Central Asia’s Flagship Ski Destination near Almaty
Shymbulak – also known as Chimbulak – is the largest and most modern ski resort in Central Asia. Nestled in the Ile-Alatau National Park just south of Almaty, it sits at 2,260 m in the Medeu Valley and offers spectacular views of the Tian Shan mountains. Shymbulak is renowned for its well-groomed slopes totaling 20 km in length, certified for international competitions.
The resort enjoys abundant sunshine and a reliable November-to-April snow season, thanks to snowmaking and its high altitude. Just 25–30 km from Almaty city center (about a 40-minute drive), Shymbulak is easily accessible via a modern gondola lift – one of the world’s longest – that transports visitors from the city’s Medeu ice rink to the resort base.
Ski Terrain and Slopes
With 20 km of ski runs ranging from 2,260 m up to 3,200 m elevation, Shymbulak provides a great variety for all ability levels. Approximately 4 km of gentle green runs cater to beginners, 10 km of blues and reds suit intermediate skiers, and 6 km of black runs challenge experts. The slopes are wide and professionally groomed, ideal for carving or learning at a relaxed pace.
Advanced skiers and snowboarders can enjoy steep pitches on the Talgar Pass runs and abundant off-piste freeride opportunities in the surrounding backcountry. The vertical drop of about 920 m offers long downhill runs; in fact, Shymbulak’s slopes once hosted Asian Winter Games events and are acclaimed among the world’s more challenging courses.
Additionally, night skiing is offered twice a week (Thursdays and Saturdays), and notably, Shymbulak set a Guinness World Record for the highest night-skiing slope, illuminated at 3,200 m altitude. This unique nighttime experience – skiing under the stars with panoramic city lights below – is a major draw.
Facilities and Amenities
Shymbulak boasts a state-of-the-art lift system, including gondolas and chairlifts (8 lifts in total) that whisk skiers up the mountain quickly. Modern infrastructure is a point of pride – visitors will find well-equipped rental shops, multilingual ski schools (instructors available in Kazakh, Russian, English), gear repair services, and trail maps guiding them around the resort.
For those not skiing, the resort offers cafés, restaurants, and Alpine-style chalets for dining and après-ski leisure. On-mountain eateries range from casual snack bars to panoramic restaurants at Talgar Pass (including a cozy yurt café at 3,200 m for an authentic touch.
In Almaty city below, numerous hotels and guesthouses cater to Shymbulak visitors, but the resort itself also has lodging options at the base and mid-mountain, allowing ski-in/ski-out convenience. Apres-ski at Shymbulak is lively – one can relax with a drink on sunny terraces or enjoy live music and entertainment, capitalizing on the social atmosphere and mild winter climate.
The combination of mountain adventure by day and cosmopolitan Almaty nightlife by evening gives Shymbulak a special appeal.
How to get in Shymbulak?
Reaching Shymbulak is straightforward. Most visitors arrive via Almaty International Airport (ALA), then travel about 36 km by road (approximately 1 hour) to the base of the resort. From Almaty’s city center, it’s roughly 25–30 km – a 30-minute taxi or the public bus #12 which goes to the Medeu gondola station.
The journey is part of the adventure: the cable car from Medeu spans 4.5 km up the gorge, providing breathtaking views of snowy peaks and the city sprawling on the plains behind. Shymbulak’s close proximity to Almaty means you can feasibly stay in the city and ski by day, or stay on-site for a full mountain immersion.
Unique Features
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Shymbulak offers extras like freeride zones, snow parks with jumps and rails, paragliding and heli-ski tours for thrill-seekers. Non-skiing visitors can enjoy the scenic gondola ride, go ice skating at the legendary Medeu rink just below (the world’s highest Olympic-sized ice rink), or even take winter hikes in the surrounding trails.
The resort’s climate is relatively mild (average winter daytime around -7°C) with many sunny days, making outdoor activities pleasant. With its combination of world-class facilities, diverse terrain, reliable snow, and stunning alpine scenery, it’s no surprise Shymbulak is the must-visit ski area in Kazakhstan, attracting increasing numbers of international skiers.
Why Visit Shymbulak?
If you seek a ski destination that rivals European resorts at a fraction of the cost, Shymbulak delivers. It perfectly blends Central Asian mountain charm with modern convenience. The resort’s long runs and comfortable lifts are ideal for full days of exploration on skis, while the vibrant atmosphere (especially on weekends and holidays) makes it a fun social scene.
Whether you’re a beginner (who can benefit from gentle slopes and affordable lessons) or an expert (eager to tackle steep descents and off-piste bowls), Shymbulak has something for everyone. Plus, the easy access from a major city means you can enjoy cultural tours and culinary delights in Almaty alongside your ski adventure.
In summary, Shymbulak’s natural beauty, high-altitude powder, lively après-ski, and Central Asian hospitality create an unforgettable ski holiday.
Shymbulak Key Facts
- Distance from Airport: ~36 km from Almaty International Airport (ALA), about a 40-minute drive. (Only ~25–30 km from Almaty city center, with shuttle buses and gondola access available.)
- Total Ski Slope Length: 20 km of marked trails (green, blue, red, black) spread across the mountain. Vertical drop ~900 m (2,260 m base to 3,160 m top).
- Number of Lifts: 8 lifts (gondola + chairlifts) with capacity ~8,790 persons/hour, including a 4.5 km gondola from Medeu.
- Ski Pass Cost: Approximately 17,500 KZT (≈$35) for a full-day adult pass on weekends (09:00–17:00). Weekday and half-day passes are cheaper (e.g. ~13,000–14,000 KZT for morning or afternoon sessions). A special “Beginner” area ticket is available for ~6,500 KZT. Night-skiing pass ~10,500 KZT (19:00–23:30).
- Accommodation: On-site hotels and chalets at the resort; numerous hotels in Almaty city. Prices range from budget guesthouses to upscale hotels (Almaty city offers 3–5 star accommodations).
- Other Amenities: Ski and snowboard school (multi-lingual instructors), equipment rentals, locker storage, restaurants, cafés, bars, medical center, snowpark for freestyle, and activities like tubing and ice skating at nearby Medeu rink.
- Notable: Hosted events for 2011 Asian Winter Games and 2017 Winter Universiade. Holds the record for highest night skiing slope at 3,200 m. Known for its stunning panoramic views of Almaty from the slopes and a long ski season (often November through May).