Ski touring and Backcontry at Lenin peak

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Бэккантри Пик Ленина

Lenin Peak Ski & Skitouring Expedition

7,134 m | High-Altitude Ski Mountaineering Program

Season: Summer
Start / End: Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Airport: Osh (OSS)
Trip Intensity: 5/5
Price: USD 1,080 (base expedition package)
Maximum Recommended Ski Descent: Razdelnaya Peak (≈ 6,100 m) → Camp 1
Ascent Style: Supported expedition
Ski Descent: Independent, autonomous
Best for: Experienced freeriders, ski tourers, autonomous high-altitude mountaineers

👉 Main expedition page:
https://climberca.com/index.php/12-backcontry-camp-at-lenin-peak/

Concept

Skiing on a 7,000-meter peak represents one of the most demanding objectives in modern ski mountaineering. Lenin Peak (7,134 m) — often referred to as the most accessible 7000er in the world — offers a unique combination of altitude, terrain, and expedition infrastructure that makes such an ambition technically possible.

However, ski mountaineering at extreme altitude fundamentally changes the risk profile of the ascent and descent. This program is not a guided ski expedition and must not be perceived as a commercial ski descent product.

The Lenin Peak Ski & Skitouring Expedition is designed for experienced athletes who aim to:

  • climb Lenin Peak within a classic expedition framework, and

  • complete a real, controlled high-altitude ski descent within clearly defined and realistic safety limits.

The key principle of the program is a strict separation between supported mountaineering ascent and independent ski descent.

Why Lenin Peak for Ski Mountaineering

  • Wide glaciated slopes with generally stable summer snow conditions

  • Proven acclimatization line via Razdelnaya Peak

  • One of the most developed Base Camp and Camp 1 infrastructures in Central Asia

  • Logistically among the safest 7,000-meter environments in the Pamirs

  • Officially part of the Snow Leopard mountaineering program

These advantages improve logistics and acclimatization — they do not remove objective danger.

Critical Reality: Skiing Changes Everything

Carrying skis to 6,000–7,000 meters introduces:

  • additional weight (≈ 6–7 kg for proper skis and bindings),

  • reduced mobility in crevasse zones,

  • increased fatigue during ascent,

  • significantly higher exposure during descent.

As a result:

  • mountain guides do not accompany ski descents,

  • operators cannot technically control skiing activities,

  • guided responsibility cannot extend to skiing decisions,

  • group expeditions cannot integrate ski descent without affecting others.

For these reasons, classic guided ski descent from Lenin Peak is not offered.

Core Principle of the Program

Supported Ascent. Independent Descent.

Ascent is conducted within a standard expedition structure:

  • fixed camps,

  • acclimatization rotations,

  • medical and logistical support.

Ski descent is:

  • optional,

  • fully independent,

  • performed entirely at the participant’s own risk.

No guide supervises or controls the ski descent.
The operator’s responsibility is limited to expedition logistics, ascent support, and rescue coordination (insurance required).

Maximum Recommended Ski Descent: Razdelnaya Peak (≈ 6,100 m)

The upper realistic limit for ski descent is Razdelnaya Peak.

Below Razdelnaya:

  • glaciers are more open,

  • slopes allow controlled skiing,

  • descent to Camp 1 is achievable for experienced ski mountaineers.

Above Razdelnaya:

  • the route narrows at the exposed “knife-edge” ridge,

  • terrain becomes extremely serious,

  • ski descent becomes unjustifiable from a safety perspective.

Skiing from the main summit of Lenin Peak is not recommended.

This approach allows climbers to:

  • summit Lenin Peak, and

  • still complete a true high-altitude ski descent without violating reasonable safety margins.

Equipment Requirements (No Compromises)

This expedition is not compatible with lightweight or recreational ski concepts.

Mandatory ski equipment:

  • full-length alpine or touring skis,

  • rigid construction,

  • steel edges capable of holding on hard snow and ice,

  • reliable bindings suitable for high-altitude boots.

Average ski setup weight:
≈ 6–7 kg (excluding boots)

Participants must accept:

  • slower ascent pace,

  • increased complexity in crevasse terrain,

  • higher physical demand.

Who This Program Is For

Suitable for:

  • experienced freeriders with alpine background

  • ski tourers familiar with glaciated terrain

  • mountaineers with prior 6,000–7,000 m experience

  • athletes capable of autonomous decision-making at altitude

Not suitable for:

  • beginner ski tourers

  • clients expecting guided ski descent

  • standard commercial summit tourists

  • “lightweight” or entertainment-oriented ski concepts

Expedition Overview

Lenin Peak — 7,134 m

The Most Accessible 7000er in Central Asia

Lenin Peak (also known as Kaufman Peak or Avicenna Peak) is one of the most iconic mountains of the Pamirs. Its classic route via Razdelnaya Peak offers an excellent acclimatization profile and one of the highest summit success rates among 7,000-meter peaks.

Accessibility does not reduce seriousness. Proper preparation, experience, and respect for high-altitude conditions are mandatory.

Expedition Highlights

  • Comfortable Base Camp (3,600 m) and Camp 1 (4,200–4,400 m)

  • Spacious tents with wooden platforms and mattresses

  • Hot showers, dining yurts, recreation areas

  • Electricity and lighting in camps

  • Unlimited satellite internet (Starlink)

  • Professional multilingual staff (English, Russian, German)

Acclimatization climbs:

  • Peak Petrovskiy (4,830 m)

  • Peak Yukhin (5,130 m)

  • Razdelnaya Peak (6,148 m)

What’s Included

Osh

  • Airport transfers

  • Border permits and registration

  • Hotel accommodation (1 night, double, breakfast)

  • Lunch boxes during transfer to Base Camp

  • Farewell dinner (bonus)

Base Camp – 3,600 m

  • Double accommodation in spacious tents

  • Three meals per day

  • Hot showers, laundry

  • Dining hall, storage lockers

  • Electricity 220V, unlimited satellite internet

  • Route consultations, first aid, doctor support

Camp 1 – 4,200–4,400 m (up to 6 nights)

  • Double tents

  • Three meals per day

  • Electricity (18:00–22:00)

  • Route consultations and first aid

High-Altitude Support

  • Radio rental

  • Communication with Base Camp

  • Route monitoring and rescue coordination (insurance required)

Optional / Not Included

  • Personal guide: USD 2,400 (1 guide / 3 climbers)

  • Visa support

  • Single accommodation surcharge: USD 210

  • Private transfers Osh ↔ Achik-Tash

  • Program via Bishkek: USD 350

  • Meals at high-altitude camps

  • Load carrying services

  • Gas cartridges and equipment rental

Insurance Requirements

  • Minimum coverage: USD 30,000

  • Helicopter evacuation: minimum USD 20,000

  • Activity must be specified as ALPINISM

  • Insurance must fully cover expedition dates

  • Policies with GLOBAL VOYAGER assistance are not accepted

Final Statement

Ski mountaineering on Lenin Peak is possible.
Doing it responsibly requires clear limits, honest positioning, and personal accountability.

This program does not sell a fantasy.
It offers a real high-altitude ski mountaineering opportunity — for those who clearly understand what that means.

Organizer & Contacts

Supplier of services: ClimberCA International Consortium

📞 Quick reference phone: +99833 3039846 (GMT +05:00)
📲 Telegram: https://t.me/ClimberCA
📱 WhatsApp / Viber: +7966 065-53-44
📧 E-mail: your.climberca@ya.ru