Altai, Kazakhstan Ski Touring

Our Guides

Meet your guides.

Andrew McLean

Park City, Utah

Glen Poulsen

Tahoe City, California

Questions

Get ready for the journey.

How do I reserve my trip?

Book your Expedition through our website or call +1-530-582-1246

What happens if there are delays?

If any trip must be delayed due to bad weather, cancelled or delayed transportation, sickness or any other situation for which Ice Axe Expeditions cannot make provisions, all costs incurred during such delays must be borne by trip members.

What is the cancellation policy?

All requests for cancellations must be received in writing (via email). Cancellations received up to 180 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person, with no exceptions. If cancellation is received between 180 and 95 days prior to departure, the 50% deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 94 days prior to departure, all deposits are forfeited.

If cancellation occurs within the 94-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. If for any reason the voyage on the vessel is cancelled, passengers will not be entitled to make any further claim for compensation or damages, for any loss, consequential damage, expenses, loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation arising, whether or not such cancellation arises in whole or in part as a consequence of any act or omission of Ice Axe Expeditions or its servants or agents. For these and other reasons mentioned below, passengers are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance.

*Please refer to specific expedition pages for varying cancellation policies. 

Is travel insurance required?

We require that you have at least $100,000 in medical evacuation insurance coverage. Your insurance policy should cover ski mountaineering/hazardous sports. We cannot confirm each client’s policy individually; it is your responsibility to make sure your policy will cover you while you participate in your activities of choice on the expedition. We recommend including TRIP CANCELLATION/INTERRUPTION coverage in addition to the mandatory medical evacuation coverage.

You can find medical evacuation insurance resources here.

Some expeditions have different coverage minimums, please refer to specific expedition pages for requirements.

How do I get to Kazakhstan?

To reach the lodge, book your international flight to Almaty or Astana, then connect to Ust-Kamenogorsk (UKK / Oskemen). IAE will inform which flight from ALA>UKK to book via Air Astana, to align with the whole group and our planned transfers.

What is the weather like?

The region’s humid continental climate brings cold, dry winters and sunny skies. Average winter temperatures range from 23°F to -4°F, but thanks to low humidity and little wind, conditions feel surprisingly comfortable—often no harsher than the Alps. That said, it’s still Siberia-adjacent, and early morning temps can occasionally dip to -22°F or colder. On those days, our guides seek out sunny aspects to keep things warm and skiable.

What is the skiing and terrain like?

Altay Mountain Lodge sits deep in East Kazakhstan’s southwestern Altai range, nestled in the Bogdanikha River valley at 2,300 feet, with surrounding peaks rising to nearly 6,000 feet. Our exclusive 25-square-kilometer ski touring zone isn’t just private—it’s the crown jewel of the region. Expect big verticals, deep powder, endless variety, and terrain no other operation in Kazakhstan—or Central Asia—can match.

From November through early April, the mountains here receive over 16 feet of snowfall annually, with snow depths reaching up to 10 feet. Most of our skiing takes place in beautifully spaced larch and birch forests, open glades, and steep couloirs. Come mid-winter, we gain access to alpine zones with runs ranging from 1,300 to nearly 3,000 vertical feet, and pitches between 25° and 40°.