Unfortunately due to the current political instability in Pakistan we have decided to cancel the 2008 Pakistan Ski-Mountaineering Tour.

Ptor Spricenieks, ranked by Powder mag (Dec 2006) as one of the most influential skiers of the past 35 years, and Backcountry Snow Tours have teamed up to provide a one off 24-day safari in May 2008 with Ptor as your guide.

Originating in Islamabad. After arrival and preparation, private jeeps will take us up the Karakoram Highway to the village of Bunar Jal, lurking beneath the legendary Nanga Parbat. 2 days trek up a spectacular canyon will take us by the unique permacultural villages of the Shina people and into remote untouched valleys where only a few trekkers and Ptor have ever ventured. Either with experienced porters or helicopter assistance we can establish basecamps in 2 different valleys that offer advanced and expert virgin ski-mountaineering itineraries. Fabulous couloirs and interesting high cols await the enthusiast who will be “styled out” in basecamp by Ptor's Shina friends and their local foods and hospitality.  Logistics will be provided by Liver Khan, a local resident and his expedition outfit Nanga Parbat Adventures (also Reinhold Messner’s preferred agents in Pakistan).

From Ptor's own experiences on a ski expedition to the Diamer face of Nanga Parbat in 1995 and his recent solo expedition to neighboring Gashot Peak in June of 2006, he has come to know these incredible mountains and people.

May will provide the best conditions and enough snow lingering down to 4000m and below to provide long runs while still being able to access these valleys. The temperatures at this time can vary greatly and the snow can range from spring corn to winter powder depending on the particular year. Ptor and Backcountry Snow Tours is sure that it will delight any lover of culture, adventure and ski-mountaineering.

Location: the neighbourhood of Nanga Parbat, Pakistan
Duration: 24 days
Dates: April 30th-May 23rd 2008
Cost: $AUS4800 (A discount applies if you book with 3 friends!)
Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad, high alpine camp in mountains (tents)
Guide to client ratio: 6:1 (max)
Includes:

• Guide
• Airport transfers to and from Islamabad airport
• 3 nights accommodation in Islamabad
• 3 nights accommodation in Bunar Jal
• 2 nights accommodation in Garol
• 15 nights in camp
• 14 days guided skiing
• 4wd transport to trail head
• All necessary porters
• Camp cooks
• All meals in camp
• Dinners and breakfasts in Islamabad and on the road
• Tent hire

Equipment required: Alpine touring bindings/telemark skis/split snowboard, skins, a minimum of a 29 Liter day-backpack (up to 35 Lt is ideal) to carry all your gear. A 457 Khz avalanche transceiver, avalanche snow shovel, probe, minus rated sleeping bag, general touring equipment.
Ski ability: strong advanced -> expert backcountry skier/rider capable of controling your turns in all snow slope and weather conditions, including steep chutes up to 40-50 degrees (climbing ability is not necessary).
Fitness level: High.

# Airfares are not included in the price but can be arranged through us at a cheaper price than you can get anywhere else.

Contact us on: info@backcountysnowtours.com