SKI TOURING KYRGYZSTAN – FAQ
Where and when do I meet your team?
Our Ski touring Kyrgyzstan team will wait for you at the airport. If you are arriving by land meeting point is also at the airport or elsewhere if you let us know where (this service is not included in a price). After the meeting, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Please note, that due to a long drive to our base, we provide only one transportation per group, usually in the morning (at arround 10:00 AM). So take into consideration that one extra day and accommodation may be necessary.
Where and when I meet a ski touring guide?
The guide for Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan will wait for you at our Yurt Camp
How much hiking up is involved?
There will be approximately 4-6 hours of hiking broken up in the day and approximately 800~1100 vertical meters of skiing.
Do I need climbing skins?
Yes, all of our ski touring tours in Kyrgyzstan require uphill travel, and skins are by far the most efficient way. Skins attach to the base of skis or split-snowboards, peel off at the top of the run, and get stowed in a pocket for the downhill fun.
What kind of terrain will be skiing/riding?
It depends on the conditions and snow stability on that day. Our guides want to ski and ride in good snow conditions and can find safe and fun terrain in almost all weather. On our tours, you may be riding open powder areas most of the time. On more advanced tours we often access higher ridgelines.
What happens if the weather or snow conditions are poor, or the avalanche risk is high?
We will make every effort to stick to the itinerary, but sometimes it’s necessary to change plans and ski in a neighboring area or even further afield. Many of our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind, and it’s usually possible to ski in most conditions with some careful alternative planning.
How fit do I need to be?
As we will be hiking up from the tops of the base you’ll need to able to hike with your skis/split-board for 3 hours minimum with our programs Skit touring Kyrgyzstan. The pace is not high speed, however, it is physically demanding, so some cardio fitness is required to sustain a steady hiking pace. We of course take breaks to rest and for snacks to reenergize.
Can I bring a camera, Go Pro, or a drone on the tour?
Yes! There will be lots of good chances for photos… most of the time on the way up though. Please don’t have your “GoPro” chest-mounted as it messes with the avalanche beacon (inaccurate readings or false readings).
Do we learn about avalanche safety and beacon use?
Yes, our guides will cover basic avalanche safety, what to do in the event of an avalanche, and how to search for someone using your avalanche transceiver or a beacon.
What training/certifications do your guides have?
Our guides have formal avalanche risk management operations courses, avalanche safety, and rescue training. All of our guides have at least National Mountain Licence. Our lead guides also are certified by international mountain guiding associations. Operationally, we meet daily to collaborate and discuss snowpack data, weather observations, and tour itineraries to make sure you are headed to the best snow in safe conditions every day.
What happens to my deposit if I book a trip, but it isn’t confirmed to run due to insufficient bookings?
You may transfer your booking to different dates, a different course, group can buy empty seats or choose a full refund.
What happens to my deposit if I book a trip, but it isn’t confirmed to run due to insufficient bookings?
If you wish to cancel you must notify us in writing, whereupon the following charges will be applied from the date we receive your notice of cancellation:
- More than 31 days before the start date – loss of deposit.
- Less than 30 days before the start date – the full amount is charged.
What kind of insurance is needed?
For our ski touring trips, you must have specialist travel insurance providing medical, emergency search/rescue, and repatriation cover for the following activities: off-piste skiing and ski touring in glaciated areas requiring the use of ropes, up to 4000m altitude. We also strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation cover, in case you’re unable to attend your trip due to personal circumstances or injury.
Can I book a single room on my ski-touring trip?
Yes. This can be done during the online booking process. Please note that a single room is not always possible. When we can provide such an option we will let you know asap.
Can I book a single room on my ski-touring trip?
- Skitouring skis,
- Skitouring boots,
- Skitouring skins with the right width,
- Antenna Avalanche Transceiver,
- Helmet,
- Avalanche shovel – Aluminum recommended!,
- Avalanche probe,
- Ski goggles
- Sleeping bag
Can I rent equipment?
You can rent equipment, but you need to inform us at least 31 days before the start of your program. Our trips are in remote areas where there are no shops or rental services, so we need to provide them from a distance. Please note that rental on the spot is not available.
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