Kazakhstan ski resorts

Skiing resorts in Kazakhstan

The vast land of Kazakstan stretches for thousands of kilometers, from the Volga steppes to the Mongolian border and from the Central Asian deserts to the Siberian taiga with diverse landscapes offers various activities. Kazakhstan holds half a dozen ski resorts located in mountainous areas in the north and south of Kazakhstan but focus mostly on the Tian Shan mountains near Almaty.

Shymbulak (Chimbulak)

Shymbulak or Chimbulak ski resort is located in the scenic gorge of Zailiysky Alatau at an altitude of 2260 m above sea level. It is above the Medeo mountain rink in the territory of the Ile-Alatau National Park not far from Almaty. Chimbulak was updated for the 7th Asian Games in February 2011 for the  slalom, supergiant slalom and downhill competitions.

The average daytime air temperature in the summer time is + 20C and in winter -7C. The average yearly thickness of the snow cover is up to 150 cm, the number of sunny days per year is up to 90%. The snow cover is usual from November to May. The ski slopes are serviced by two twin-chairlifts, a single-chairlift and a tow rope together with a free towing lift. Since 2003, a 4-seater road came into operation, opening a new region for lovers of extreme skiing. The lifts will lift you from an altitude of 2260 m, above sea level to the Talgar Pass 3163 m above the sea level.

The total length of the ski slopes on Shymybulak is about 18 km with snow cannons installed. The resort has more than 7 catering facilities, two hotels and a sports and souvenir shop. The resort operates a ski and snowboard school and they conduct lessons in Kazakh, Russian and English.  In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can organize paragliding, heliskiing, helicopter rides, freeride training, freeride groups, hiking and climbing. In summer, you can do extreme activities such as cycling down the mountain, paragliding, hiking and climbing beautiful places with professional guides, a rope park and a trampoline complex.

Shymbylak ski base in Kazakhstan Almaty
Shymbulak skiing center near Almaty

Tabagan Ski Resort

The Tabagan winter recreation center is located 20 km east of Almaty within the Ile-Alatau National Park. 55 hectares of land Tabagan Ski resort is settled in the 1650 m above sea level. The resort operates year-round, the ski season lasts from December to March depending on the snow predictions. The resort is surrounded by a beautiful mountainous landscape and a favorable temperature.

In the winter the resort offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. While in the summer Tabagan provides an excellent base for mountaineering, riding quad-cycles and mountain bikes, family resort recreation, and organization of outdoor cultural and sports events.

Oi-Qaragai – Lesnaya Skazka

Mountain Resort Oi-Qaragai but well known as Lesnaya Skazka is an all-season resort located 30 km east of Almaty in the foothills of the Tien Shan. The resort has 13 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The winter sports zone is located between 1550 and 1820 meters. Settled in ​​the Ile-Alatau National Park the resort also offers a spa and wellness service along with a rope park and accommodation in the modern condition yurts.

Ak-Bulak – Talgar

Ski resort Ak-Bulak-Talgar is located on the grassy slopes and is perfect place for beginners with its long, calm, gradual descent for practice and learning. Ak Bulak also offers accommodations, Spa service as well as various recreational activities.

Other sights near Kazakh Skiing centers

Page updated 13.12.2021

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