Ketmen ridge skitour programme

The Ketmen ridge, just 20km from the Kazakhstan / China border, is almost untouched by humans, notwithstanding its proximity to Almaty. The unique geography of the ridge means it gets relatively early and heavy snowfall every year, allowing us to open the Tien Shan backcountry season early, which is why FrozenRocks team holds one of our earliest programmes here every year!

Accommodation for the five-day programme is in a comfortable, heated mountain hut in the Ketmen valley. A banya (Russian sauna) is also available.

We can run this programme at any point between mid December and late February, whenever we have a group.

Programme:

Day 1. Meet in Almaty, transfer to Ketmen village and further on horseback (optional) or minibus, then ski touring to the mountain hut.

Days 2-5. Ski-touring / splitboarding from the mountain hut, exploring the surrounding ridges and couloirs.

We’ll choose our routes based on the weather, the snow conditions and the ability of the group.

Day 5. Ski-touring. Transfer (on horseback (optional) or minibus then by car) to Almaty.

Take a guided freeride tour with our experienced mountain guides to discover new spots and bag the best lines on the untouched slopes of the Northern Tien Shan!

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Near public transportation
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate