Snowcat Skiing And Boarding In Ridder
About this tour
Join our exclusive snowcat program and experience the ultimate freeride destination, where untouched powder and breathtaking mountain views await! The Western Altai region is a hidden gem for freeride skiers and snowboarders seeking real and wild adventure. With over 100 square kilometers of pristine terrain including the Serzhinskiy, Prokhodnoy, Kholodniy, and Ivanovskiy ridges, you’ll have the freedom to explore vast expanses of deep, dry powder. Winter season runs from early December to the end of March, boasting heavy snowfalls that create a rich snow cover of 3-5 meters. With temperatures ranging from -5 to -20°C, and occasional drops to -30°C in December and January, prepare for a winter wonderland that offers both excitement and isolation, perfect for backcountry enthusiasts. Experience a variety of terrain — from dense and sparse forests, alpine meadows, steep ravines, and high ridges - that cater to the riders with different skill level. Our professional certified guides ensure a safe and exhilarating experience, taking you to the best spots while sharing their local knowledge of the terrain and local culture. Before and after the snowcat trips you will be relaxing in our cozy wooden mountain lodge, complete with a traditional Altai sauna and homemade cuisine, immersing yourself in the warmth of a family atmosphere, nestled deep within the tranquil taiga forest.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan to Ridder, Kazakhstan
Flight from Almaty or Astana to Oskemen (plane can be changed to the night train, if you have extra day). Arrival to Oskemen, departure to the Ridder town by car (130 km) and transfer to the mountain lodge, located in 15 km from the town at the foothills of Serzhinskiy ridge at an altitude of 720 meters. Arrival to the lodge located at the foothills of Serzhinskiy ridge, check-in. Evening Altai sauna - «banya», dinner and rest.
Day 2: Ridder, Kazakhstan
Breakfast and preparations. Departure for catskiing at 8.30 am. Freeriding on the slopes of Serzhinskiy ridge. Duration of each ride in the snowcat 20-50 minutes depending on the location. During the day it will be possible to make 4-6 descents with the elevation gain 3500-3700 meters. Length of each run varies from 2 to 5 km with 450-900 vertical meters. Picnic lunch will be provided in the picturesque place near the forest, at the top of the ridge or in the snowcat cabin depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the lodge by 4 pm. Afternoon snack, sauna, rest. Dinner at 7 pm.
Day 3: Ridder, Kazakhstan
Breakfast and preparations. Departure for catskiing at 8.30 am. Freeriding on the slopes of Serzhinskiy ridge. Duration of each ride in the snowcat 20-50 minutes depending on the location. During the day it will be possible to make 4-6 descents with the elevation gain 3500-3700 meters. Length of each run varies from 2 to 5 km with 450-900 vertical meters. Picnic lunch will be provided in the picturesque place near the forest, at the top of the ridge or in the snowcat cabin depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the lodge by 4 pm. Afternoon snack, sauna, rest. Dinner at 7 pm.
Day 4: Ridder, Kazakhstan
Breakfast and preparations. Departure for catskiing at 8.30 am. Freeriding on the slopes of Serzhinskiy ridge. Duration of each ride in the snowcat 20-50 minutes depending on the location. During the day it will be possible to make 4-6 descents with the elevation gain 3500-3700 meters. Length of each run varies from 2 to 5 km with 450-900 vertical meters. Picnic lunch will be provided in the picturesque place near the forest, at the top of the ridge or in the snowcat cabin depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the lodge by 4 pm. Afternoon snack, sauna, rest. Dinner at 7 pm.
Day 5: Ridder, Kazakhstan
Breakfast and lodge check-out. Departure for catskiing at 7.30 am. Freeriding on the slopes of Prokhodnoy ridge. Duration of each ride in the snowcat 20-40 minutes depending on the location. During the day it will be possible to make 4-5 descents with the common elevation difference 3500-4000 meters. Length of each run varies from 2 to 5 km with 400-700 vertical meters. Picnic lunch will be provided in the picturesque place near the forest, at the top of the ridge or in the snowcat cabin depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the start point by 4 pm. Transfer to the Klimov Family Ranch located at the foothills of Ivanovskiy Ridge (50 km). Arrival to the ranch, guest house check-in. Sauna, dinner and rest.
Day 6: Ridder, Kazakhstan
Breakfast and preparations. Departure for catskiing at 8.00 am. Freeriding on the slopes of Ivanovskiy ridge. Duration of each ride in the snowcat 20-50 minutes depending on the location. During the day it will be possible to make 4-6 descents with the elevation gain 3500-3700 meters. Length of each run varies from 2 to 5 km with 450-900 vertical meters. Picnic lunch will be provided in the picturesque place near the forest, at the top of the ridge or in the snowcat cabin depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the lodge by 4 pm. Afternoon dish. Walking and horseback riding on the territory of the Ranch. Evening sauna, dinner and rest.
Day 7: Ridder, Kazakhstan
Breakfast and preparations. Departure for catskiing at 8.00 am. Freeriding on the slopes of Ivanovskiy ridge. Duration of each ride in the snowcat 20-50 minutes depending on the location. During the day it will be possible to make 4-6 descents with the elevation gain 3500-3700 meters. Length of each run varies from 2 to 5 km with 450-900 vertical meters. Picnic lunch will be provided in the picturesque place near the forest, at the top of the ridge or in the snowcat cabin depending on the temperature and weather. Return to the lodge by 4 pm. Afternoon dish. Walking and horseback riding on the territory of the Ranch. Evening sauna, dinner and rest.
What's included
1. Accommodation in the Mountain Lodge at Serzhinskiy ridge with full meal board and every day sauna. 2. Accommodation in the private cottage of Family Ranch at Ivanovskiy ridge with full meal board and every day sauna. 3. Five days of cat skiing/boarding. 4. All transfers according to the program. 5. English-speaking skiing guide. 6. All environmental and ecological fees. 7. Drinking water.
1. Rental of ski and avalanche equipment. 2. Meals not indicated in the program and/or not included into the tour price. 3. Visa support and registration on the territory of Kazakhstan, if required. 4. Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program. 5. Insurance policy. 6. Cost of the domestic flight to/from Oskemen (~120-180 USD). 7. Accommodation before and after the tour.
Languages spoken
What to know
Required clothing and equipment: Safety: – avalanche equipment (avalanche safety kit: shovel, probe, transciever) - airbag backpack (optionally) Equipment: – freeride backpack with skis/splitboard fixation (volume 30-40 liters) – helmet – goggles with a spare lens for foggy conditions – ski/snowboard boots – freeride skis or snowboard – ski poles Personal clothing and accessories: – thermal base layer - membrane jacket and pants - mid layers (polartec or softshell jacket and downy sweater or vest) - warm down jacket – extra set of warm thermal base layer - two pairs of thermal skiing socks - winter insulated boots – softshell gloves - warm mittens – beanie - cap - neck warmer – sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection SPF 50+ – sunglasses – swimsuit and rubber slippers for visiting sauna – personal hygienic and bath items - home slippers or booties - personal AID kit (pain and flu medication, adhesive tape, individual medications in case of having chronic diseases) - isothermal foil survival blanket – repair kit (spare parts and tools for adjustment and repair your bindings, duct tape, rubber straps) – thermos – water tank – head lamp – spare batteries for your electronic devices and transceiver – adaptor for outlet charging, if needed (220V 50Hz European outlet) – matches or a lighter in a waterproof package – chargers and cords for your electronic devices Food: – individual snacks (muesli, protein, chocolate of other bars, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition and etc.) - soft drinks or alcohol
Route & locations
Almaty, Kazakhstan to Ridder, Kazakhstan