Maxim Popov

Had a snack in a beautiful place and tested new skis today. Hard to say what was better! Definitely feels like time to go higher for colder snow.

Back on last travel of @your_next_memory in Altai (Kazakhstan) 🇰🇿 with @tombaudd , again partner in crime 🤣 Such perfect journey even if snow conditions were not so good. But finally in each travel, it’s with whom we were and for this, the teams on spot were incredible !! Mix of French-Austrian-Swiss people with very good vibes. We shared more than a location, we created very pleasant memories !! 💥💥 The camp is still so pleasant with all comfort (compartmentalized yurts, super tasty meals, sauna, etc...) All groups are managed by very good guide as my friend @wake_up_max Thanks to all the team there for everything !!!! We shared very good time with @puremountainguiding and Michael, cool and funny Austrian people. What a meeting !!! Hope to see you soon dudes !!! Don’t miss your turn to join us for next experience there, in winter 2026 or for the beginning of 2027 season !!! 🙌🙌 #kazakhstan #altaimountains #kazakhstan🇰🇿

Sunset from Uchitel Peak in Ala-Archa, Kyrgyzstan. Totally worth a night at 4,500 m, don’t you think? #alaarcha #centralasia #visitkyrgyzstan #mountainsunset #adventuretravels #centralasiaguide #silkroadguiding

Even though it’s spring on the calendar, winter is still very much alive here in Almaty. Our guide @wake_up_max and his guests found it high in the mountains of the Small Almaty Valley. They spent four days in a hut at 3,500 meters above sea level, next to the Tuyuk Su glacier, enjoying soft, fluffy snow, majestic peaks, and stunning views. Now the group has moved to a new location for the next two days — staying in a yurt at Talgar Pass and exploring the Bogdanovich glacier and all it has to offer. In the meantime, take a look at the photos and soak in the views! #skitouring #skitouringkazakhstan #silkroadguiding #skitourguide #explorekazakhstan

Morning powder chase to kick off the day! #Freeride #freerideskiingkazakhstan #powderskiing #skiing

Summer vibes in Kokshal Too! Just look at this stunning drone shot capturing the majestic mountains based on the boarder of China and Kyrgyzstan. Exploring this incredible landscape was an adventure of a lifetime. Every corner revealed breathtaking views and unforgettable moments. Can’t wait to share more from this epic trip! В Июле ездил в Кокшал Тоо вместе с @g.chshukin , @evgenii_murin и @ryzhiyden . Как-нибудь расскажу и покажу чем мы там занимались, а пока посмотрите на панораму района. Снял на дрон в один из последних дней. @jasa.universe.kz @jasa_universe #KokshalToo #SummerAdventure #DroneViews #NatureEscape #Wanderlust

In February 2023 Max Popov suggested we do Amangeldy—Manshuk Mametova traverse for the first time. After that, each of us went about our own lives, but the idea remained in the back of our minds. To be honest, I didn't believe I could do it back then. But now, I'm stronger, and it's a warm, pleasant summer instead of a chilling winter in the mountains. Finally, after a year and a half, everything came together, and we decided to give it a go. The route is a traverse of five peaks: Amangeldy, Pioneer, Uchitel, Geroev Panfilovtsev, and Manshuk Mametova—around 2.5 km of rocky ridges. The way down was easy and obvious: we had to go over the Antikaynen peak, descend to WWII pass and further down to the valley by nice and comfy slopes mostly consisting of loose rocks and more loose rocks. We woke up at 2:00 am, started at 3:11 am, and returned to camp at 7:30 pm. The route itself took us 7 hours and 23 minutes, while the approach and descent took 9 hours and 10 minutes. Most of the way we didn’t even bother to rope up and just free soloed it. 1. Selfie from Manshuk Mametova summit. 2. Route overview. 3–10. Photos from the route. Photos with me from @wake_up_max #climbing #climbinglife #mountains #mountaineering #alpineclimbing

Вернулись из Западного Кокшаал-Тоо. Как часто бывает, без каких-то существенных альпинистских достижений. На видео @wake_up_max лезет один из участков нашего неудавшегося первопрохода на Верный. Ниже на станции стоит @evgenii_murin , а где-то на леднике сидит в палатке @ryzhiyden Через час после этого видео нас полоскало спиндрифитами, как в стиральной машине, а еще через пару мы активно делали проушины в направлении ледника. Экспедиция все равно была успешной. Мы лазали интересное, ели вкусное и много шутили. Жаль только уехали сильно раньше времени из-за ну совсем неприлично плохого прогноза. Придется опять вернуться туда и долезать запланированное. #climbing #iceclimbing #alpinism #liveclimbrepeat #iceclimbingimages #iceclimb

In the middle of April I drove to Arabel plateau(Kyrgyzstan) and back. Did some guiding in between. There is a lot to say about terrain and objectives above 4000m, but the people truly did make this one a special one. Great ski season ender! В этом году довольно рано закончил лыжный сезон недельной программой на плато Арабель, что в Кыргызстане. @misha.danichkin , спасибо, что позвал! Было здорово. #backcountrykyrgyzstan #backcountry #skitourkyrgyzstan #skitourkazakhstan #skiguidecentralasia

Another photo dump from AST 1-2 courses which took place on Shymbulak, Kazakhstan. Week full of insights, different perspectives on routine processes and even some skiing! Thanks to @mintgreg and the team!

Photo dump from my recent trip to Suusamir valley. Finished last year of ski guiding courses in KMGA. Everything went smoothly. Powder snow in Kyrgyzstan is good as always! Thanks to everyone.

In the office today #skitouralmaty #freeridekazakhstan #freeridealmaty #skitourcentralasia #earnyourturns