WhiteoutZone presents Ski Touring in Tuyuksu Glacier, a 7-day off-piste adventure designed for intermediate to advanced ski tourers who want to explore backcountry slopes safely and improve their ski touring technique at the very start of the season.
With early-season snow and pristine off-piste terrain, the mountains around Almaty, Kazakhstan, provide ideal conditions for ski touring. Led by an IFMGA-certified professional guide, this WhiteoutZone program offers seven full days of guided ski touring combined with opportunities to enjoy the backcountry independently under expert supervision.
Ski touring in Tuyuksu Glacier
Experience backcountry ski touring in the Tuyuk-Su, freeriding from majestic 4,000-meter peaks, and exploring vast alpine glaciers in one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic mountain regions.
This 7-day Tuyuk-Su ski touring expedition offers full immersion into the breathtaking atmosphere of the Zailiysky Alatau Range. Expect safe, well-organized ascents to nearby four-thousanders, thrilling descents, and a quest for the best snow and most scenic routes. Every day reveals new panoramic views and an authentic mountain experience.
About the Tuyuk-Su Glacier
The Tuyuk-Su Glacier is among the most accessible and beloved backcountry destinations for both Almaty locals and visiting riders. Located in the Maloalmatinskiy Gorge, it is surrounded by a ridge of four-thousand-meter peaks. The glacier’s snow and ice fields lie within a natural amphitheater formed by the peaks of Ordzhonikidze, Partizan, Tuyuksu, Pogrebetskiy, Lokomotiv, and Molodezhniy, along with a number of smaller mountain ridges, passes, and couloirs. The terrain is remarkably diverse — from wide, powder-filled slopes to narrow, technical chutes that challenge even experienced freeriders.
The Heart of the Zailiysky Alatau
Tuyuk-Su is a central valley glacier on the northern slopes of the Zailiysky Alatau ridge. Stretching 3.5 km in length, it connects to the Malaya Almatinka River and sits at the center of a cluster of ten glaciers forming a stunning horseshoe-shaped amphitheater. The open ice covers an area of approximately 3.1 km², with widths ranging from 1.5 km in the upper basin to just 0.3–0.4 km at the glacier tongue.
What to Expect
This journey is designed for true adventure seekers — a blend of ski touring and freeride exploration in one of Central Asia’s most picturesque high-mountain environments. You’ll walk, climb, and ski across diverse terrain while learning valuable avalanche safety techniques and enjoying the wild beauty of the region in great company.
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Equipment
1. Ski & Touring Gear
Ski touring skis (lightweight, backcountry-specific)
Ski touring bindings (tech/frameless or frame bindings)
Alpine touring / ski mountaineering boots
Climbing skins (for ascending)
Ski poles (adjustable recommended)
Ski crampons (for icy slopes, optional depending on route)
Avalanche transceiver / beacon
2. Safety & Rescue
Avalanche probe
Avalanche shovel
First aid kit
Helmet
Crampons and ice axe (if crossing glaciers or steep terrain)
Whistle & signal mirror
Personal GPS / map & compass
3. Clothing
Base layers (thermal top & bottom)
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket & pants
Gloves / mittens (light & heavy)
Warm hat / balaclava / neck gaiter
Ski socks
Sunglasses or goggles (for snow glare)
4. Backpacks & Essentials
Ski touring backpack (with gear straps for skis)
Hydration system / water bottles
High-energy snacks / lunch
Sunscreen & lip balm
Headlamp with extra batteries
5. Optional / Extras
Camera / action camera
Trekking poles (if needed for approach)
Lightweight stove & cookware (for multi-day tours)
Personal hygiene items
Itinerary
Transfer from Almaty to the Tuyuk-Su Gorge. Ski touring to the Tuyuk-Su Glacier, accommodation, and rest.
We recommend spending an extra day for acclimatization at the Tuyuk-Su climbing camp (2,500 m) before ascending to the glacier (3,400 m).
Days 2–6
Ski touring and freeride descents from the region’s iconic 4,000-meter peaks: Molodezhniy (4,147 m), Ordzhonikidze (4,410 m), Partizan (4,390 m), Lokomotiv (4,209 m), Tuyuksu (4,218 m), Pogrebetsky (4,231 m), and others.
Routes are selected based on snow conditions and the group’s skiing level.
Final ski-touring ascent and descent from the Tuyuk-Su Glacier to the Mynzhilki Plateau. Transfer back to Almaty.
it’s good for start of the season
The east of Kazakhstan is better for starting the season. In Siberia, the weather is colder than in the west and there is more snow.