Kazahkstan cat skiing trips
Early season powder!
Kazakhstan is a vast country in Central Asia, located between Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Its nature is incredibly diverse, and in the southern part of the country—along the border with Kyrgyzstan—rise Kazakhstan’s highest mountains. This region is also home to the country’s largest city, Almaty. In the east, near the Russian border, lies the Altai Mountains, known for their incredible tree-skiing terrain, cold climate, and long ski season. Heavy snowfall typically begins as early as late October, creating ideal conditions for winter sports. Previously, before Russia's war of aggression, we ventured into the Russian side of the Altai Mountains for our ski expeditions. Snow conditions were excellent from early November onward, and we often enjoyed perfect powder days. In the 2023 season, we headed to Kazakhstan for the first time—and we were not disappointed! We were the only snowcat in the area and carved fresh lines in light powder day after day. This season, we’re returning to Ridder for a program of six days of snowcat skiing! (With the exception of November 28–December 7, 2025, when the program includes five cat skiing days.)
Your guides
Pette Halme
Two professional guides: one Finnish or Swedish, and one local.
Pette Halme
Two professional guides: one Finnish or Swedish, and one local.
Kazahkstan cat skiing trips
Program of the week
November 21–30, 2025 and December 5–14, 2025: The trip includes six (6) days of snowcat skiing in Ridder, plus a possible half-day of skiing on departure day (Saturday), weather permitting. Week November 28–December 7, 2025: The trip includes five (5) days of snowcat skiing in Ridder and one day of skiing in Almaty at the Shymbulak resort with a local English-speaking guide.
Flights and ground transport
For the winter season 2025–2026, we have reserved flights with Turkish Airlines from Helsinki to Almaty via Istanbul. From Almaty to Ust-Kamenogorsk, the journey continues with an Air Astana flight, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. The return flight is with Air Astana from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Astana, and then with Turkish Airlines from Astana to Helsinki via Istanbul. The airport transfer from Ust-Kamenogorsk to the hotel takes about two hours.
Passport and visa
Finnish citizens do not need a visa for trips to Kazakhstan lasting less than 30 days. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip. If you are citizen of some other country, please check the requirements for your country in the local Kazahkstan embassy or consulate.
Difficulty level
You are able to ski in varied snow and terrain conditions, including deep snow outside of groomed slopes.
Equipment
- We recommend bringing equipment that allows for ascents using muscle power (skins, snowshoes, or a splitboard). Sometimes we may need to ascend short distances if the snowcat cannot reach the starting point for some reason. Bringing these items is not mandatory but recommended.
- Warm clothing! The Altai Mountains can sometimes be very cold, with temperatures ranging from -25 to -40 degrees Celsius. Generally, temperatures vary between -5 and -20 degrees Celsius.
- Avalanche safety equipment
- Off-piste/freeride insurance
Other
The price for the week of November 28–December 7, 2025 is €2,890.00. This week includes five days of snowcat skiing.
Price
Price includes
- Flights Helsinki-Istanbul-Almaty-Ust Kamenogorsk Ust Kamenogorsk-Astana-Istanbul-Helsinki.
- Airport transfers in Kazhakstan.
- Ski transportation on flights (NOTE! Skis or snowboards and other equipment must fit into one checked bag weighing 23 kg. In addition, an 8 kg carry-on bag is allowed. If you want to take more items and/or a separate bag and ski bag, this costs 280 euros from Finland).
- 6-7 nights accommodation near the village of Ridder in the brand new and cozy Ridder Resort in double / twin rooms with breakfast every morning and 3 or 4 dinners and sauna 3-4 times during the week.
- Depending on the week, five or six days of snowcat skiing with a Finnish or Swedish guide and local guides
- Field lunch in the terrain during the cat skiing days.
- Avalanche safety day in Helsinki in fall 2025.
- Carbon offset for the trip.
In addition, during the week of November 28–December 7, 2025:
- One night in Almaty in a 4-star hotel in twin rooms with breakfast
- Guiding by 1–2 local guides at the Shymbulak resort on Saturday (only during the week of November 28–December 7, 2025)
Price excludes
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Dinners at the hotel are not included every night, so we can also explore other restaurants in the village of Ridder.
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During the week of November 28–December 7, 2025:
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Lift tickets at the Shymbulak ski resort cost approximately €20 per person.
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Transfers between the hotel and the ski resort in Almaty: a taxi for 3–4 people costs €10–20.