Shymbulak Off-Piste & Sidecountry Tour

Beyond the pistes

Just above Almaty, the mountains open into an entirely different world. Beyond the marked pistes of Shymbulak — also known as Chimbulak — lie steep couloirs, open powder fields, forested gullies and vast alpine slopes framed by the peaks of the Ile Alatau.

This one-day guided freeride adventure takes you beyond the resort's familiar runs and into the sidecountry terrain of one of Central Asia's most spectacular mountain destinations.

Modern lifts make the high mountains accessible, while your guide chooses the day's lines according to the snow, weather, avalanche conditions and riding ability of the group.

Talgar Pass. Ride towards the high mountain terrain around Talgar Pass, approximately 3,200–3,400 metres above sea level. Glacier views, jagged ridgelines and the distant city of Almaty create a remarkable panorama.

Find your line. From open bowls and powder-covered slopes to forest runs and steep couloirs, Shymbulak's off-piste and sidecountry terrain offers plenty to explore when conditions allow.

A taste of the mountains. Stop for lunch in a traditional yurt, with local Kazakh dishes, warm tea and perhaps a taste of kumis — fermented mare's milk.

A different kind of après-ski. For those who want to extend the day, an optional visit to a traditional saka bathhouse offers hot steam, herbal infusions and a refreshing cool-down.

Expedition Itinerary

What's Included & Packing Checklist

Group Tiers & Transparent Pricing

Your Mountain Guides

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

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

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

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

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

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.”