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\u2019t expect gondolas, apr\u00e8s-ski bars, or revolving restaurants. This is raw, back-to-nature adventure<\/strong> \u2014 frozen eyelashes, long winter nights, and a steaming hot sauna at the end of the day.<\/p>\n By day, the Pistenbully snowcat<\/strong> takes you up to the surrounding peaks near the small town of Ridder<\/strong>. The forested slopes aren\u2019t especially high, but there\u2019s an incredible amount of untouched terrain to explore. We ski between 1,000 and 2,500 meters<\/strong> \u2014 pure, wild freeride country.<\/p>\n We work closely with local guides and partners<\/strong>, and as a non-profit travel organization<\/strong>, we aim to support tourism in developing regions. That means you\u2019ll enjoy an authentic local experience while the community benefits directly. We also help stimulate local initiatives to develop sustainable (winter) tourism.<\/p>\n Getting to \u00d6skemen is part of the adventure. Most routes go via Almaty<\/strong>, and the journey from Europe takes around 14 hours<\/strong> in total. \u00d6skemen is the largest city in eastern Kazakhstan, close to the Russian border. We\u2019ll pick you up at the airport and drive you about two hours<\/strong> to Ridder<\/strong>, the freeride village at the base of the Ivanovsky Range<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Founded in 1796<\/strong> by Russian geologist Philip Ridder<\/strong>, this former mining town once thrived on rich deposits of zinc, lead, and copper. After the fall of the Soviet Union, mining declined \u2014 but Ridder found a new purpose: outdoor adventure tourism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> are perfect for it \u2014 rugged, remote, and wild.<\/p>\n The cat-ski terrain around Ridder stretches through the Western Altai foothills<\/strong>, from about 1,000 to 2,500 meters<\/strong>. It covers dozens of square kilometers of untouched slopes, forests, and open alpine bowls.<\/p>\n Lower down, dense Siberian pine and birch forests transform into magical tree runs<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, the region gets huge amounts of light, dry snow every winter \u2014 and it sticks around for months. The terrain\u2019s variety makes Ridder a true cat-skiing paradise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We use several Pistenbully snowcats<\/strong>, comfortable and powerful enough to handle even the steepest ascents. The heated cabin has space for 8\u201312 skiers or boarders<\/strong> plus two guides<\/strong>. Skis and boards are stored on a rear rack, and when the side door opens \u2014 it\u2019s straight into the powder.<\/p>\n We stay with a local family<\/strong> in a cozy guesthouse, featuring twin or triple rooms<\/strong>. Meals are served in a shared dining area, and there\u2019s plenty of space to relax. A traditional banya (sauna)<\/strong>, heated up to 100\u00b0C, is the perfect place to unwind after a long day in the snow.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll also explore the small town of Ridder<\/strong> \u2014 there\u2019s even a modern coffee shop and a local bar to check out.<\/p>\n On site, you\u2019ll be guided by an incredible crew of experienced local guides<\/strong> who know the Altai Mountains inside out. They\u2019ve been skiing here for years and will keep you safe while leading you to the best lines.<\/p>\n We ask participants to bring their own avalanche gear<\/strong>, as equipment is still limited locally. Don\u2019t worry \u2014 the guides will run a safety briefing<\/strong> and make sure everyone knows how to use it properly.<\/p>\n There\u2019s reliable electricity<\/strong> and Wi-Fi<\/strong> in the guesthouse (though not always lightning-fast). You can also pick up a local SIM card<\/strong> for faster mobile internet. Standard Western European plugs<\/strong> work fine.<\/p>\n Kazakh cuisine blends Turkish, Russian, and Chinese<\/strong> influences. Expect hearty, home-cooked meals with soups, potatoes, meat, cucumbers, tomatoes, and beets<\/strong>, along with noodles, preserved vegetables, and lots of bread.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re vegetarian<\/strong>, just let us know in advance \u2014 we\u2019ll make sure special groceries are arranged.<\/p>\n Transfers from \u00d6skemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport<\/strong> are included. The easiest way to reach \u00d6skemen is via Almaty<\/strong> or Astana (Nur-Sultan)<\/strong> \u2014 we usually recommend Turkish Airlines<\/strong>. You can also take the overnight train<\/strong> from Almaty, a real experience in itself.<\/p>\n For the truly adventurous, a taxi transfer<\/strong> from Almaty or Astana (both around 1,000 km<\/strong> from Ridder) is another option.<\/p>\n You\u2019re an advanced skier or snowboarder<\/strong> with off-piste experience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n You love adventure and deep powder<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n You\u2019re looking for something beyond the Alps<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n All local transfers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 5 days of cat skiing<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n 6 nights<\/strong> in a local guesthouse (twin\/triple rooms)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n All meals + drinks<\/strong> during meals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n English-speaking trip leader<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Local guides<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use of the sauna<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Flights to \u00d6skemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) \u2014 approx. \u20ac550\u2013700 return<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Food & drinks outside the three daily meals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Alcoholic beverages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Souvenirs and tips<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ski or snowboard rental (\u20ac150 per week)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Travel insurance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>","wp_travel_outline":" START TOUR:<\/strong> END TOUR:<\/strong> * order of program can change<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","wp_travel_trip_include":"","wp_travel_trip_exclude":"","_joinchat":[]},"itinerary_types":[344,167],"travel_locations":[175],"travel_keywords":[],"activity":[285,286],"class_list":["post-153664","itineraries","type-itineraries","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","itinerary_types-cat-ski-en","itinerary_types-freeride-en","travel_locations-kazakhstan","activity-cat-ski-en","activity-freeride-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\u00d6skemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nRidder<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nTerrain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Cat](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Ridder-snow-cat.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
\nThe Snowcats<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nAccommodation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nOur Team<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Cat](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20230130_130532-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nElectricity & Internet<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nFood & Cuisine<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nGetting There<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nIs Cat Ski Kazakhstan for You?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nWhat\u2019s Included<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nNot Included<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Cat Ski Kazakhstan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Sunday 10:00 a.m. \u2013 Arrival hall, \u00d6skemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport
Pick-up in \u00d6skemen city center possible upon request<\/p>\n
Saturday 07:00 a.m. \u2013 Departure hall, \u00d6skemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) Airport
Drop-off in \u00d6skemen city center possible upon request<\/p>\n
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\n DAY<\/td>\n \u00a0<\/td>\n ACCOMMODATION<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sunday<\/td>\n transfer to Ridder<\/td>\n guesthouse Ridder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Monday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 1<\/td>\n guesthouse Ridder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 2<\/td>\n guesthouse Ridder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 3<\/td>\n guesthouse Ridder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 4<\/td>\n guesthouse Ridder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Friday<\/td>\n Cat ski day 5<\/td>\n guesthouse Ridder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Saturday<\/td>\n Return flight from \u00d6skemen<\/td>\n \u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n \u00a0<\/td>\n \u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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