Firstline Georgia

Firstline is a cat-skiing and freeride travel operator offering guided powder adventures near Ridder in northeastern Kazakhstan. Working with local Kazakh partners, the company is led by German guide and travel specialist Bernd Wingert, who brings 30 years of freeride experience and emphasizes mountain safety. Its trips explore the Altai foothills, where cold Siberian weather, plentiful snowfall and dry air help preserve light powder. Guests can ski untracked terrain, including open slopes and tree runs through birch forests, across a 2,400-hectare area.

Firstline’s six-day cat-skiing package includes professional guiding, accommodation with breakfast at a four-star Select Hotel, transfers to and from Oskenen, and language assistance or interpreting. Snowcats carry small groups into the backcountry, helping reduce waiting times and allowing access to the mountain even during snowfall, when helicopter operations may be grounded. The nearby Altai Mountain Resort also offers cat-skiing, heliskiing and snowmobiling, with a mountain lodge, spa and sauna facilities, and dining that combines Siberian flavors with European cuisine. Package prices start at €2,800 per person.