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Kazakhstan Powder Sessions

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Price p/p

USD 4,885

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SIDECOUNTRY, SKI TOURING & CAT SKIING
10 Nights | 9 Days Guided Skiing

Location: Kazakhstan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry

Ability: Advanced to Expert

Price p/p

USD 4,885

This exciting tour in Kazakhstan includes sidecountry skiing at ski resorts, ski touring & 3 private cat skiing days, plus plenty of time to see beautiful scenery and immerse yourself in the Kazakh way of life.

Click here for rates, dates & availability

Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.

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Kazakhstan Powder Sessions - New for 2024

The Kazakhstan Powder Sessions is an 11-day trip exploring the skiing in the Tien Shan Mountains in southern Kazakhstan with an experienced local guide (Kazakhstan Mountain Guide plus TAP guide).

This is a brand-new and extremely exciting program to an area rarely visited by Western skiers and boarders. It will be a truly diverse program, with a mixture of resort skiing, private cat skiing and backcountry touring, to a very remote part of the world led by an experienced local guide. If you really want to try a unique and diverse program, to a very exotic part of the world, then this is the program for you.

You will have 9 days of skiing (2 ski resort days, two ski touring days, 3 private cat skiing days and 2 sidecountry days) plus plenty of time to see beautiful scenery and immerse yourself in the Kazakh way of life during this diverse tour. You will also visit the Charyn Canyon, Chundzha hot springs and a traditional SPA in Almaty.

The exciting part about this program is that you will encounter the best of Kazakhstan without having to travel intensively. You will experience the global city of Almaty, ski the biggest ski resorts of Central Asia, ski tour in remote areas, and do cat skiing on the border of Kyrgyzstan. Also, we you see the endless steppe landscapes, deep canyons and hot springs. You will get a great taste of Kazakhstan in only a short amount of time.

Ski Resorts

You will get to explore up to four different ski areas in the Almaty area, surrounded by 4,500m peaks with glaciers and jagged peaks (plus a touring day). You will visit the best resort for the conditions of the day and explore inbounds, sidecountry and backountry areas. Here is an overview of the different resorts you can visit.

Shymbulak – this is a 20-minute drive from the hotel and you will be dropped off at the ice-skating stadium where you can take the new gondola from there up to the mountain. Shymbulak is Kazakhstan’s largest ski are with 8 ski lifts, 20 km of runs and 920m vertical (2,260m – 3,180m). There are several zones for freeriding and ski touring, with amazing views of the Togar Glacier on a clear day.

Ak Bulak – the furthest ski area from the hotel, this will be a 1-hour drive. The ski area has 11 lifts, 10 kms of runs and 1032m of vertical (1632 m - 2664 m). The upper section has a chairlift that accesses a fun freeride area that is all ungroomed and then there is tree skiing in a forest area, lower down the mountain. Ak Bulak has long runs and wide-open trees and some of the steepest runs in Kazakhstan. It also has amazing views.

Medeu Couloir – this will be an all-day adventure, starting close to the Shymbulak ski area, but starting from a valley on the other side of the ice-skating stadium. The skin will take 4 to 5 hours along a ridgeline and is not too technical, with only a few spots requiring any kick turns. Then you get a 900m vertical run down an open 30 to 35 degree, north-facing couloir with amazing views.

Oi Qaragai – this is Kazakhstan’s newest ski area, built in 2018/19. It has 11 ski lifts; 13 km of ski runs and 270m of vertical (1,550m – 1,820m). This is a fun resort where there is little competition for powder and the sidecountry areas stay untracked for days. There is a big open bowl and short and steep runs in the forest. Lunch will be taken in yurts.

Cat Skiing

You will have 3 days of private cat skiing in the Karkara area, close to the southern border with Kyrgyzstan. This area is the snowiest area of Kazakhstan as it receives ample snowfalls from lake effect snow from nearby Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan. This is a brand-new operation that only started in 2022 and the group might have the opportunity to open some new zones and lines which you could then name. That is an amazing opportunity! The operation has a modern Pisten Bully cat with an enclosed cabin on the back. The group will have the cat privately for 3 days.

Ability & Equipment

Guests should be advanced to expert skiers and boarders, with touring gear and avalanche safety equipment. You should bring all your own gear as new/top quality gear is not available to rent in Kazakhstan.

If you have any questions or want to check availability you can make a booking request.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Sunday 4th Feb

Arrival Almaty 9am,
check into hotel
city tour in afternoon
welcome dinner.
Stay at Renion Hotel or similar, in Almaty (biggest city in Kazakhstan, surrounded by mountains), 30-minute drive to the ski areas.

Day 2 – Monday 5th Feb

Warm up with lift accessible sidecountry skiing in Shymbulak.
Stay at Renion Hotel or similar, in Almaty.
Glacier views on a clear day.

Day 3 – Tuesday 6th Feb

Ski touring Medeu couloir.
Stay at Renion Hotel or similar in Almaty.
1,600m start North-facing couloir. 4 to 5 hours climb, 900m 30-35 degrees. Splendid views.

Day 4 – Wednesday 7th Feb

Side country skiing in Ak Bulak
continue to Chundzha hot springs.
Stay at Chundzha Hot Springs in Chundzha.
The gondola is at 2,400m, with fun sidecountry tree runs. 2-seater chairlift goes higher to 3,000m and a large freeride area. 1 week after the storm, fresh tracks.
2.5 hours to get to Chundzha, a steppe area.

Day 5 – Thursday 8th Feb

Transfer to Karkara (2.5 hours).
Easy day of ski touring. Stay at Karkara Base Camp in Karkara. Close to Kyrgyzstan. 2-star, Kazakh style. Hot water, showers, sauna. Next to the river (bring fly rods!).
Pisten Bully 200 10-12 people capacity. Started last season. Two cats. 2,000m – 2,800m ski in trees.
Potential to go to Jyrgalen in Kyrgyzstan.

Day 6 – Friday 9th Feb

Day 1 Cat skiing in Karkara. Stay at Karkara Base Camp in Karkara.

Day 7 – Saturday 10th Feb

Day 2 Cat skiing in Karkara. Stay at Karkara Base Camp in Karkara.

Day 8 – Sunday 11th Feb

Day 3 Cat skiing in Karkara
Visit Charyn Canyon (visit during sunset for best views) on way back to Almaty where you can explore the Fairytale Castle Canyon with its beautiful sandstone canyon scenery.
Stay at Renion Hotel or similar, in Almaty. 4 hours.

Day 9 – Monday 12th Feb

Ski resort of Oi Qaraqai, tree skiing is fun.
Visit SPA in Almaty.
Stay at Renion Hotel or similar, in Almaty. 45 minutes’ drive.

Day 10 – Tuesday 13th Feb

Side country skiing in Shymbulak resort,
Farewell dinner.
Stay at Renion Hotel or similar, in Almaty.

Day 11 – Wednesday 14th Feb

Transfer to airport and return flights.

Logistics

Guests must travel to Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan (ALA) and arrive by morning of the 4th February. It is strongly recommended that you arrive in Almaty the day before (3rd February) so that you can catch up on sleep and then you will be refreshed for the city tour around Almaty on the 4th.

There are several airlines that you can take to get you to Almaty. United/Lufthansa will fly to Frankfurt/Almaty. Qatar will fly via Doha, Emirates will fly via Dubai but are expensive. An interesting option is to fly with Turkish and they will give you a free 1-night stopover in a 4-star hotel, in Istanbul.

There is no set time for departure, so you can choose your departure time on the 14th or stay on for as many extra days as you would like.

If you have any questions or want to check about availability, you can make a booking request.

Food

You will get to experience lots of popular Kazakh dishes during this trip, plus there will be Western options in Almaty if you want a change. Food is freshly prepared and very inexpensive. You will have plenty of restaurants to try in Almaty and you can budget US$10 - $15 a night for dinner and $5 to $10 for lunches at the ski areas. Alcoholic beverages are inexpensive at $1.50 to $2 in a restaurant and you can get quality wine imported from Georgia.

Popular Kazakh dishes include freshly made bread (Tandyr Nan); Shelpek (Central Asian flatbread); Manti (filled dumplings with meat and cheese); Lagman (meat and noodle dish); Plov (fried rice dish, often with horse meat); Kuurdak (roasted meat, garlic, onion, potato); Beshbarmak (the national dish of Kazakhstan, with boiled meat served with thin sheets of pasta and a broth-like sauce). Try as many different Kazakh dishes as you can, you will come away with more unique experiences and fond memories if you do!

ATMs/Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Almaty but it is still worthwhile changing $200 USDs or so, at the airport in Almaty on arrival.

Power/Plugs

Kazakhstan uses 220V and type C and F plugs (https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/kazakhstan/ ). If your US (110V) appliances already have a built-in a/c adapter, then all you will need is a travel plug adapter. They are inexpensive and can be easily purchased on Amazon or at an electrical store. If you do not have an a/c adapter for any of your appliances, then you will need a step-down converter to convert the 220V current down to 110V for your appliance. Again, you can purchase a step-down converter online or at an electrical store.

COVID Restrictions for Kazakhstan

It is your responsibility to keep update with the latest COVID restrictions/requirements for Kazakhstan. All guests must comply with local COVID rules and regulations in Kazakhstan.

COVID Testing

Guests can receive a rapid PCR test at the hotel in Almaty, prior to departure for their home country. If you receive a positive test and must extend your stay; you should have travel insurance to cover any additional costs associated with a positive COVID test.

Visas

US citizens who are coming to Kazakhstan for 30 days or less for the purpose of tourism, do not need a visa, yet this is not the case for all countries. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required validity left on your passport for travel to Kazakhstan.

Lodging & Hot Springs

The trip starts and ends in Almaty and we will have 6 nights in total, at the Renion Park Hotel. This hotel is ideally situated in the eastern part of the city and will enable quicker transfer to the ski areas each day but has the convenience of city amenities and restaurants close by. This is not a typical city though, on a clear day, you will have amazing views of 4,500m mountain peaks! You will stay at the hotel for the first three nights of the trip and then the group will transfer to the Chundzha Hot Springs for 1 night.

Kazakhstan also has its own hot springs located in the village of Chundzha. With about 20,000 inhabitants, Chundzha is a large village that by now is already set up for tourism with small bazaar stores, among other things. But if you want to breathe clean air, get healthier at an affordable price and enjoy local Kazakh cooking, Chundzha is definitely the place to be for you.

Various healing properties are attributed to the water: recovery of skin diseases, recovery of digestive diseases, prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The water is also said to help with depression and to improve the immune system. This is because the water contains radon, which has a therapeutic effect on the human body. The springs of Chundzha perfectly stand up to comparison with renowned thermal sites such as the springs of Baden-Baden. Not surprisingly, numerous health institutes are located in the vitalizing springs area.

The water in Chundzha’s hot springs has a year-round temperature between 37 and 50 degrees Celsius due to natural volcanic activity. According to the temperature, the baths are divided: from hot to very hot. Thus, each bath has a different temperature and the visitor can choose which bath to visit. Due to the high constant temperature of the water, it never freezes. So, you can enjoy benevolent warmth year- round, even in the heart of winter when outside temperatures drop well below zero and the landscape is covered with a thick layer of snow. This adds to the thrill of the visit. An experience never to be forgotten!

Then we will enjoy 3 nights staying at the Karkara Base Camp, close to the southern border with Kyrgyzstan, in a stunning mountainous area. You will be staying in a camp with small cabins, where you will have 2-star traditional accommodation, with hot water, sauna and situated next to a river. You will be away from the hustle and bustle of city life in a quiet and peaceful area.

Finally, you will finish off the trip with 2 more nights in Almaty, staying at the Renion Park Hotel, with dinners in the city and farewell drinks on the last night.

2024 Rates & Inclusions

Rates

	Single Room	Shared Room
5 pax:	$5,515	$5,145
6 pax:	$5,255	$4,885

Base price / invoice is in USD per person
convert to your currency here>>
deposit of $1000 per person, strictly non-refundable
if you have any questions please make a booking request

Inclusions

11 days fully hosted & full time KMGA guide
6 nights *** hotel Almaty in twin/triple rooms (or single room)
3 nights Karkara Base Camp in twin/triple rooms (or single room)
1 night ** hotel Chundzha Hot Springs in twin/triple rooms (or single room)
City tour Almaty
2 days ski pass Shymbulak, 1 day ski pass Oi Qaraqai, 1 day ski pass Ak Bulak, 2 days ski touring (Medeu and Karkara)
3 days of cat skiing in private cat
Entrance to Chundzha hot spring, Charyn Canyon and SPA Almaty
Ground transport

Add-ons

No optional extras to display

Not Included

Flights to Almaty - search for cheapest flights here
Lunch & dinner
Tips and souvenirs
Personal insurance
Tour ski/splitboard rental, avalanche airbag rental, probe, shovel & transceiver

The Adventure Project Terms & Conditions

1. Booking

(a) The Adventure Project (TAP henceforth) will provide you with written confirmation by email of your application upon the receipt of the following signed and completed documents:
- Release and Indemnity form;
- COVID/Infectious Disease Warning and Waiver (if required).
(b) By sending in the deposit, you agree to ALL of the following stipulations outlined in the Terms and Conditions below.
(c) Your acceptance as a guest is subject to your skiing/boarding capabilities, medical condition and fitness being to the standard deemed necessary by The Adventure Project.

2. Suitability
By sending in your deposit, the Client (the Guest) agrees to the following:

They are at least the minimum standard listed for each trip (intermediate, advanced or expert).
That they are in sound physical fitness and capable of operating (skiing, riding or hiking) at potential high altitudes (depending on the destination). You will sign a disclaimer saying that you have the physical fitness to undertake these activities and do not suffer from altitude sickness.
If your medical or physical fitness changes before or during the trip, then you must notify us immediately in writing.
That they can get up by themselves after a fall. The Adventure Project is not responsible for helping guests get up after a fall.
You should have powder-centric skis or snowboards that will give you extra flotation in deep snow, if skiing or riding off-piste.
You must be familiar with the use and operation of all of your gear, prior to the commencement of your trip. Ski and snowboard boots should already be broken in and not the cause of any blisters or other discomfort.
You must carry your own (basic) first aid kit and spare parts for your skis or snowboards.
If you cannot keep up with the majority of the group, then for your own safety, you might be asked to stay out of the off-piste areas (if the majority of the group wants and is capable of, skiing or riding in that terrain/snow). That could also mean riding by yourself in the resort if you cannot keep up with the majority of the group.
The Adventure Project does not guarantee complete compatibility of all group members. Whilst we try our best to put the right level of people together in our groups but we cannot guarantee the compatibility of all group members. The Adventure Project is not responsible for any mismatches in group ability therefore.
If a Client is not compatible with a group, then they can hire a separate local guide or instructor, but they will be responsible for those additional costs. No refund or reimbursement of any costs already paid, will be offered.
There is only 1 guide per group in Chile and Japan. If a guide gets sick or injured (circumstances beyond our control) and cannot continue the trip, then no refund will be offered for any time spent without a guide or if the trip has to be cancelled or altered in any form. You must have travel insurance to cover yourself for any losses.
You will be asked to sign a liability release form that indemnifies The Adventure Project from the obvious risks of riding in avalanche terrain. People have been killed in avalanches within ski areas and in side country/backcountry areas outside of the ski area. Avalanches can and do happen both within the ski areas and outside the ski area boundaries. We cannot guarantee your safety at any time when skiing or riding within the ski area or outside the ski area. No slope can ever be deemed 100% safe and free from avalanche risk.

3. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Clients. You must purchase your travel insurance as soon as you have paid your deposit.
Clients must have travel insurance that covers them for TRIP CANCELLATION (sometimes called "Cancel for Any Reason" Insurance).
Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure for their destination. If you receive a positive result and cannot travel to the destination, then you would not be entitled to any refund. You must have travel insurance to cover you for any loss.
Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure to their home country. If this is the case, you should have insurance that covers you for any additional costs if you are delayed return back to your home country if you receive a positive test result.
Clients must have comprehensive travel insurance with a high level of cover for (but not limited to): off-piste skiing (if necessary); all medical costs; emergency evacuation; search and rescue costs (the guest is responsible for any additional search and rescue costs); trip delay or cancellation; loss or delay of baggage; stolen or missing equipment.

4. Media Release

(a) The Client agrees:
- That they give TAP permission to use all media obtained during the trip that might feature the Client.
- This media could include (but is not limited to): photographs of the Client; video's of the Client; written accounts featuring the Client; for use in TAP marketing.
- This media could be used on (but not limited to): the TAP website; TAP Instagram posts; TAP Facebook posts; TAP blog (both website blog and non-website blogs) and other social media posts.
(b) The Client has the right to refuse inclusion in any marketing media as listed above, but IF they request to be excluded from said media, then it must be in writing, at least 2 weeks prior to commencement of the trip.

5. Payment Terms

(a) Deposit– The deposit for all trips is $1,000 USD for all trips, unless otherwise agreed upon. The deposit is strictly non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another trip without the express written consent of The Adventure Project.
(b) Payment– Deposits and final balances can be paid by cash, personal check, bank check, money order, bank transfer, international wire, Venmo or Zelle. More detailed payment instructions will be sent out prior to sending in the deposit. When paying by check or money order, please make any payments to “The Adventure Project LLC.”
(c) Credit cards– currently we cannot accept payment by credit card.
(d) Due date– each trip has a final payment due date. Please consult your information sheet or the TAP website for details.
(e) Prices– all prices quoted are in $USD and is based on the number of people in the group. Price can vary if the minimum number of participants (4) has not been reached.

6. Pricing

(a) Changes to pricing: TAP reserves the right to make changes to pricing prior to departure for your trip, at any time. Prices are not guaranteed therefore until final payment of all monies owed has been made by all group members. If more people are added to the group after the final balance payment due date, then no refund will be issued for any differences in subsequent final price.
(b) Reasons for pricing change: TAP reserves the right to change pricing at any time (but are not limited to) due to fluctuations in local currency, increased local or government costs and other unforeseen reasons. Prices can also change due to fluctuations in group participants. Any changes to the cost will be given to you in writing and you will have 2 weeks to make any additional payments.
(c) Exclusions from pricing: each trip has its own separate inclusions and exclusions. They are listed on the website and in the program information sheet for each trip. It is your responsibility to read and understand the individual exclusions that you are required to pay at your own expense.

7. Cancellation Policy

(a) Cancellation by the Client:
- You may cancel your trip at any time prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) by providing written notice to TAP.
- If you cancel your trip at any stage the deposit is non-refundable.
- If you cancel your trip more than 120 days prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s), then you will be entitled to a full refund minus the deposit.
- Should you cancel your trip 90 days or less before departure, you will be entitled to a refund of all moneys paid (less the deposit) SUBJECT TO TAP FINDING A REPLACEMENT GUEST. In the event a replacement guest is NOT found, the ENTIRE price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
- Should you cancel your trip less than 60 days before the earliest departure of the guide(s) the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
(b) Cancellations by The Adventure Project:
- TAP reserves the right to cancel your trip either prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) or during the trip for reasons including (but not limited to)
- (i) Prior to earliest departure of the guide(s):
  - A change in your medical condition or fitness.
  - Your failure to disclose details of your medical condition or fitness prior to departure.
  - In the event that insufficient guests are booked on a particular trip.
  - In the case of termination PRIOR to the earliest departure of the guide(s), TAP shall refund the price (MINUS the deposit) within fourteen (14) days of written notification from TAP of the cancellation. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
- (ii) During the trip:
  - Should you fail to comply with the directions of TAP staff or their agents;
  - Should TAP determine that you should not participate any further.
  - In the event of termination during the trip the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.

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