Kazakhstan - Altay Mountains

On the south-western edge of East Kazakhstan, the Altay deliver what ski tourers dream of: long, cold winters, steady storms, and light powder from mid-November to late March. Terrain sits around the treeline, spaced larch forests, open bowls and gullies, with 400/900m descents on 25/40° slopes, and opens to alpine options as the season deepens. Approaches are short, with the feel of true wilderness and very few crowds.
Getting there is easier than it sounds: many EU passports don’t need a visa, and major Kazakh cities connect well with Europe and the Middle East. If you’re after quiet lines, reliable snow and a sense of exploration, the Altay are a standout ski touring destination.