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 again for a program of six days of snowcat skiing!
Your guides
Two professional guides: one Finnish or Swedish, and one local.
Two professional guides: one Finnish or Swedish, and one local.
Kazahkstan cat skiing trips
Program of the week
The trip includes six (6) days of snowcat skiing in Ridder, plus a possible half-day of skiing on departure day (Saturday), weather permitting.
Flights and ground transport
For the winter season 2026–2027, 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 (if ski trip)
- 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 prices for the season 26-27 will be confirmed later. These weeks include six days of snowcat skiing.
Price
Minimum number of participants 10.
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.
- 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.
- Carbon offset for the trip.
Price excludes
- Dinners at the hotel are not included every night, so we can also explore other restaurants in the village of Ridder.
- Transfers between the hotel and the ski resort in Almaty: a taxi for 3–4 people costs €10–20.