Why Kyrgyzstan Should Be Your Next Ski Destination in 2026

When you think of world-class skiing, your mind might jump to the Alps or North America’s Rockies. But here’s the truth: the mountains of Kyrgyzstan tower higher than anything you’ll find in Europe or North America, with runs that stretch as long as those in the Alps, and they’re still almost completely untouched.

For adventurous skiers and snowboarders, 2026 is the year to look beyond the crowded slopes of traditional resorts and into the epic, powder-filled backcountry of Kyrgyzstan.

90% Mountains, Endless Terrain

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most mountainous countries on Earth, nearly 90% of its land is covered in dramatic peaks. The Tian Shan Mountains rise above 7,000 meters, making them taller than anything in the Western world. And what do those towering summits deliver? Deep, light powder that rivals Japan, but without the lift lines, price tags, or crowds.

The terrain is as wild as it is varied: vast open bowls, long couloirs, rolling alpine meadows, and valleys that seem to go on forever. Whether you’re cat-skiing, ski touring, or even accessing lines by horseback (yes, really), the options are limitless.

Yurts, Saunas, and Culture

One of the most unique parts of skiing in Kyrgyzstan is how you experience the mountains. Around the world, skiers seek out backcountry huts but in Kyrgyzstan, you’ll stay in traditional yurts, just like the nomadic Kyrgyz people have for centuries.

These yurts aren’t just cozy; many ski touring yurts come equipped with saunas, the ultimate way to unwind after a long day of ski touring.

And beyond the skiing, Kyrgyzstan offers a cultural immersion unlike anywhere else: a mix of Silk Road history, warm local hospitality, and traditions that make every trip more meaningful than just a ski holiday.

Why 2026 Is the Perfect Time

In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has begun to gain global attention but mainly as a summer hiking and trekking destination. Trails like Ala-Kul Lake and Peak Lenin Base Camp are drawing adventurers from around the world.

But in winter? It’s still largely undiscovered. That makes 2026 the perfect time to go: you’ll get to explore untouched mountains before the rest of the world catches on.

My Why: Women in the Mountains

My soul has been feeling a strong pull to ski the mountains of Kyrgyzstan this winter the same kind of pull I once felt for Whistler in Canada, Chamonix in France, and Queenstown in New Zealand. Each time, that pull has led me exactly where I needed to be. I know Kyrgyzstan will be no different.

And this time, I’m not going alone. I’m bringing a group of women with me, because while Kyrgyzstan’s mountains are extraordinary, female representation in these spaces is still lacking. In Central Asia (and across Asia more broadly), the world’s tallest peaks are climbed, skied, and traversed mostly by men. The best way to change this is by showing up, creating space, and inspiring more women, both international adventurers and local Kyrgyz women to see themselves in these mountains.

Our presence not only shifts the narrative but also supports the local economy, empowering communities and making adventure more accessible for women everywhere.

Beyond Ski Touring: Resorts, Cat Skiing, and More

For those looking to mix it up, Kyrgyzstan has ski resorts too smaller and more affordable than Europe or North America, but with epic terrain and a fraction of the crowds. Lift passes cost less than a single après drink in the Alps.

And if you’re looking for a bucket-list experience? You can go cat skiing in untouched valleys or even head into the backcountry on horseback, just as locals have traveled the mountains for generations.

Why Kyrgyzstan Should Be on Your Radar

    •    Higher peaks than North America or Europe.

    •    Powder runs as long as the Alps.

    •    90% mountains: endless terrain to explore.

    •    Affordable: ski passes, guiding, and food cost a fraction of Western prices.

    •    Unique culture: yurts, saunas, horseback travel, and nomadic traditions.

    •    Still undiscovered: visit before it becomes the next Japan.

Final Thoughts

Kyrgyzstan is more than just a ski destination, it’s a chance to experience raw adventure, deep cultural connection, and the power of women coming together in the mountains.

In 2026, the secret is still out there, waiting. And I can’t wait to answer the call of these mountains and invite others to do the same.

Want to join me? Register your interest to my Kyrgyzstan women’s ski touring trip now, Sign ups opening in October with very limited spots, don’t miss out. This is more than a trip; it’s a movement.