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RUSSIA
SIBERIA
Südtirolalpin
State-certified mountain and ski guides IFMGA
South Tyrol Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Trip duration
12 days
Russland – Skitourenreise Sibirien
On touring skis to Lake Baikal – far out in Siberia, where deepest winter, abundant snow and rustic hut life come together
12 days · Lake Baikal / Mamay Valley / Khamar-Daban Mountains
Russia – ski touring trip: a journey on touring skis to one of the most remote corners of the earth. Siberia stands for a landscape of almost unimaginable size. A land of superlatives – so it is fitting that we will be right by the largest and also deepest freshwater lake on earth: Lake Baikal, or more precisely south of it in the Mamay Valley in the Khamar-Daban Mountains.
An area where snow is guaranteed from as early as the end of November, with the finest powder. The special climatic and geographical conditions – cold temperatures combined with a lake that has not yet frozen – bring plenty of precipitation in the form of snow from late autumn onwards. Temperatures that stay constantly below freezing make sure this fine powder stays that way. Once the lake freezes later in winter, the climate becomes much drier and there is hardly any more precipitation.
HIGHLIGHTS
✧ A remote ski touring area in the Mamay Valley south of Lake Baikal
✧ Lots of snow, dry powder and wide slopes in the Khamar-Daban Mountains
✧ Rustic accommodation with its own banya in the middle of a silent winter landscape
✧ Traditional Russian cooking and genuine hospitality away from the well-known destinations
✧ A trip for anyone with a sense of adventure who wants to experience ski touring in a completely different setting
INFO
Services
Included in the price
'- All organisation, planning and every booking and reservation made in advance by the mountain guide
- Professional on-site guiding by a state-certified mountain guide
- Mountain guide's fee
- Accommodation and half board
*the final trip price depends on availability, clients' individual wishes and current market prices for accommodation
- Transfer from Irkutsk to the Mamay Valley
Additional costs for participants
'- Flight to Irkutsk
- Cost of the Russian visa
- Services outside half board and personal tips
- Touring skis, skins and ski boots can be rented from a rental shop on request
- Individual tips
* Other rental equipment available on 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
- Ascents of 600 - 1,200 vertical metres (2 to 5 hours)
- Skiing on groomed pistes should be no problem, so that you can also cope in deep Siberian powder
Documents
'- Valid passport (valid for at least six more months)
- Proof of health insurance
- Entry visa
PRICE
Participants
6 - 8 people
smaller groups or private trip guiding available on request
from 5 people with a second mountain guide
Price
Tailor-made on request
Every trip is priced individually.
The price depends on factors including destination, duration, programme, group size, date and scope of services.
You can find more information about our rates in our terms and conditions.
If you have any questions or need more information, just add them in the comments field of the enquiry form.
Before you send your request: please read the "important information" on the risks of mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
on request
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Journey to Irkutsk
Together or individually, we fly to Moscow and from there, late in the evening, on towards Lake Baikal.
Day 2: Transfer to the Mamay Valley
The overnight 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 move into a rustic mountain hut with its own "banya", the traditional Russian sauna.
Day 3-8: Ski tours in the Mamay Valley
Over the following days, from our rustic and remote hut, we ski countless powder slopes and wind down after each day's ski tour in the banya. The view of Lake Baikal keeps us company again and again as we lay our tracks in dry, exceptionally soft powder of a kind you rarely find in the Alps. Our hosts cook traditional meals for us, and we enjoy generous Russian hospitality.
Total time: approx. 5 h (guide value per day) | ↑ 600–1,200 m | ↓ 600–1,200 m
Day 9: Ski tour and return transfer
On the last day we leave the Mamay Valley on skis again. A shorter ski tour brings us back to civilisation, while our belongings are taken out by snowmobile. Then, with a detour to Lake Baikal, we head back to Irkutsk, where we spend a relaxed evening in this Russian university city.
Day 10: Flight to Moscow
We split the long journey home and first fly from Irkutsk to the Russian capital, Moscow.
Day 11: Time in Moscow
Since we are in Russia anyway, we won't miss out on 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 quite literally fly by, we have got to know a great deal about Russian culture, its generous hospitality and the endless expanses of Siberia. Now it's time to say goodbye and head home – but certainly not without plenty of vivid memories in our luggage.
Sounds good, but not quite perfect?
No problem: this programme is just one idea of how the trip could look. The length of the trip can be extended or shortened as you wish. I will gladly put together an individual programme for you or your group, tailored entirely to your ideas and wishes.
Simply send a no-obligation enquiry using the form above.
Any changes to the itinerary that may become necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation availability, etc.) are always made in consultation with the participants.
DESTINATION FACTS
Siberia
Country: Russia
Population: 34 million
Area: 13,100,000 km²
Currency: Russian rouble
Language: Russian
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Who is this ski touring trip suitable for?
The trip suits experienced ski tourers who feel at home in remote terrain and fancy a special week in Siberia. You should be confident on touring skis and enjoy 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 precisely a big part of the trip: plenty of atmosphere, short approaches to the tours and, in the evening, the traditional banya instead of hotel comfort.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You will receive the detailed packing list with your confirmation email. Above all, you need your ski touring equipment and warm winter clothing. Any missing equipment can be rented from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
MOUNTAIN AND CLIMBING TRIPS
# RUSSIA # SKI TOURING TRIP # MOUNTAIN GUIDE # SKI TOURS # SIBERIA