Duration:

5 days/ 4 nights

Season:
December- February

The Ketmen ridge, just 20km from the Kazakhstan / China border, is almost untouched by humans, notwithstanding its proximity to Almaty. The unique geography of the ridge means it gets relatively early and heavy snowfall every year, allowing us to open the Tien Shan backcountry season early, which is why FrozenRocks team holds one of our earliest programmes here every year!

Minimum group size is 4 people.

Accommodation for the five-day programme is in a comfortable, heated mountain hut in the Ketmen valley. A banya (Russian sauna) is also available. The route in is on horseback, through a picturesque valley.

The Ketmen ridge is located to the East of the Zailiisky Alatau in the Northern Tien Shan. It’s up to 40-50km wide at some points, running from the Kyungei-Ala-Too ridge in the West to the Narat ridge in the East. It forms the Southern border of the ‘Semirechiya’ (‘Seven Rivers’) region, which surrounds Almaty. Its altitude ranges from 3,000 to 3,600m, with the highest point being Mount Aspan at 3,652m).

Please note that this programme is designed for skiers / snowboarders who are confident on the piste (including black runs), have some experience of riding off piste, and are in good physical shape.

Any questions?