Where
The location of the Kyrgyzstan stop is Jyrgalan, in the very east of the country. The trainings will be held in the ski resort of Karakol, 60km further west. It’s a very mountainous terrain with an abundance of snow fall. The massive Lake Issyk Kul creates a micro climate which is unique to Central Asia. The majestic lake doesn’t freeze in winter because it is fed by underwater hot springs. This phenomenon is causing an increase in precipitation in the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan. That’s exactly where you will be going. The snowy valleys of the Eastern Issyk Kul region.
When
The dates are fixed for 16 and 17 January 2025. The first day we will organize technique trainings and avalanche courses. This will be done in the ski resort of Karakol on the 16th of January. On the 17th we are moving to Jyrgalan for the Silk Road Freeride competition. Please check the full program here.
On the 18th and 19th of January we are organising the Freeride World Tour Qualifier 2* in Jyrgalan. You can find this program here.
Who
The Silk Road Freeride competition is open for all freeriders along the Silk Road. These are the people we are supporting during our events. But to keep the spirit of the Silk Road alive, registration to the event is open for a limited group of international freeriders as well. We love to exchange knowledge, ideas and equipment. So you can book your VIP Silk Road Freeride tour here. Please don’t subscribe on the Silk Road Freeride website as an international rider. Please book through Ryce Travel
Please visit the website of FWT for joining the Freeride World Tour Qualifier 2 on January 18 and 19, 2025*
Cost of Participation
Two Days Silk Road Freeride Competition Package
Cost of entry: 100 euros +accommodation
Includes: Presentation Hotel 78, technique training, avalanche training at Karakol Ski Base, competition admission, access to prizes, all lunches
Two Days Freeride World Tour Qualifier 2*
Cost of entry: 100 euros + FWT fees
Includes: snow cat drops to access venue, food & beverages and admission to the competition
WINNERS JYRGALAN 2023
MAN SKI
1 Vadim Karaulʹnyh (Kyrgyzstan)
2 Timor Gubaev (Kyrgyzstan)
3 Vasiliy Nemchenco (Kyrgyzstan)
MAN SNOW
1 Cody Scheff (Canada)
2 Patlay Evgenii (Kyrgyzstan)
3 Chyngyz Namazaliev (Kyrgyzstan)
WOMEN SKI
1 Roxy (France)
2 Kristina Melnikova (Kyrgyzstan)
3 Jana Šejko (Kyrgyzstan)
WOMEN SNOW
1 April Bright (Australia)
2 Ksenija Moskalʹčenko (Kyrgyzstan)
WINNERS JYRGALAN 2022
WINNERS JYRGALAN 2020
MEN
1 Timur Gubaev (Kyrgyzstan)
2 Aleksey Balybyn (Kyrgyzstan)
3 Vasily Nemshenko (Kyrgyzstan)
MEN (intermediate)
1 Vasily Bhazninov (Kyrgyzstan)
2 Michael Kuzmin (Kyrgyzstan)
3 Timur Jumabekov (Kyrgyzstan)
WOMEN
1 Lidia Zvoznikova (Kyrgyzstan)
2 Yuliya Polyakova (Kazakhstan)
3 Nataliya Kozyreva (Kazakhstan)
Karakol
The training day will be held in the ski resort of Karakol. The resort is situated at an altitude of 2300 meters and the top lift ascents till 3100 meters. From the panorama lift we will hike a little bit further up to reach the northeastern powder field. This will be the training venue. The ski resort has 3 chairlifts and we will arrange lunch at the bottom lift. After lunch we will organize a Snow Safety training including a beeper search. Optional shashliks in the evening at The Hut bar in Karakol
Jyrgalan
On Friday we will move to the former mining village of Jyrgalan. The village is situated at 2250 meters and it’s one of the snowiest valleys of Central Asia. We will take all the participants up by snow cat and snow mobiles. To the finish line of the competition venue. After gathering we will start with the snowboard category. After lunch the skiers can show their skills. Prize ceremony at Baitor Guesthouse at 5pm.
Transfers / Lodging
We can help you with accommodation and transfers. International Silk Road Freeriders can book our Silk Road Freeride package. Locals can contact us for accommodation or transfers from Bishkek or Almaty. There will be buses driving up and down to the ski resort of Karakol. And there will be buses shutteling between Karakol and Jyrgalan on Friday.