Ak-Bulak Off-Piste Tour
MORN. CURATED ESCAPE · SECTOR 02

Ak-Bulak Off-Piste Tour

Duration
1 Day
Group Size
1–12 guests
Season
December – March
255,000 ₸ (~$560) per person
The Journey

Choose Ak-Bulak when you want an off-piste day around a resort rather than an overnight touring camp. Tell MORN how confidently you ride ungroomed snow, then agree the guide, transfer and equipment arrangements for your date. Compare the published group-size tariffs below: MORN uses direct operator rates with 0% agency markup. Send a request here to settle the details before paying.

Riding altitude

1,650–2,700 m above sea level.

Riding level and conditions

For intermediate, advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. Some terrain is steep, remote and off-piste. Weather, snow conditions and avalanche risk may require changes to the itinerary.

Plan your ski stay

Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak use resort access; the backcountry day focuses on a touring outing; Tau Turgen adds a shared yurt base for three days. Compare the format before choosing a date.

Shymbulak Off-Piste & Sidecountry Tour

Ak-Bulak Off-Piste Tour

One Day Backcountry in Almaty

Yurt-based Ski Touring in Tau Turgen

Compare the four winter formats

Plan your ski stay

Choose your base and arrange lessons, passes and rental.

Read the practical guide

Expedition impression
Expedition impression
Expedition impression
Expedition impression
Expedition impression

Questions before you go

When is the published season?

December–March is the published operating season. Snow, weather and guide confirmation determine the actual departure.

Can I book this outing now?

Send dates and party size through the request form. Confirm the departure and equipment with the provider before payment.

What is included?

The included and excluded services are listed together in the programme below. Check that section when comparing equipment rental, transport and personal expenses.

Is this a beginner ski lesson?

No. Tell MORN your off-piste experience and fitness so the guide can assess whether this format suits you.

Day by Day

Expedition Itinerary

DAY 1

A day on the mountain

  1. 08:30. Depart from Almaty and transfer to Ak-Bulak Mountain Resort.
  2. Warm up on the resort slopes using the lifts, riding both groomed pistes and off-piste terrain.
  3. Explore off-piste zones, sidecountry ridges and secluded faces beyond the resort lifts. Depending on conditions, choose steeper lines and couloirs or gentler open bowls.
  4. Midday. Stop at the mountain cafeteria or a viewpoint shelter overlooking the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  5. Continue riding in the afternoon, seeking quiet powder stashes, forest trails and hidden gullies.
  6. Around 18:00–19:00. Arrive back in Almaty.
Transparency

What's Included & Packing Checklist

Included in Price

  • Professional English-speaking skiing guide
  • Round-trip transfer Almaty — Ak-Bulak — Almaty
  • Daily ski-pass for the resort lifts
  • Lunch at the mountain lodge, snacks and hot drinks
  • Bottled water (1 litre)

Not Included

  • Ski/snowboard and avalanche equipment rental (available on request)
  • Meals and beverages not specified in the programme
  • Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour
  • Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required
  • Insurance policy — cover for backcountry and off-piste is required

Recommended Packing Checklist

Apparel & Layers

  • Thermal base layers, membrane jacket and trousers, fleece, extra insulation and a down sweater or vest for riding and short uphill hikes
  • Gloves or mittens, warm hat and neck gaiter

Gear & Equipment

  • Avalanche airbag system, transceiver, shovel and probe
  • Freeride backpack (25–40 litres) with ski/snowboard attachment
  • Helmet and goggles with a spare lens for foggy conditions; a second pair of goggles is preferable
  • Suitable freeride skis or snowboard, ski/snowboard boots and ski poles
  • Repair kit: binding tools and spare parts, duct tape and rubber straps

Trail Essentials

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Personal first-aid kit: adhesive plasters, emergency thermal blanket and individual medication
  • Thermos and water container

Food

  • Personal snacks: muesli, protein or chocolate bars, dried fruit, nuts or mountain nutrition
  • Soft drinks or alcohol
Rates

Price

Exactly 0% markup. You pay the organizers directly, with no agency commissions or hidden markups.

1 Guest
255,000 ₸ per person
(~$560)
2 Guests
180,000 ₸ per person
(~$395)
3 Guests
150,000 ₸ per person
(~$330)
4–6 Guests
125,000 ₸ per person
(~$275)
7–12 Guests
100,000 ₸ per person
(~$220)
Guide Team

Your Mountain Guides

Languages on site: English
Darya Ponomaryova

Darya Ponomaryova

Certified KMGA/KTA Guide • Expedition Leader & Ski Mountaineer

🇬🇧 Fluent English⛷️ 1st Female Ski Guide in RK (KMGA)🏆 RK Book of Records Record Holder❄️ Avalanche Safety (AST 2)🏔️ NAMG Board Member

The first certified female ski guide in Kazakhstan (KMGA) and the first CIS woman to ski down Peak Lenin (7,134 m). Darya led Kazakhstan's inaugural ski-touring expedition to Antarctica, holds AST 2 avalanche safety credentials, and earned a Tourism degree from Turan University. She seamlessly blends elite high-altitude safety with mindfulness, passion, and genuine hospitality.

“Adventure isn’t just about reaching a peak — it’s about personal growth, inspiration, and living every moment fully. The mountains teach us to stay grounded and deeply connected.”
Alexander Zadneprovskiy

Alexander Zadneprovskiy

Certified KMGA/KTA Guide • Ski Mountaineer & Expedition Leader

🇬🇧 Fluent English⛷️ Certified Ski Guide (KMGA)🏔️ Descent from Lenin Peak (7,134 m)📜 KMGA / KTA Certification🐴 Horseback & Trekking Expeditions

Born and raised in Almaty, Alexander has 20+ years of skiing experience. Certified through the International Mountain Guiding School (KMGA), he completed a historic ski descent down the North Face of Peak Lenin (7,134 m) and pioneered over 15 first ski descents in the Tien Shan. Having guided across Central Asia and Europe, he combines high-altitude mastery with authentic hospitality.

“Nature is our greatest teacher. Mountains aren't just about the summit, but about the genuine connection, stories, and wild freedom we share along the trail.”
Alyona Gulyayeva

Alyona Gulyayeva

Certified KTA Trekking Guide • Expedition Organizer & Yacht Skipper

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ Certified Guide (KTA)⛰️ Elbrus Ascent (5,642 m)⛵ Yacht Captain (IYT Bareboat Skipper)🐧 Antarctica Expedition Organizer

Born into a family of geographers, Alyona grew up surrounded by maps and expedition notebooks. She organized Kazakhstan’s first ski-touring expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, summited Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), and is a certified IYT sailing skipper. Alyona brings calm confidence, deep environmental insight, and authentic warmth to every mountain journey.

“The wilderness allows you to meet your true self far from city noise and artificial roles. Mountains are places of pure power, clarity, and lifelong connection.”
Rakhman Baibolatov

Rakhman Baibolatov

WFTGA Regional Guide • Jeep Tours, Trekking & Horse Riding Expert

🇬🇧 Fluent English📜 WFTGA Certified Guide (2025)🏔️ 3rd Category Mountaineer🩹 First Aid🚙 Jeep Tours & Expeditions

Formerly a finance graduate and banker, Rakhman left the corporate world behind to follow his true calling in the wild landscapes of Kazakhstan. Since 2020, he has guided hundreds of custom day-trips and multi-day expeditions (including Baikonur). Combining deep cultural insight with genuine warmth and strict safety standards, Rakhman creates deeply meaningful experiences for international travelers.

“The mountains revealed something I didn’t even know I was looking for. Guiding travelers from all over the globe and sharing the authentic spirit of Kazakhstan is what truly fulfills my soul.”
Natalya Salnikova

Natalya Salnikova

3rd Category Alpine Instructor • Certified Mountain Guide & Ski Mountaineer

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ 3rd Category Mountaineering Instructor🏆 RK Championship Medalist⛰️ 100+ Ascents (Lenin Peak, Elbrus)🎿 Ski Touring & Trekking

With over 15 years of mountain experience, Natalya is a certified alpine instructor (since 2016) and a medalist in National Ice Climbing and Winter Duathlon Championships. Having completed 100+ major ascents — including Lenin Peak (7,134 m), Kazbek, and Elbrus — she prioritizes group harmony, calm confidence, and deep respect for every climber along the trail.

“In the peaks, true connection and safety matter most. I guide without rush, focusing on mutual respect, calm presence, and the genuine freedom to be yourself.”
Igor Malkin

Igor Malkin

Certified Mountaineering Instructor • High-Altitude Trekking & Ski Expedition Leader

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ Mountaineering Instructor🏆 RK Championship Bronze Medalist (2017)⛰️ 150+ Technical Ascents🎿 High-Altitude Ski Touring Expeditions

Igor has completed 150+ technical mountain ascents across Central Asia and the Caucasus, including Peak Lenin (7,134 m), Marble Wall, Free Korea, Kazbek, and a pioneer first ascent on Bayankol (2018). As a certified mountaineering instructor and bronze medalist at the Kazakhstan National Championships, he blends high-level alpine mastery with a calm, reassuring, and supportive presence.

“My passion for the wild began in childhood. Today, my mission is to share mountain wisdom so you feel completely confident, secure, and at home among the high peaks.”