Next departure: 27.12.2026
Meeting point: Almaty
Ski and splitboard touring in the mountains of the Altai range. Taiga forest, deep winter, and cultural immersion — banya, local food, warm encounters — are the core ingredients of this trip. Cold, dry conditions and heavy early-season snowfall have earned the region a reputation for its snow quality. Two regions, 3–4 days on skis or board in each, elevations between 900 m and 2200 m.
Ridder is considered Kazakhstan’s ski touring mecca — almost a classic by now. That doesn’t mean queuing for good descents. The opposite: days alone on the mountain are closer to the rule than the exception. Even on days we use one of the region’s few lifts to save some elevation gain. Evenings are spent in warm huts or a group lodge — no luxury, but that only adds to the experience.
Katon-Karagai is Kazakhstan’s easternmost region, home to Belukha (4506 m), the highest peak in the Altai. It’s considered a source of spiritual and cosmic energy, described as a convergence point of Islam, Buddhism, and Orthodox Christianity. We won’t summit it directly, but we let its presence guide us as we explore terrain that may never have seen a ski tourer.
In short: a place where real winter, respected nature, and room to move still exist side by side.
Cold climate, snow-rich winters, open larch forest, and plenty of room to roam. From Ridder to Katon-Karagai.
The Altai’s highest point, Belukha, is considered a convergence point and source of energy. Its spiritual reach extends far beyond the border.
Anne, Kasidin, and Marco lead this program — the same three, both times it’s run. The goal isn’t perfection but the real experience, which is exactly why that sometimes means trying something new.
For experienced splitboarders and ski tourers who are comfortable in avalanche terrain under expert guidance and ready to explore new terrain. Weather is a central factor — the program adapts to it.
Ideally you’re interested in more than snow and skiing or snowboarding — culture and people matter too. You’re ready to pitch in and bring the flexibility it takes to share something special with a small group of like-minded people.
If you’re ready for a small-group experience in real terrain under real winter conditions, this trip is for you.
Not suitable for beginners. If you struggle with changes to the program or adjustments along the way, or aren’t willing to make the best decision in the interest of the small group, this isn’t the trip for you.
We all like top conditions, but we can’t guarantee them. If that bothers you, and you’re mainly after the best shots for social media, you’re better off looking for a different trip.
Individual travel (international flight from home).
Arrival in the early morning hours and meeting point in Almaty; some rest at the hostel. City walk during the day, a bit of Almaty exploring, and recharging. In the evening, onward by overnight train in a sleeper car to Öskemen (25 h).
Arrival in Öskemen in the evening. After the train ride we’re more than rested and ready to move. To get straight into skiing the next day, we take the road transfer to Ridder the same evening. Check-in at our base guesthouse. We have the place to ourselves — shared dormitory, bathroom with shower, kitchen. A short 10-minute taxi ride from central Ridder.
Ski touring on the Ivanovsky Range near Ridder. Our host drives us to the trailhead. Ascent 800–1000 m, max. elevation approx. 1800 m a.s.l. Overnight at the guesthouse in Ridder.
Road transfer from Ridder to Tayeshni Dom (taiga house). Ski touring en route, ascent approx. 800 m. In the evening, campfire, dinner, and banya the traditional way. Overnight at Tayeshni Dom.
2–3 smaller ascents, 800–1000 m total. Evening program by choice, including banya. Dinner and overnight at Tayeshni Dom.
Transfer back toward Ridder in the morning. Ski touring en route on the north side of the Ivanovsky Ridge, ascent approx. 1000–1200 m. Overnight at the guesthouse in Ridder.
Pack up in the morning, then road transfer from Ridder to Katon-Karagai (7 h). Check-in at the guesthouse and dinner. Prep for ski touring the next day.
Ski touring, conditions dependent. No route map or ski touring literature exists for this region yet. We do what we like best — and explore it ourselves. Expected ascent in the range of 800–1200 m, max. elevation approx. 2200 m a.s.l. Our driver takes us to the chosen trailhead each day and picks us up again. The guide team is happy to involve anyone interested in route planning and conditions discussion.
Drive back to Öskemen, then onward to Almaty by domestic flight in the afternoon (1.5 h). Overnight at the hostel in Almaty.
Transfer to Almaty international airport and individual travel home.
Outside every day, exposed to the weather. Temperatures typically between -25°C and -5°C. Extremes of -30°C or lower are rare, but not out of the question.
Evenings and nights in simple, cozy, warm accommodation, sometimes in shared dorms. One day (25 h) on the train (sleeper car) from Almaty to Öskemen.
800–1200 m of ascent per day. Sometimes with the option of an extra lap for those who want more.
Solid uphill technique including kick turns. Good downhill technique in variable snow conditions. Competent with avalanche safety equipment and companion rescue.
A detailed packing list will be shared before the trip.
Almaty
In Almaty or in Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk)
tunduk operates a structured risk management concept that applies to every trip. Prevention is the priority – we mitigate risk with conservative route decisions, timing, and group management. When conditions change, plans change.
All participants are required to read the tunduk Emergency Concept. It covers prevention, decision-making in the field, and emergency procedures.
On all trips in remote areas without mobile coverage we carry a Garmin inReach satellite communicator for emergency communication.
general travel safety information on our destination pages →
Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. Coverage must include health (illness and accident), rescue and evacuation in the destination country, and repatriation. We may ask for proof of insurance prior to departure.
Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. It should cover trip cancellation, lost equipment, and any activity-specific risks relevant to the trip.
Full travel information for
Up to 120 days before departure
Up to 60 days before departure
50%
Up to 30 days before departure
80%
Less than 30 days before departure
100%
Any costs already incurred on your behalf at the time of cancellation – such as for train tickets, reservations, or permits – will be charged in full, regardless of the above schedule. In exceptional cases tunduk may offer a full refund minus a handling fee of CHF 200 at its discretion. Only upon request and without guaranteed right.
11 days · 4-5 pers. · from CHF 2100.-
15 days · 4-6 pers. · from CHF 2650.-
tunduk is a small team. We respond personally – usually within 48 hours, sometimes a little longer when we’re travelling.
For other ways to get in touch with us:
