PURE backcountry in Luzhba (Ski-tour program)

The first program, far away, but one of the most comfortable shelters in Luzhba, the "Snow Leopard" on the Alguu Pass. This is a variated complete "quarry" (no one around). The beautiful views of the Tegertish range is a must during a good-weather day in oder to enjoy the Podnebesnie Zubia Region.

The second program includes skiing at Luzhba station with plenty of descents. It is best suited for those who want more comfort and need to be in touch (the station has stable mobile signal and mobile data works here). The third programme will offer you skiing with some privacy, but a moderate distance from the station, it's located on the legendary "Glukhariny" shelter.

Schedule

During the day we ski. There are 2-4 climbs and descents per day and, from certain places, you can reach your accommodation by yourself, in case you want to. In the evenings we enjoy pleasures such as drying out, have dinner, exchange ideas, play games, take baths and admire the stars ...

In addition to regular evening conclusions of the day, there are no scheduled trainings or classes. The place will bring you peace and pleasure from physical activities. You will be able to meditate, embrace the nature and expand your limits. This is what we are doing.

Meeting point and transfers

Meeting point: Novokuznetsk, Narcissus hostel, the evening of the previous day before the start of the program (preliminary at 20:00). The next morning, we meet at 5:30 am in order to drive to Mezhdurechensk. We will take a gondola lift to Luzhba and be there at 9:20am ready to start the journey after settling in our shelter.

You can fly either directly to Novokuznetsk (more expensive, but faster and more comfortable), or to Novosibirsk (cheaper, but + 4/5 hours by taxi/bus to Novokuznetsk).

After skiing for 7 days, we have lunch, and take the 3:20pm gondola lift to Mezhdurechensk. From there, we go by car to the hostel in Novokuznetsk. In the evening we organise a celebrating dinner. You can depart on the next day, at any convenient to you time.

We recommend you to practice skiing before going to Luzhba. That's why we advise everyone to go to Sheregesh for 3-5 days. At the same time to test the equipment. By the way, you can go directly to Mezhdurechensk (there is no need to go to Novokuznetsk) from Gesha (by taxi 2-2.5 hours, it is necessary to be on the train in Mezhdurechensk at 7:10 am!) by train (Mezhdurechensk- Biskamja). For sure, we will meet already there and it is likely that half of the team will do the same.

Accommodation and meals

In Novokuznetsk, we will stay at the Narcissus hostel the day before skiing and the day after. You should book in advance independently!

In Luzhba we will stay in quite comfortable shelters, but we will sleep in sleeping bags on the chambers (it will remind you your tourist youth!). You will be given 3 delicious meals a day, made by a cook (he also buys products by taking into account our interests). We will take care of your stay, food, transfers on snowmobiles from the station and so on.

We will get sauna baths 2-3 times (you can do it everyday in case you want so).

Please bring your additional favourite snacks and any different specific delicious things/ your emergency kit (to your taste).

On "remote" programs (Luzhba-1,3) there is electricity only for 2-3 hours in the evenings, when the generator is turned on. The program at the station (Luzhba-2) is regularly supplied with electricity.

Requirements for participants

1. Medium and high skiing level (traditionally, we do NOT teach skiing*).

2. Mandatory experience in free ride and ski tour/ backcountry. Having tourist-climbing experience or wall climbing is a plus.

3. Dispose with equipment (see below).

* We give courses on free ride (especially backcountry freeride) and all the necessary skills for this.

We recall the key points:

- There should be a sign "extreme" with the phrase "free ride/ off-piste/ unmarked tracks". Just "mountain skiing" is not enough.

- Insurance cover 35-50 thousand euros.

- Medical transportation, also a crucial point for the insurance in case evacuation to the nearest hospital is required.

- We pay attention, if there is a separate option "evacuation by helicopter". If this option is written implicitly, it makes sense ask the insurance companies more information before buying a policy.

- Medical expenses. Include payment for operations, diagnostic examinations, medical services, first aid, medicines, fixation facilities and hospitalization. The insurance should not offer you to be treated for Compulsory Health Insurance.

- Transport costs. It's secondary, but if it's included, then you can be sure that after the treatment the insurance will cover your transfer back home.