Five days of guided freeride above Shymbulak starting at Talgar Pass (3,150 m), combining lift access, technical couloirs, and a yurt stay on the pass. Ideal for confident black-run skiers and snowboarders seeking rarely ridden lines and big views of the Western Tien Shan.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slices the Zailiysky Alatau and you clip into skis at 3,150 m on Talgar Pass, the city of Almaty far below. Wind scours the ridgelines, and couloirs peel away into bowls that look down on the resort like natural amphitheaters. Over five days you'll move between lift-accessed starts and skinning descents, with nights in a yurt on the pass and guides scouting fresh lines.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in strong aerobic condition with good leg endurance and experience on black runs; multi-day altitude stamina required.
Wildlife
History
The Zailiysky Alatau have long been seasonal lands for Kazakh nomads; in the Soviet period the area developed as an alpine training zone and the modern lifts and cable cars followed that infrastructure legacy.
Conservation
High-use backcountry routes are sensitive to litter, human waste and trail braiding; follow Leave No Trace, pack out waste, and stick to guide-directed campsites to limit impact.
Reserve your spot on the 5 Days Shymbulak Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring avalanche safety gear
A beacon, probe and shovel are essential — guides will check transceivers before every outing.
Acclimatize in Almaty
Spend a day in Almaty to adapt to elevation before starting intense backcountry days.
Start runs early
Morning snow is usually more stable and wind scoured later in the day can form crusts or wind slabs.
Insulate for high winds
Temperatures and wind chill at Talgar Pass can drop quickly — pack an insulated shell and spare gloves.
Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon)
Required for locating partners in an avalanche; guides will verify functionality.
winter
Shovel & Probe
Compact probe and shovel for quick companion rescue and snowpack tests.
winter
Insulated Shell Jacket
Windproof, warm shell for high-elevation exposure on ridgelines and during stops.
winter
Backcountry Skis or Splitboard with Touring Bindings
Lightweight touring setup or alpine touring bindings to access high-start points and varied terrain.
winter