A five-day guided skitour from Almaty into the Zailiyskiy Alatau that targets couloirs, tree runs and open powder bowls. Ideal for confident piste riders who want guided access to backcountry lines and practical avalanche skill-building.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slices the ridgelines of the Zailiyskiy Alatau as you clip into skins and shoulder your pack. Each day of this five-day skitour program begins with a short drive from Almaty to a new valley — couloirs, tree runs and open bowls below the treeline waiting to be skied fresh.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days (daily outings 6–10 hours)
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and leg endurance; comfortable with long ascents and technical descents
Wildlife
History
The Zailiyskiy Alatau sit at the foothills of traditional Kazakh grazing lands and grew into a mountaineering area during the Soviet period, shaping local guiding expertise.
Conservation
Increased backcountry use has raised erosion and human-wildlife disturbance risks—travelers should follow group size limits, avoid late-season skin tracks over vegetation, and pack out waste.
Reserve your spot on the Winter Alatau 5-day skitour programme today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Avalanche kit is mandatory
Carry or rent a transceiver, probe and shovel and know how to use them before heading into steep couloirs.
Start early
Alpine weather and snow stability change after midday—plan 6–10 hour mountain days with early departures.
Layer for extremes
Temperatures swing between warm valley afternoons and bitter ridge winds—use breathable base layers and an insulated outer shell.
Respect height and terrain
High-altitude short approaches and exposed descents require fitness and conservative route selection—follow guide advice.
Avalanche transceiver, probe & shovel
Necessary for companion rescue and required on guided backcountry days.
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Ski touring setup or splitboard
Skis or board with reliable skins allow efficient uphill travel and variable snow descents.
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Backcountry pack with rescue pocket (30–40L)
Holds avy kit, extra layers, water and food for full mountain days.
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Layered, waterproof outerwear and insulated midlayer
Protects against wind, wet snow and high-elevation temperature drops.
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