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. The last night will be spent in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
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
Price
Minimum number of participants 10.
Price includes
- Airport transfers in Kazhakstan.
- 6 nights accommodation in Bear Log-hotel in double / twin rooms with breakfast every morning.
- Six days of snowcat skiing with a Finnish or Swedish guide and local guides
- Field lunch in the terrain during the cat skiing days.
- One night accommodation in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
- Avalanche safety day in Helsinki.
- Carbon offset for the trip.
Price excludes
- Flights
- Dinners are not included for the price of the first week.
Accommodation
In Ridder, we stay at the Bear Log Hotel, which offers comfortable twin rooms, each with a private bathroom. The hotel is in an excellent location, and on most skiing days, the snowcats depart directly from the hotel grounds. On some days, we take a short 15–30-minute drive to the starting point. Ridder town is also easily accessible by taxi, for example if you would like to go out for dinner.