Kyrgyzstan
Ski touring, your way

Explore the wild valleys of eastern Kyrgyzstan on a private ski touring journey around Karakol and Jergalan.

From snowy mountain bowls to welcoming yurts and guest houses, we shape the route, pace and length of your adventure around your group.

Remote valleys, Kyrgyz hospitality and a ski touring adventure shaped around you.

Discover the mountains of
Karakol & Jergalan

Seven days on skis, two mountain bases and a warm stove waiting at the end of the day.

In eastern Kyrgyzstan, close to Lake Issyk-Kul, the Terskey Ala-Too mountains rise above Karakol and Jergalan, also known as Jyrgalan. These valleys are the heart of our trip: open touring slopes, quiet forests and space to explore under your own steam.

An eleven-day journey is a useful starting point, allowing seven ski touring days, transfers and international travel. Arrive in Bishkek, meet your guides and drive around six hours to Karakol before skinning up to the yurts.

Spend four days touring around Karakol, then move east for three days in the Jergalan valley. Ski out, return to Bishkek for an evening in the city and an overnight stay before flying home. We can shorten, extend or reshape this route for your group.

Deep powder skiing in remote mountain terrain with Le Beau Ski

Yurts, valleys and
a different rhythm

The places you stay are part of what makes skiing in Kyrgyzstan so memorable.

Near Karakol, stay in handcrafted winter yurts heated by wood-burning stoves. After four ski days, move to a village guest house in Jergalan. The accommodation is simple, warm and close to the terrain we have come to ski.

A traditional Kyrgyz sauna is a welcome way to finish the day. Shared meals and the hospitality of your hosts give the evenings their own character. We plan the yurt and guest-house stays around your route and confirm the facilities before departure.

For a journey of this length, allow around nine nights across yurts, guest houses and a Bishkek hotel. Shared yurts and twin hotel rooms are the starting point; tell us about room preferences when we put together your private itinerary.

Is this the right
ski touring trip for me?

This trip is best suited to skiers who enjoy earning their turns and spending consecutive days in the mountains, away from the convenience of a large resort.

Confidence skiing off-piste in variable snow and the fitness for sustained uphill touring will help you make the most of the experience. We discuss your background before proposing suitable objectives.

Comfort with simple accommodation and a flexible approach to travel are just as valuable. Weather and snow conditions can change the plan, and your guides choose the day’s route accordingly.

Tell us how you ski and what you are looking for; we will help shape the right adventure.

Powder skiing in wide open mountain terrain with Le Beau Ski guides

Let’s plan your Kyrgyzstan adventure

PLAN YOUR TRIP →

Our approach

A personal journey into Kyrgyzstan’s mountains

Off-piste skiing past larch trees with a mountain view

When to go

Midwinter snow, on your own schedule.

January and February are a good starting point for a winter ski touring trip. The wider season generally runs from December to March. We recommend the timing for your chosen valleys and touring goals, with no fixed departure dates.

Powder turn with snow spray on a Le Beau Ski trip

What we arrange

Guiding, mountain stays and local travel.

Your proposal can include IFMGA-qualified guiding, transport within Kyrgyzstan, accommodation and meals at the yurts and guest houses. The original journey used two IFMGA guides; we confirm the team and group size for your private trip.

International flights, insurance, equipment hire, single rooms and the final dinner in Bishkek are discussed separately. We spell out which meals, drinks and accommodation services are included, so the practical details are clear before you book.

Ski tourers hiking a ridge line with Le Beau Ski guides

Before you travel

A little preparation goes a long way.

Bishkek is the arrival point, with routes via Istanbul among the options to consider. Flight schedules and entry requirements depend on your departure point and nationality; we help with the trip logistics and ask you to check the requirements for your passport before booking.

We discuss skis, touring equipment and the layers you will need for cold days and yurt nights. Tell us about your off-piste experience, fitness and preferred travel period, and we will put together a plan that suits you.

Testimonials
Google reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 22 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Glauerdt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best ski days of the season. Stefano is by far the best guide we’ve had!! Great two powder days and safety always comes first.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlie Dunmore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had the pleasure of touring with Stefano the past couple of years. He has a deep knowledge of the terrain and conditions of the Val d'Anniviers based on many years of experience, and will tailor routes and itineraries to suit your skills and goals. He's a confidence inspiring presence, and great company too!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joe Gaines 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic day out with Stefano. We were a group of mixed fitness but all keen to experience the off piste skiing Grimentz had to offer, and Stefano tailored our day superbly to ensure we were all having a good time. He found us some great snow and taught us lots while doing it! He was also great fun to be around, an absolute essential ☺️ I’d highly recommend skiing with Stefano and the team.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gareth Ayre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finds the best snow, safe, infectious enthusiasm, and a great laugh to! Highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dr. S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano is an excellent guide and made the day truly enjoyable. He knows the area extremely well, keeps the experience fun and is always helpful and attentive. Exactly what you want from a guide on an off-piste touring day.

10/10 — highly recommended. We'll be back :) Danke!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Thomson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano was great and we could some amazing powder even though the conditions made that hard. He also rescued me when I dislocated my shoulder.  So important to have a guide that can sort things out in an accident.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Salter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano was a great guide. Even in some pretty tough conditions he managed to make sure we had top quality morning in Zinal and Grimentz. Couldn’t recommend him enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Archie Hardyment 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great ski. In high risk conditions Stefano delivered a great day whilst keeping everyone safe.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Crossman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano is a fantastic guide. This year really showed that. With sketchy conditions everywhere, he gave us adventure while always staying safe. He's great company too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   William Hardyment 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Two fantastic days touring/off-piste with Stefano in the Val d'Anniviers in January, just after large snowfall. Always fun and informative, but also safe. In difficult conditions they delivered a couple of fantastic days touring and kept the fun going. Thank you Stefano.

Frequently asked questions
FAQ

You don’t need previous off-piste experience, but you should be a confident skier who is comfortable skiing all marked slopes in a ski resort. Your guide will adapt the terrain and pace to your ability, from your first experience in powder to more technical and challenging freeride lines.

No two freeride days are exactly the same. Your guide will consider the snow, weather, avalanche conditions, your skiing level and your goals before choosing the best terrain for the day. Depending on conditions, this might mean lift-accessed powder, short ski tours, longer backcountry routes or a combination of them.

Yes. Avalanche safety equipment — transceiver, shovel and probe — is required for all our freeride days. We also recommend ski touring equipment, as it gives us greater flexibility to access the best terrain and snow conditions. An avalanche airbag backpack is also highly recommended.

Yes. Our days can range from lift-accessed freeride with minimal walking to ski touring and longer backcountry adventures. Touring equipment gives us access to considerably more terrain and allows us to search for the best snow away from the main ski areas.

Absolutely. If you are already a confident piste skier, your first freeride experience can be a great introduction to skiing beyond the marked slopes. Your guide will select appropriate terrain and introduce you progressively to off-piste technique, terrain awareness and mountain safety.

Yes. We create personalised multi-day freeride and ski touring trips in Valais, across the Alps and internationally. Trips can be designed around a specific destination or built around the type of terrain and experience you are looking for.

Our home bases are Val d’Anniviers and Saas-Fee in Valais, Switzerland, where we offer private freeride guiding throughout the winter. We also organise multi-day trips across the Alps and personalised freeride and ski touring adventures in destinations around the world.

Conditions come first. Our guides use their local knowledge, weather and snow information, avalanche conditions and your skiing ability to decide where the best options are each day. Being flexible allows us to make the most of the mountains while keeping safety at the heart of every decision.

Blog
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