An Unforgettable Adventure in the Jyrgalan Mountains
Skiing in Kyrgyzstan offers a unique and challenging adventure. The destination is Jyrgalan, a remarkable place that every backcountry skier should have on their bucket list.
Reaching Jyrgalan: A Journey into the Unknown
Our journey began in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, greeted by a gray, drizzling sky. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the Soviet era, with mixed feelings about politics and the situation in Ukraine. The road to Jyrgalan took us through captivating landscapes rich with a history that bridges Asia and Europe.
Jyrgalan: A Small Town with Endless Possibilities
In Jyrgalan, we settled into the Alakol-Jyrgalan Guest House, surrounded by the complex but comforting aromas of coal stoves, roasted garlic, and livestock. This small former mining town, once home to about 1,000 residents, offers stunning natural beauty and perfect skiing terrain. The local people are friendly, and the natural scenery is breathtaking.
The Skiing Experience: From Challenges to Pristine Beauty
Our first day of skiing offered perfect conditions, with heavy snowfall from dawn till dusk. Skiing here demands high skills and a deep understanding of local conditions. Our guide, Andrey Erokhin, an IMFGA-certified instructor, was meticulous in ensuring our safety and delivering an exceptional experience.
Exploration and Adventure
Discovering the Valleys and Slopes
Jyrgalan offers limitless skiing opportunities, from gentle slopes to steep technical descents. On our first day, we visited an area called “The Spider,” a series of steep parallel drainages. Despite tearing my ACL, the beauty and thrill of the place made it worth every moment of pain.
Skiing on Horseback
Adding a unique twist to our adventure, we used horses to reach remote skiing areas. Despite my knee injury, this horseback journey was an unforgettable experience.
Finding New Lines
Exploring new slopes requires effort and adventure. My favorite run was in an area known as “Austrian Kiss,” where the skiing was so fantastic that it could bring about a euphoric embrace. The valley mainly opens up through ski touring, covering over 40 miles in a week. For those looking for assistance, a few snowmobiles and two snowcats are available for hire.
Local Culture and Hospitality
Traditional Cuisine
Jyrgalan lacks traditional restaurants, but we enjoyed incredible meals at our guest house. Our chef, Nurgul, prepared delicious local dishes, from buckwheat porridge and homemade cakes for breakfast to traditional soups and mains for dinner. There was no need for the emergency Clif Bars we packed.
Immersing in Local Traditions
One day, Nurgul prepared a traditional Kyrgyz feast in a clay oven, offering some of the best lamb I’ve ever tasted, accompanied by shots of Kyrgyz whiskey and local lager, Arpa. This remote trip is not for the faint-hearted, but the seclusion, unlimited skiing, and unbeatable cultural experience make it the perfect backcountry ski trip.
Conclusion
Skiing in Kyrgyzstan’s Jyrgalan Valley is an unparalleled adventure. The combination of pristine slopes, unique cultural experiences, and the sheer beauty of the Tian Shan mountain range makes it a must-visit for any serious skier. Despite the challenges, the rewards of this remote and breathtaking location are well worth the journey.
Source: https://www.skimag.com/adventure/why-skiing-in-kyrgyzstan-is-bucket-list-worthy/
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/

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