Ski Backcountry

Jyrgalan Backcountry Base

Jyrgalan valley

100% freeride ski resort

Jergalan Chunkur Tor - ski touring 2017

Winter dispatch

Activity profile

Read the place

Place type
Ski Backcountry
Active season
November – April
Operation
year-round
Recorded status
OpenNot live availability

Elevation datum

1250 m range

2250 m3500 m

Approach

Distance to here

Field story

The place in motion

2 moments

Jyrgalan village is located 60 km east of Karakol town, in the Issyk Kul Oblast. Jyrgalan is a mountain village built at an altitude of 2250 meters, during the Soviet era for the exploitation of coal. The mine now closed, the inhabitants of the village have decided to form an ecotourism community and to develop year-round tourism in this little-known region.

In 2021, the community offered 8 homestays, 2 yurt camps and 1 guesthouse. There is no ski lift, but a snow-cat and snowmobiles.

In winter, in the snowiest region of Issyk Kul, the village turns into a small freeride ski resort where everyone will find a favorite activity: ski touring, split-boarding, snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, but even more important in the eyes of travelers, is to find an atmosphere of an authentic village with shepherds and their cattle. And for those who would like to stay in the village, you can take a sauna, cookery lessons and taste great cuisine of your hosts.

The off-piste are very varied, the peaks of the radial exit are between 2700 and 3500 meters above sea level, drops up to 1250 meters. The nearest slopes, covered with fir trees, allow skitouring trips even with bad weather conditions.

The avalanche's risk is not negligible due underlays of cold snow. So it is strongly advised to hire the services of a local guide. Some Kyrgyz guide are certified IFMGA.

In collaboration with the local community and with the Association Boule de Neige, we are participating in a development program for learning to ski for children in Jyrgalan. This fall 2021, a donation of equipment has been sent to the Karakol's Youth Sports School which will distribute ski equipment. Also, we are currently looking for a baby-lift for the Jyrgalan's school.

01

Jyrgalan : a four seasons touristic destination

Jyrgalan village is located 60 km east of Karakol town, in the Issyk Kul Oblast. Jyrgalan is a mountain village built at an altitude of 2250 meters, during the Soviet era for the exploitation of coal. The mine now closed, the inhabitants of the village have decided to form an ecotourism community and to develop year-round tourism in this little-known region.

In 2021, the community offered 8 homestays, 2 yurt camps and 1 guesthouse. 

In winter, in the snowiest region of Issyk Kul, the village turns into a small freeride ski resort where everyone will find a favorite activity: ski touring, split-boarding, snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, but even more important in the eyes of travelers, is to find an atmosphere of an authentic village with shepherds and their cattle. And for those who would like to stay in the village, you can take a sauna, cookery lessons and taste great cuisine of your hosts.

02

A backcountry skiing mountain resort

The off-piste are very varied, the peaks of the radial exit are between 2700 and 3500 meters above sea level, drops up to 1250 meters. The nearest slopes, covered with fir trees, allow skitouring trips even with bad weather conditions.

The avalanche's risk is not negligible due underlays of cold snow. So it is strongly advised to hire the services of a local guide. Some Kyrgyz guide are certified IFMGA.

In collaboration with the local community and with the Association Boule de Neige, we are participating in a development program for learning to ski for children in Jyrgalan. This fall 2021, a donation of equipment has been sent to the Karakol's Youth Sports School which will distribute ski equipment. Also, we are currently looking for a baby-lift for the Jyrgalan's school.

Visit desk

Rates

All listed amounts: KGS

Transfer

5–7 passengers
20000 KGS
8–18 passengers
25000 KGS

Practical information

Plan your visit

Opening hours
Opening hours
Day Time slot Comment
Sunday: 7:00-22:00
Monday: 7:00-22:00
Tuesday: 7:00-22:00
Wednesday: 7:00-22:00
Thursday: 7:00-22:00
Friday: 7:00-22:00
Saturday: 7:00-22:00
Telephone
+996551916924

Local context

Around the base

01

Nearby lodging

1 place
02

Places to visit

4 places
City Issyk Kul region

Karakol

Sight Ak-Suu District

South Engilchek

Spot Freeride Jyrgalan

Ichke Jergez

Historical Site Tyup District

Scythians kurgans of San Tash