Cat Ski Kazakhstan

Cat Ski Kazakhstan

In the eastern Altai region of Kazakhstan lies a remote wilderness waiting to be discovered. Here, in the foothills of Siberia, temperatures can drop far below freezing. So don’t expect gondolas, après-ski bars, or revolving restaurants. This is raw, back-to-nature adventure — frozen eyelashes, long winter nights, and a steaming hot sauna at the end of the day.

By day, the Pistenbully snowcat takes you up to the surrounding peaks near the small town of Ridder. The forested slopes aren’t especially high, but there’s an incredible amount of untouched terrain to explore. We ski between 1,000 and 2,500 meters — pure, wild freeride country.

We work closely with local guides and partners, and as a non-profit travel organization, we aim to support tourism in developing regions. That means you’ll enjoy an authentic local experience while the community benefits directly. We also help stimulate local initiatives to develop sustainable (winter) tourism.

Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk)

Getting to Öskemen is part of the adventure. Most routes go via Almaty, and the journey from Europe takes around 14 hours in total. Öskemen is the largest city in eastern Kazakhstan, close to the Russian border. We’ll pick you up at the airport and drive you about two hours to Ridder, the freeride village at the base of the Ivanovsky Range.

Ridder

Founded in 1796 by Russian geologist Philip Ridder, this former mining town once thrived on rich deposits of zinc, lead, and copper. After the fall of the Soviet Union, mining declined — but Ridder found a new purpose: outdoor adventure tourism.

Thanks to its dramatic mountain scenery, deep valleys, and reliable snow, the area is now a paradise for freeriders. Cat skiing, in particular, has put Ridder on the international map. The Altai Mountains are perfect for it — rugged, remote, and wild.

Terrain

The cat-ski terrain around Ridder stretches through the Western Altai foothills, from about 1,000 to 2,500 meters. It covers dozens of square kilometers of untouched slopes, forests, and open alpine bowls.

Lower down, dense Siberian pine and birch forests transform into magical tree runs with deep, dry powder. Higher up, the landscape opens into wide, rolling alpine meadows and steeper couloirs overlooking the snow-covered Altai peaks. Thanks to the continental climate, the region gets huge amounts of light, dry snow every winter — and it sticks around for months. The terrain’s variety makes Ridder a true cat-skiing paradise.

The Snowcats

We use several Pistenbully snowcats, comfortable and powerful enough to handle even the steepest ascents. The heated cabin has space for 8–12 skiers or boarders plus two guides. Skis and boards are stored on a rear rack, and when the side door opens — it’s straight into the powder.

Accommodation

We stay with a local family in a cozy guesthouse, featuring twin or triple rooms. Meals are served in a shared dining area, and there’s plenty of space to relax. A traditional banya (sauna), heated up to 100°C, is the perfect place to unwind after a long day in the snow.

We’ll also explore the small town of Ridder — there’s even a modern coffee shop and a local bar to check out.

Our Team

On site, you’ll be guided by an incredible crew of experienced local guides who know the Altai Mountains inside out. They’ve been skiing here for years and will keep you safe while leading you to the best lines.

We ask participants to bring their own avalanche gear, as equipment is still limited locally. Don’t worry — the guides will run a safety briefing and make sure everyone knows how to use it properly.

Electricity & Internet

There’s reliable electricity and Wi-Fi in the guesthouse (though not always lightning-fast). You can also pick up a local SIM card for faster mobile internet. Standard Western European plugs work fine.

Food & Cuisine

Kazakh cuisine blends Turkish, Russian, and Chinese influences. Expect hearty, home-cooked meals with soups, potatoes, meat, cucumbers, tomatoes, and beets, along with noodles, preserved vegetables, and lots of bread.

If you’re vegetarian, just let us know in advance — we’ll make sure special groceries are arranged.

Getting There

Transfers from Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport are included. The easiest way to reach Öskemen is via Almaty or Astana (Nur-Sultan) — we usually recommend Turkish Airlines. You can also take the overnight train from Almaty, a real experience in itself.

For the truly adventurous, a taxi transfer from Almaty or Astana (both around 1,000 km from Ridder) is another option.

Is Cat Ski Kazakhstan for You?

• You’re an advanced skier or snowboarder with off-piste experience

• You love adventure and deep powder

• You’re looking for something beyond the Alps

What’s Included

• All local transfers

• 5 days of cat skiing

• 6 nights in a local guesthouse (twin/triple rooms)

• All meals + drinks during meals

• English-speaking trip leader

• Local guides

• Use of the sauna

Not Included

• Flights to Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) — approx. €550–700 return

• Food & drinks outside the three daily meals

• Alcoholic beverages

• Souvenirs and tips

• Ski or snowboard rental (€150 per week)

• Travel insurance

Cat Ski Kazakhstan

• 5 days of cat skiing
• Full board, excl. flights
• Frozen rivers and hot sauna
• Öskemen & Ridder
• A snowcat at your disposal all day
• Always chasing powder and first tracks

START TOUR:
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – Arrival hall, Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport
Pick-up in Öskemen city center possible upon request

END TOUR:
Saturday 07:00 a.m. – Departure hall, Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport
Drop-off in Öskemen city center possible upon request