Discover the Snowy Slopes and Cozy Chalets at Kazakhstan’s Best Ski Resorts
Uncover the snowy slopes and cozy chalets at the best ski resorts in Kazakhstan for an unforgettable winter getaway. Kazakhstan’s ski resorts captivate visitors with their stunning mountains and snowy landscapes, offering perfect conditions for a winter vacation. From beginner-friendly trails to extreme descents for pros, Kazakhstan’s ski resorts cater to everyone. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or relaxing with spa treatments and local cuisine, there’s something for all. We’ve rounded up the top destinations for your winter escape, complete with features and prices to help you plan a memorable trip. Learn more about winter tourism in Kazakhstan.
Shymbulak: The Legend of Kazakhstan Skiing
Located 25 km from Almaty in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, Shymbulak is Kazakhstan’s most renowned ski resort, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. At an elevation of 2,260–3,200 meters, it boasts incredible views and diverse trails. You can reach it in 20 minutes via cable car from Medeu.
The resort features 15 trails spanning 20 km, from easy runs for beginners to challenging FIS-certified descents for experts. Freeriders will love the untouched powder, while snowboarders and fatbikers have dedicated zones. Beginners can enjoy learning slopes with experienced instructors (lessons bookable online, starting at 10,000 KZT for kids and 15,000 KZT for adults).
The infrastructure includes hotels and chalets near the slopes, restaurants serving local and European cuisine, equipment rentals, and medical stations. The season runs from November to April, with lifts operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some until 3:30–4:30 PM). Night skiing is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. A daily ski pass costs 10,000–15,000 KZT, and equipment rental starts at 10,000 KZT. Discounts are available for children, students, and seniors.
Highlights
- Convenient location near Almaty.
- Panoramic views of the Zailiysky Alatau.
- Trails for all skill levels.
- Modern lifts and vibrant events like festivals and concerts.
- Guinness World Record holder.
Oi-Qaragai: Family Comfort in the Forest
Oi-Qaragai (formerly “Lesnaya Skazka”) is located 40 km from Almaty in the Oi-Karagai Gorge, at 1,500 meters above sea level. Spanning 110 hectares and surrounded by forests, this resort is ideal for family vacations. You can get there by car or shuttle.
The resort offers 5 trails totaling over 5 km: green runs for beginners, and blue and red trails for more experienced skiers. The freeride area is small but complemented by activities like tubing, ice slides, winter trekking, and a rope park. The infrastructure includes treehouse eco-lodges, glamping sites, hotels, restaurants with national and international cuisine, saunas, a spa, and sports gear shops.
The season runs from November to March. Ski passes vary: morning passes on weekends cost 6,300 KZT for adults and 2,800 KZT for children, youth, and seniors; on weekdays, they’re 4,900 KZT and 1,400 KZT, respectively. A full-day pass is 8,400 KZT on weekends and 6,300 KZT on weekdays. Night skiing (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) costs 5,900 KZT. Lessons start at 15,000 KZT.
Highlights
- Eco-friendly setting amidst forests.
- Just 40 minutes from Almaty.
- Family-friendly activities like tubing and a winter park.
- Unique eco-lodges and food festivals.
Ak Bulak: High-Altitude Comfort
Ak Bulak, located 35 km from Almaty in the Talgar District at 1,600–2,660 meters, is known for its well-groomed trails and stunning Tian Shan views. The resort offers over 10 trails spanning 10 km, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, a freeride zone called “Dombra,” and sledding tracks. Trails are maintained by snow groomers, and snowboarders have dedicated areas.
The infrastructure includes a hotel complex with various room types, restaurants serving Kazakh and European dishes, a spa center, equipment rentals, and conference rooms for corporate events. The season runs from December to March, with lifts operating from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (some until 4:00–4:30 PM). Ski passes cost 4,400–5,800 KZT for a morning pass and 5,800–8,000 KZT for a full day. Lessons with instructors start at 7,000 KZT (group or individual).
Highlights
- Perfectly groomed trails.
- Ideal for both active adventures and relaxation.
- Regular competitions and festive events.
- Breathtaking Tian Shan scenery.
Altai Alps: Eastern Gem
Altai Alps, located 25 km from Ust-Kamenogorsk at the foot of the Altai Mountains (600–1,200 meters), offers 12 trails totaling 15 km, from green and blue runs for beginners to red and black FIS-certified trails for pros. The resort also features freeride zones, a snowboard park, and tubing tracks.
The infrastructure includes slope-side chalets and hotels, restaurants with national and European cuisine, equipment rentals, and shops for gear and souvenirs. The season runs from November to March, with lifts operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ski passes cost 11,000 KZT for a full day, 4,000 KZT for a morning pass, and 12,000 KZT for night skiing. Lessons start at 5,000 KZT.
Highlights
- Stunning Altai views.
- Trails for all levels.
- Proximity to Ust-Kamenogorsk.
- Activities like tubing and snowboarding.
Tabagan: Affordable Getaway Near Almaty
Tabagan, located 17 km from Almaty in the Shybynsai Gorge (1,650 meters), is a great choice for short trips. The resort offers 8 trails totaling 37 km: 9 km of blue, 7 km of red, 6 km of black, and 15 km of cross-country trails. Freeride, slalom, and sledding zones are available, with three lifts (a chairlift and two drag lifts).
The infrastructure includes hotels, restaurants serving local cuisine, a spa, rentals, and a medical station. The season runs from November to March, with lifts operating from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A daily ski pass starts at 5,000 KZT, and equipment rental begins at 3,000 KZT. Family packages and discounts for kids and students are available.
Highlights
- Just 30 minutes from Almaty.
- Budget-friendly prices.
- Family-friendly entertainment.
- Great for skiers and snowboarders.
Borovoe: Kazakhstan’s Switzerland
Borovoe, located 250 km from Astana in the Shchuchinsk-Borovoe Resort Zone, is dubbed “Kazakhstan’s Switzerland” thanks to its lakes, mountains, and forests. While not a high-altitude resort, it offers cross-country ski trails, skating on frozen lakes, tubing, and ice skating. Nearby is the Nurtau base (details on the Shchuchinsk website).
Guests can enjoy hotels and resorts by Lake Burabay, restaurants, equipment rentals, and the Aiaz Ata residence. The season runs from November to March. Ski and tubing rentals are available at reasonable prices, and ice skating is a popular family activity.
Highlights
- Scenic Shchuchinsk-Borovoe landscapes.
- Convenient for Astana residents.
- Diverse winter activities like skiing and skating.
- National park atmosphere.
Tau Samaly: Southern Charm
Tau Samaly, 25 km from Shymkent in Turkestan Region (1,200 meters), is a cozy family resort. It features several trails totaling 3 km of medium difficulty, plus tubing and snowmobiling. There’s no freeride area, but the trails are well-maintained for comfortable skiing.
The infrastructure includes hotels, cottages of various sizes, cafes, and equipment rentals. The season runs from December to March, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additional events are held on weekends. Ski passes cost 3,000–5,000 KZT, and rentals start at 3,000 KZT.
- Highlights
- Mild southern climate.
- Affordable prices and short queues.
- Family-friendly environment.
- Cozy setting for a relaxing getaway.
Nurtau: Simplicity and Beauty of Eastern Kazakhstan
Nurtau, located 35 km from Ust-Kamenogorsk (700–1,200 meters), offers 6 trails spanning 8 km, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs with sharp turns. Small freeride zones are available, making the resort suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The infrastructure includes a hotel, restaurants, equipment rentals, and parking. The season runs from November to March, with lifts operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ski passes cost 4,000–7,000 KZT, rentals start at 2,500 KZT, and lessons with instructors begin at 4,000 KZT.
Highlights
- Picturesque Eastern Kazakhstan mountains.
- Budget-friendly prices.
- Proximity to Ust-Kamenogorsk.
- Activities like tubing and scenic walks.
Medeu: Iconic Mountain Skating Rink
Medeu, located 15 km from Almaty at 1,691 meters, isn’t a ski resort but a must-visit winter destination. This high-altitude skating rink attracts both tourists and locals. The season runs from November to April. Tickets cost 500–2,000 KZT (adults: 2,000 KZT, youth: 1,200 KZT, children: 500 KZT), with skate rentals available. You can reach Shymbulak via cable car.
Highlights
- One of the highest skating rinks in the world.
- Close to Shymbulak.
- Perfect for ice skating.
- Easy access from Almaty.
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