoy lounge music, or warm up inside with herbal tea or a sweet drink.
After a full day, return to Medeo by cable car and transfer back to Almaty. Approximate arrival at 19:00.
Overnight in a hotel in Almaty.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 2: Almaty – Ak-Bulak Ski Resort – Almaty
Departure from Almaty at 08:00. Transfer to Ak-Bulak Ski Resort (45 km), located near Talgar town. Arrival at approximately 09:30. Equipment preparation and briefing with the guide.
At 10:00, ascent by gondola (2351 m long) to an altitude of 2006 m, followed by a chairlift to the highest point of the resort (2664 m), where black slopes are located.
Freeride slopes here range from 22° to 55°, with descents through both open terrain and forested areas of Tien Shan fir trees. The deep powder snow and mountain views create an unforgettable experience.
Built in 2006, Ak-Bulak is a modern and popular resort offering excellent facilities, including 4 ski lifts and 10 km of slopes. Additional activities include tubing and an ice rink. A ski patrol ensures safety across the resort.
Guided skiing on black slopes until 13:30. The guide will show hidden and exciting freeride spots.
Picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint until 14:30. Enjoy rest, sun, and mountain views—you may even spot a bearded vulture.
Continue off-piste skiing until 16:00, then descend to the parking area. Return to Almaty, arriving around 19:00.
Overnight in a hotel in Almaty.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Almaty – Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains – Almaty
Day 4: Almaty – Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains – Almaty
Day 5: Almaty – Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains – Almaty
These days are dedicated to backcountry skiing in the mountains near Almaty. Departure from the hotel at 07:30. Transfer to selected gorges in the Trans-Ili Alatau, depending on snow and weather conditions.
Possible routes include:
Kimasar Gorge and Panorama Ridge (max altitude 3260 m, elevation gain 1300 m, descent ~6 km, duration 6–7 hours)
Kok Zhailyau Valley and Three Brothers Peak (max altitude 2850 m, elevation gain 1250 m, descent ~6 km, duration 5–6 hours, slope 15°–35°)
Kotyrbulak Gorge and Bukreev Peak (max altitude 3010 m, slope 15°–40°, elevation gain 1200 m)
Tersbutak Ridge and Young Geologist Peak (max altitude 3200 m, descent ~10 km, duration 6–7 hours)
Mynzhylky Ridge and Memory Peak (max altitude 3700 m, descent ~5 km, duration 5–6 hours)
All routes involve a combination of hiking and ski touring. Picnic lunch during the day. Return to the vehicle and transfer to a 4★ hotel in Almaty.
On Day 5, after backcountry skiing, visit the open-air Tau Spa complex.
Enjoy 3 hours at the spa, including steam rooms, saunas, hot and cold pools, and relaxation areas with mountain views.
Tau Spa (“Tau Dastarkhan”) is a high-mountain wellness complex located in Alma-Arasan Gorge. Facilities include Alpine, Himalayan, Turkish hammam, Japanese, Oriental, Finnish, and Scandinavian baths, along with pools and relaxation areas.
Transfer back to Almaty. Dinner at a local restaurant and return to the hotel.
Overnight in a hotel in Almaty.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
A journey to the stunning Charyn Canyon, located 190 km from Almaty.
Meeting with the guide at 09:00 in the hotel lobby. Transfer by comfortable vehicle (approx. 3.5 hours). Learn about the region’s history and culture along the way.
Upon arrival, enjoy panoramic views and descend into the canyon. Walk approximately 2 km through the Valley of Castles, surrounded by unique rock formations.
At the canyon floor, reach the Charyn River and a small eco-park with yurts and a seasonal café.
After resting, return via the same path and visit another viewpoint. After about 3 hours, depart for Almaty.
Lunch at a local café en route. Arrival around 19:00. Dinner with traditional music. Return to the hotel by approximately 21:30.
Overnight in a hotel in Almaty.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Almaty City Tour
Meeting with the guide at 09:00 for a 5-hour city tour.
Visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and Zenkov Cathedral—one of the world’s most beautiful wooden buildings. Explore the Memorial of Glory and the Museum of Musical Instruments.
Continue to the Green Bazaar, a lively local market offering spices, sweets, dried fruits, and souvenirs. Bargaining is common, and payments are in tenge.
Light lunch at a café inside the bazaar.
Proceed to Kok-Tobe Hill, home to one of the world’s tallest TV towers (measured from sea level). Enjoy panoramic views, walking paths, and souvenir shops.
Return to the city center by cable car (except Tuesdays, when eco-buses are used).
Overnight in a hotel in Almaty.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
NOTE:
The guide may adjust the skiing program depending on weather, snow, and safety conditions.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND BOOKING TERMS
Tour Rates Include:
Transfers by comfortable vehicle
Professional English-speaking ski guide
Almaty city tour
Charyn Canyon excursion
Entrance and environmental fees
Ski passes for Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak
Spa entry tickets
Meals as per program
Bottled water (1.5 L per person per day)
Accommodation in a 4★ hotel in Almaty
Tour Rates Exclude:
Ski and avalanche equipment rental
Meals not specified
Personal expenses
Additional accommodation in Almaty (if required)
Visa support and registration (if required)
Insurance (extreme sports coverage required)
Booking Terms:
Full payment is required. Payment methods: cash, bank transfer, or card.
Cancellation Terms:
50% non-refundable if canceled 7 days or less before departure
100% non-refundable if canceled within 24 hours or in case of no-show
Group Size: 1–14 people
Age Restriction: 18+
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Avalanche gear (airbag, shovel, probe, transceiver), helmet, goggles, backpack (25–35L), skis/snowboard with touring bindings, boots, snowshoes (if needed), climbing skins, poles, crampons.
Warm layered clothing (thermal base, waterproof outerwear, insulation layers), extra clothes, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, personal first aid kit, thermos, water bottle, headlamp, hygiene items, and energy snacks.
