Almaty Backcountry Day Guiding

Just a short drive from the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan, the surrounding mountains offer some of the most accessible and scenic ski touring terrain in Central Asia. In one day, you can enjoy untouched powder, vast alpine meadows, and beautiful forested runs, without needing to commit to a full expedition. Options include lift-assisted backcountry or pure ski touring or splitboarding.

The day guiding is with local certified guides from Silk Road Guiding who have in-depth knowledge of Almaty’s terrain. The itinerary for each day is kept flexible and based on real-time snow, weather conditions, avalanche safety and your fitness level.

Your day of guiding includes transport between your Almaty accommodation and the ski resort or trail head.

Please get in touch if you want to check availability or have any other questions.

Private Groups

The guiding is for your private group of 1 to 5 participants so as to ensure good group cohesion with similar abilities and objectives. It is not mixed group guiding, so solos and duos cannot join others. If you have a group size of 6 to 7, a tail guide can be added.

Terrain

The guiding can be lift-assisted backcountry or full backcountry.

Lift-assisted backcountry involves using the lifts to gain initial access to zones outside the ski resort boundaries, and then ski touring or splitboarding to get a little further afield. Options for lift-assisted guiding in the Almaty region includes the ski resorts of Shymbulak and Ak Bulak.

Or you can go “full backcountry” and not use any lifts if you want the full mountain experience and to move into fully untouched areas.

Kimasar Gorge is located above Medeu, Kimasar is a favourite for short ascents and playful tree skiing. It is ideal for intermediate riders and the gorge provides good shelter in snowy or foggy weather.

Kok Zhailau Plateau is a scenic plateau between Big Almaty Gorge and the Small Almaty Valley that offers expansive views and rolling terrain. It’s excellent for low-exposure touring and soft powder descents.

Butakovka Gorge is a quiet valley with wide-open glades and long tree runs. Butakovka is great for those seeking solitude and deep snow. The approach is moderately steep but rewarding.

Kotyrbulak Gorge is not crowded and offers higher elevation options, longer descents and impressive alpine scenery. It is perfect for strong skiers looking for a full-value day.

Transport

Transport between your accommodation in Almaty and the ski resort or the trailhead is included.

Tour Duration

A full day of guiding is approximately 7 hours plus a lunch break. You can choose from just one day of guiding or multiple days.

Each day you will be picked up from your Almaty accommodation about 0800 and driven to the ski resort or trailhead (30-60 minutes). The goal is to get back to the trailhead at about 1500 to ensure there is a good safety window before sunset. There is the option to visit a local cafe and then return to Almaty city at 1600 to 1700.

Ability Level & Experience

The guiding is ideal for skiers and riders with a minimum ability level of strong intermediate to advanced in off-piste conditions. Even though it will be just your private group, you’ll get the most out of the guiding if all members of your group are strong resort riders that can confidently ski/ride powder and other off-piste snow conditions.

A good fitness level is required so that your group can enjoy the day. As a minimum, you should be able to ascend 1,000 vertical metres per day.

Get in touch if you have any questions.

Equipment

Avalanche safety equipment is mandatory. This includes an avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel. If you don’t have your own, avalanche safety equipment rentals are available.

You'll require ski touring or splitboard set up with climbing skins and adjustable poles.

Lodging

As this is day guiding, lodging is not included and you have the flexibility to select your own Almaty accommodation.