Karkara Cat Skiing Week
Cat skiing in Karkara is all about getting completely away from the crowds and the hubbub of ordinary life. The snowcat skiing terrain is in a beautiful remote corner of Kazakhstan where you can see Kyrgyzstan just across the river.
Don't expect a fancy backcountry lodge or any princess pampering. The cat skiing trip is delightfully raw and rustic, and ideal for those looking for a great adventure in an intriguing country, far away from the mainstream ski resorts.
The Karkara Cat Skiing could be ideal for you if:
- you want to ski somewhere different that still feels undiscovered
- you're an advanced skier or snowboarder with off-piste experience
- you love adventure and untracked snow
- you're looking for something exciting beyond the Alps
- you don't need luxury — just great snow, good food, and a sauna with new friends
The week of Karkara Cat Skiing includes 5 days of guided cat skiing/board, full board (ie all meals), lodging, and all ground transport once you arrive in Almaty. On the way back for a night in the city of Almaty, you'll also stop at the famous Charyn Canyon for a hike amongst the towering red rocks.
Ryce Travel works predominantly with local partners and guides and aims to foster local initiatives to grow winter tourism. As a non-profit tour agency, Ryce supports tourism in developing countries, providing you with an authentic local experience while ensuring that locals earn a decent income.
See the Karkara Cat Skiing overview for information on the snow, terrain and location. The Karkara Valley lies in the Tien Shan range, right where Kazakhstan meets Kyrgyzstan and China. This is one of the most remote and wild mountain regions in Central Asia, with peaks rising over 4,000 meters. The area has long been known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine rivers, and nomadic traditions.
If you want to check availability or have any questions, please get in contact.
Groups
The cat skiing week are mixed group trips so solos, duos or small groups are welcome to join the fixed date departures. The group size is a minimum of 5 people and a maximum of 12.
Lodging
Lodging for the first 6 nights is at Karkara Base Camp where you can enjoy good Central Asian mountain culture. Accommodations are in separate cabins, each with 2 single beds, and electricity, heating and a little wifi or data connectivity.
The camp has a communal building where you can relax on a sofa and have a drink from the bar. You’ll also eat meals here where you can expect hearty homestyle fare including some traditional Kazakhstan cuisine which is often a blend of Turkish, Russian, and Central Asian influences. Meals may include soups, potatoes, meat, fresh vegetables, noodles, preserved vegetables, and lots of bread. Vegetarians can be catered for if you let the team know in advance.
The restrooms are a little walk away, whilst bathing is traditional style and a way to get into the local culture via a banya (sauna) where you use a little water or snow to bathe before getting back in the sauna.