Cat Ski Kyrgyzstan

Cat Ski Kyrgyzstan

An incredible powder paradise awaits you in the eastern Tian Shan Mountains. Experience cat skiing in Kyrgyzstan with one of our snow cats. These machines are typically used for slope preparation but we have repurposed them to transport you to the most thrilling off-piste runs. Sit comfortably in our custom-built cabin as the driver takes you to the most stunning peaks. Once at the top, you'll carve fresh lines all day long, guided by a local expert who knows the best spots. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure in this remote corner of the world.

As always, we work predominantly with local partners and guides. As a non-profit tour agency, we support tourism in developing countries, providing you with an authentic local experience while ensuring that locals earn a decent income. Additionally, we help foster local initiatives to grow (winter) tourism.

Bishkek

Upon arriving at Bishkek airport, we'll journey along the northern coast of Lake Issyk Kul to our base in Jyrgalan. This massive lake creates a unique micro-climate, resulting in significantly more snowfall than other regions. By late afternoon, we will arrive in Karakol, the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan and the hub for adventure tourism in Central Asia.

In Karakol, we'll  do some last-minute shopping. Then we travel the final 60 km stretch east to Jyrgalan. The farther east we travel, the deeper the snow becomes. Our cat-skiing adventure unfolds in Jyrgalan, the easternmost village in Kyrgyzstan and a true powder paradise.

We check into your local guesthouse,  Following a delicious meal, you'll likely head to bed early in anticipation of the next day's adventure. In the morning, the cat skiing begins in earnest. We have an introduction and safety briefing and check your equipment. Then, it's time to board the snow cat. We've marked several routes to various drop off points. The drop off points reaches a maximum altitude of 3400 meters. There are descents all the way down to the village of Jyrgalan at 2300 meters. We are going to challenge your legs seriously. 

Jyrgalan

The old mining village of Jyrgalan used to smell like coal. Jyrgalan was the site of extensive mining during the Soviet Union. Today the industry has disappeared and the huge snowfields are left behind. Together with the locals, we are bringing new life into the region. The village has rapidly developed into a tourist center in eastern Kyrgyzstan. Local guesthouses and yurt camps have been built. There's even an apres ski bar (called Buchenwagen). Over the next couple of years, the Kyrgyz government is planning to build a modern ski resort called Ala Too. Our cats leave from the village of Jyrgalan. You drive between cows and sheep to the first slopes. It will be a true adventure.

Terrain

Nearly 10,000 hectares of terrain is available. This varies from mellow tree runs to faces of 40+ degrees. In the morning we decide where to go. Assume that you can do at least 6-8 runs with 4000-6000 meters of vertical each day. We mainly focus on the northern slopes of the Gora Tavlytor. This peak of 3652 meter high, shelters our cat ski terrain. It even brings fresh pow when it's windy at the top. The cat reaches an altitude of 3300-3400 meters, so snow is guaranteed.

At an altitude of 2500 meters we have built an ice bar where we usually enjoy our lunch. From here you have an amazing view over the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains. On a clear day you can even see Kazakhstan. The icebar is centrally located in the cat ski area, it is an ideal place to recharge.

On days with poor weather, we usually stay below 2,900 meters—the tree line in this region. We have several marked tree runs, and in some cases, we can ski all the way down to the village of Jyrgalan. So far, almost every day has offered great conditions for cat skiing.

Snow Cat / Pistenbully

Currently, our fleet consists of four PistenBully snowcats—reliable German machines built for tough mountain conditions. Since 2018, we’ve been operating a PistenBully 300 Polar, followed by the addition of a PistenBully 600 in 2022. In 2024 and 2025, we expanded the fleet further with two more PistenBully 600s.

Each snowcat features a spacious cabin that accommodates 12 to 16 people. Access is via a custom-built rear staircase, while skis and snowboards are securely stored in exterior side racks.

On some days, we cover more than 1,000 vertical meters, so comfort is a priority—we make sure you can sit back and enjoy the ride up.

For the tech enthusiasts among us: the PistenBully delivers 461 horsepower and has a top speed of 25 km/h. This is the best snow cat for the conditions in Kyrgyzstan.

Accommodation

We stay at the Baitor guesthouse in Jyrgalan. This cozy guesthouse is run by a local Kyrgyz family. They provide meals and entertainment. The twin/triple rooms have ensuite, modern bathrooms and are fully equipped.

We’ve also built a yurt camp next to the guesthouse. These traditional felt tents are the homes of Kyrgyz nomads. Each yurt has a wooden frame and a circular opening in the roof, known as the tunduk—a symbol so important it even appears on the Kyrgyz flag.

Our yurts have been adapted for winter conditions, with added insulation and a heater inside to keep things warm and comfortable. Right beside the camp, you’ll find a Russian sauna—the perfect place to unwind after a long day in the mountains. When available, you can spend the night in a yurt. Each one typically accommodates up to eight people.

Staff

We have a fantastic group of locals on site. Roman Nasyrov, Altynbek and Maksat are the drivers of the Pistenbullies. Misha Kuzmin, Vasily Nemchenko, Maksat Aitkulov , Ilia and Vadim Karaulykh are the lead guides during the descents. The tail guides are Ivo Boi, Mikhail Fomenko, Sergey Patlay and Vasiliy Bhazinov.

All of our guides know the mountains inside out. They are locally certified and have solid experience in avalanche safety, mountaineering, first aid, and snowpack assessment. Due to the current political and financial situation, fully certified IFMGA guides are not yet available in the country.

The après-ski bar, known as the Buchenwagen, is run by our friends Vasily Bazhinov and Kostich Kulakov. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a drink after a long day in the snow.

Electricity/Internet

Electricity is available everywhere, with standard European plugs (220V, 50Hz). The guesthouse offers Wi-Fi, and you also have the option to purchase a local SIM card. Mobile coverage is surprisingly good—the signal even reaches the cat-skiing terrain.

Food

Kyrgyz cuisine is a delicious blend of Turkish, Chinese, and Russian influences. Breakfast typically includes bread, eggs, and/or porridge, and we enjoy lunch out on the mountains. After an intense day of skiing, we’ll prepare hearty traditional dishes such as Kurdak (beef with potatoes), Laghman (noodles and vegetables in a spicy sauce), Plov (rice with meat and carrots), Borscht (beet soup), Ashlan Fu (rice and vegetables in a spicy sauce), Beshbarmak, Manti (dumplings), and a variety of fresh salads.

Bathroom

In the guesthouse you have access to modern bathroom and toilets. At the yurt camp we have long-drop toilets and on the mountain we have an improvised toilet. You can always find a wild tree for stone, of course.

Sauna

The highlight of our yurt camp is the Russian-style banya—a wonderfully intense, wood-fired sauna just steps from the guesthouse. Inside, temperatures can soar to 90°C, making that plunge into the snow outside feel nothing short of exhilarating.

Traditionally, the banya is a ritual: at least five rounds of 10–12 minutes each, with the true cool-down reserved for after the fourth or fifth session. By the time you step out into the crisp mountain air and sink into the snow, you’ll feel revived, refreshed, and deeply connected to this timeless tradition.

Transportation

Private cat / individual reservations

We run several open group tours per season. But you can always contact us for customized cat skiing tours. We apply a minimum of 3 cat skiing days and a minimum group size of 6.

Cat Ski Kyrgyzstan for you?

• Adventurers looking for something different than the Alps
• Advanced skiers/snowboarders with deep snow experience
• Powder and first tracks lovers

Including

• Transfer Bishkek – Karakol and vv
• 5 nights in Baitor guesthouse Jyrgalan
• 1 night in Hotel 78, Karakol
• 1 night in Art Hotel Bishkek
• All meals on cat ski days (3x daily)
• All non-alcoholic drinks on cat ski days.
• City Tour Bishkek
• English speaking guide during the entire tour
• Local KMGA cat ski guides
• 5 days of cat skiing Jyrgalan
• Backpack with shovel, probe and beacon
• Visit to Fairy tale valley
• Local taxes

Excluding

• Flights
• Meals and drinks on non-cat ski days
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips and souvenirs
• Freeride ski/snowboard rent (€150 per week)
• Insurance
• Avalanche airbag (€125 per week)

Cat ski Kyrgyzstan