currently not possible
RUSSIA
SIBERIA
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
0,- €
Travel time
12 days
ABOUT THE TRIP
Ski touring on Lake Baikal – far out in Siberia, where proper winter, abundant snow and authentic hut life come together.
12 days · Lake Baikal / Mamay Valley / Khamar-Daban Mountains
Russia – ski touring journey: a trip on touring skis to one of the most remote corners of the planet. Siberia stands for a landscape of almost unimaginable scale. A land of superlatives – and it is only fitting that we will be right by the world’s largest and deepest freshwater lake: Lake Baikal, more precisely south of it in the Mamay Valley in the Khamar-Daban Mountains.
This is an area with reliable snow cover from as early as the end of November, bringing the finest powder snow. The special climatic and geographical conditions – cool temperatures combined with a lake that has not yet frozen over – bring plenty of precipitation in the form of snow from late autumn onward. Constant temperatures below freezing ensure that this fine powder remains just as it is. Once the lake freezes later in winter, the climate becomes much drier and there is hardly any further precipitation.
HIGHLIGHTS
✧ A remote ski touring area in the Mamay Valley south of Lake Baikal
✧ Plenty of snow, dry powder snow and wide-open slopes in the Khamar-Daban Mountains
✧ Rustic accommodation with its own Banja in the heart of a silent winter landscape
✧ Typical Russian cuisine and genuine hospitality far from the well-known destinations
✧ A journey for anyone with a taste for adventure who would like to experience ski touring in a completely different setting
INFO
Services
Included in the price
- All organization, planning, and bookings and reservations are handled in advance by the mountain guide.
- Professional on-site guidance by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Guide's fee.
- Accommodation and half-board.
*The final tour price depends on availability, individual client requests, and current market prices.
- Transfer from Irkutsk to Mamay Valley.
Additional costs
- Flight ticket to Irkutsk
- Russian visa fees
- Services outside of half-board and personal tips
- Touring skis, skins, and ski boots can be rented from a rental shop upon request
- Individual tips
* Other rental equipment is available upon request for €20 per item for the entire trip.
Facts
Location
Mamay Valley - Siberia
Best time of year
November - December
Duration
12 days
Meeting point
Irkutsk - Airport
Requirements
- A sense of adventure
- Climbs of 600–1,200 meters (2–5 hours)
- Skiing on the slopes should be no problem, even in deep Siberian powder snow
Documents
- Valid passport (valid for at least six months)
- Proof of health insurance
- Entry visa
PRICING
Participants
6-8 people
Smaller groups or individual tour guides available upon request
5 or more people with a second mountain guide
Prices
1-4 people:
5 or more people:
not currently
available
* The price is for guidance only.
The final price may vary depending on availability, season, individual preferences, and current market prices at the time of booking.
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
PROGRAM
Day 1: Journey to Irkutsk
Together or individually, we fly to Moscow and from there late in the evening onward towards Lake Baikal.
Day 2: Transfer to the Mamay Valley
Overnight, the flight takes us deep into the Siberian forests to Irkutsk. We arrive early in the morning and are taken straight on to the village of Vydrino on the southern shore of Lake Baikal. From here we continue by snowmobile into the Mamay Valley, where we settle into a rustic mountain hut with its own “Banja”, the traditional Russian sauna.
Day 3–8: Ski tours in the Mamay Valley
Over the next few days, based out of our rustic and remote hut, we ski numerous powder slopes and round off each day’s ski tour in comfort in the Banja. The view of Lake Baikal is a constant companion as we leave our tracks in dry, exceptionally soft powder snow that is rarely found like this in the Alps. Our hosts cook for us in the traditional way, and we enjoy warm Russian hospitality.
Total time: ca. 5 hrs (guideline per day) | ↑ 600–1,200 m | ↓ 600–1,200 m
Day 9: Ski tour and return transfer
On the final day, we leave the Mamay Valley on skis. As part of a shorter ski tour, we make our way back to civilisation. Meanwhile, our belongings are brought out again by snowmobile. Afterwards, via a detour to Lake Baikal, we return to Irkutsk, where we let the evening wind down in this Russian university city.
Day 10: Flight to Moscow
We break up the long journey home and first fly from Irkutsk to the Russian capital Moscow.
Day 11: Time in Moscow
Since we are already in Russia, we will not miss the chance to spend a day and evening in the historic capital with its grand buildings and the famous Red Square.
Day 12: Departure
After almost two weeks that truly fly by, we will have experienced much of Russian culture, its great hospitality and the endless expanses of Siberia. Now it is time to say goodbye and begin the journey home – certainly not without many powerful memories in our luggage.
Sounds good, but not perfect?
No problem: This is just an idea of how the program for trip could look like. The duration can be extended or shortened as desired. I would be happy to put together a customized itinerary for you or a group, tailored entirely to your ideas and wishes.
Simply send us a non-binding inquiry using the form above.
Any changes to the travel program that may be necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation booking situation, etc.) will always be made in consultation with the participants.
DESTINATION FACTS
Siberia
Country: Russia
Population: 34 million
Area: 13,100,000 km²
Currency: Russian ruble
Language: Russian
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
Who is this ski touring trip suitable for?
This trip is ideal for experienced ski tourers who feel comfortable in remote terrain and fancy a special week in Siberia. You should be confident on touring skis and happy with simple conditions in a rustic mountain hut.
How comfortable is the accommodation in the Mamay Valley?
We stay in a simple, rustic hut in the Mamay Valley. That is a big part of what makes this trip so special: plenty of atmosphere, short approaches to the tours, and in the evening the traditional Banja instead of hotel comfort.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You will receive the detailed packing list with your confirmation email. Most important are your ski touring equipment and warm winter clothing. Missing equipment can be hired from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
