Orlovka Ski Resort
Kyrgyzstan’s pioneer ski base in the Tien Shan — 100 km from Bishkek, with night skiing, snowmaking, and the country’s first alpine coaster
4 Doppelmayr chairlifts · 9 trails · Night skiing Fri & Sat · 860 m rodelbahn
About Orlovka Ski Resort
Orlovka sits in the Chüy Valley of northern Kyrgyzstan, 100 km east of Bishkek on the A365 highway toward Issyk-Kul. The resort occupies a north-facing slope in the Tien Shan mountain range, surrounded by pine forest at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,800 metres.
The town of Orlovka predates the ski base by over 70 years. Founded in 1910 by settlers from Kursk, Poltava, and the North Caucasus, it grew around the Kyrgyz Mining-Metallurgical Combine during the Soviet era. The gold mine operated by Алтынкен still operates nearby today. The ski base was established in the Soviet period and has been progressively modernized — it now operates year-round, publishing announcements in both Russian and Kyrgyz.
Orlovka claims a series of firsts for Kyrgyzstan: it was the only resort in the republic with snow guns on its slopes, it installed the country’s first halfpipe, and it built the first alpine coaster — an 860-metre track reaching speeds of 70 km/h. The resort’s four Doppelmayr chairlifts, made in Austria, serve nine trails totalling roughly 10 km. The Mongolian national alpine ski team trains here, and Orlovka has hosted international ski competitions in 2018 and 2021.
Skiing & Terrain
Orlovka’s 9 marked runs cover approximately 10 km of piste on a north-facing slope surrounded by pine forest, at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,800 metres. The longest run stretches 1,800 metres with a 430-metre vertical drop. Trails range from a 150-metre nursery slope to advanced runs — there’s terrain for every skill level.
Trail Overview
| Run | Length | Vertical Drop | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,500 m | 430 m | Advanced |
| 2 | 1,700 m | 430 m | Advanced |
| 3 (longest) | 1,800 m | 430 m | Advanced |
| 4 | 1,200 m | 350 m | Intermediate |
| 5 | 1,000 m | 350 m | Intermediate |
| 6 | 1,000 m | 350 m | Intermediate |
| 7 | 1,000 m | 350 m | Intermediate |
| 8 | 500 m | 110 m | Beginner |
| 9 (nursery) | 150 m | 30 m | Beginner |
Lifts — Doppelmayr (Austria)
Snowmaking & Grooming
Night Skiing & Freestyle
Every Friday and Saturday from January through February, a 1,200-metre trail — the «Энтузиаст» (Enthusiast) run — is floodlit from 19:30 to 22:30. Night skiing also runs daily during the New Year holiday window from 29 December to 9 January.
A minimum of 10 skiers is required to open a session. The children’s trail «Малыш» is also lit at night. The season ends in late February when temperatures rise.
In 2010, Orlovka made freestyle history by installing the first halfpipe in Kyrgyzstan — a milestone for snow sports in the region. The halfpipe was active until 2013 and attracted freestyle enthusiasts from across the country.
While no longer advertised on the current site, it remains part of Orlovka’s legacy as a pioneer of Kyrgyz skiing.
Pricing
All prices below are from the official Orlovka website for the 2025–2026 season, listed in Kyrgyzstan Som (KGS). A day ski-pass starts at 1,300 som, equipment rental from 700 som/day, and accommodation from 2,000 som/night. Transfer from Bishkek is free with a ski-pass on weekends.
| Full day (weekday) | 1,300 som |
| Full day (weekend/holiday) | 1,700 som |
| Half day from 13:00 (weekday) | 1,000 som |
| Half day from 13:00 (weekend) | 1,300 som |
| Night ski-pass (Fri/Sat) | 1,200 som |
| Children’s trail «Малыш» | 800 som |
| Single ride | 400 som |
| Ski-pass card (one-time) | 200 som |
Weekday skiing requires min. 5 people. Night skiing requires min. 10 people. Card deposit is non-refundable.
| Adult ski set (skis, boots, poles) | 700 som/day |
| Child ski set (skis, boots, poles) | 500 som/day |
| Snowboard | 700 som/day |
| Helmet | 200 som/day |
| Goggles | 200 som/day |
| Gloves | 200 som/day |
| Instructor per hour | 1,500 som |
| Instructor per day | 5,000 som |
| Sauna (min. 2 hours) | 3,000 som/hr |
| Fireplace/conference hall | 1,500 som/hr |
| Mangal (grill) permit | 1,000 som/day |
| Kazan (cauldron) permit | 1,000 som/day |
Accommodation (Low Season)
Dec 1–28, 2025 & Jan 12–Mar 31, 2026 · Breakfast included · Free Wi-Fi
| Room Type | Weekdays (Mon–Thu) | Weekends (Fri–Sun) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Economy (2-person) | 2,000 som | 4,000 som | Breakfast for 2 |
| Hotel №1 (2-person) | 2,200 som | 5,000 som | Breakfast for 2 |
| Hotel №2 (2-room, 2-person) | 3,000 som | 6,000 som | Breakfast for 2 |
| Cottage (3-person) | 4,500 som | 7,000 som | Breakfast for 3 |
| Private apartment (studio) | 6,000 som | 10,000 som | 2 beds + sofa + kitchen |
| Private apartment (log studio) | 8,000 som | 12,000 som | 2 rooms |
| Private apartment (2BR + living) | 10,000 som | 18,000 som | 5 beds + sofa + kitchen |
| Private mansion (2-story) | 12,000 som | 20,000 som | 3 bedrooms + kitchen |
| House | 12,000 som | 22,000 som | 5 rooms + living room |
| House Chalet (2-level) | 12,000 som | 25,000 som | 3 bedrooms + kitchen |
Extra person: 1,000 som/night (incl. breakfast) · Full board (lunch + dinner): 1,200 som/person · Peak season (Dec 29–Jan 12): higher rates apply
Transfer from Bishkek
| With ski-pass purchase | FREE |
| Overnight guests (no ski-pass) | 400 som |
| Day visitors (no ski-pass) | 300 som |
Departure Bishkek: 8:15 AM · Departure Orlovka: 5:00 PM · Comfortable bus with ski equipment luggage compartment
Plan Your Trip
The nearest airport is Manas International (FRU) in Bishkek, 100 km from the resort — about 1.5 hours by road. Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for 60 days for most Western visitors. The resort is cash-only, so bring Kyrgyzstan Som.
How to Get There
Orlovka is 100 km east of Bishkek on the A365 highway — about 1.5 hours by car on a paved road. There’s no public transport to the resort, but the free weekend shuttle and taxis make it straightforward.
Free shuttle on weekends and holidays with ski-pass purchase. Departs Bishkek 8:15 AM, returns from Orlovka 5:00 PM. Comfortable bus with ski equipment luggage compartment. Without ski-pass: 400 som (overnight guests) or 300 som (day visitors).
Take a taxi to Bishkek city centre, then take the resort shuttle or a taxi to Orlovka. Or arrange a direct taxi from the airport to the resort.
Border crossing can add 1–2 hours depending on queues. See skiing in Kazakhstan for resorts closer to Almaty.
GPS: 42.72°N, 75.58°E · Kemin District, Chüy Region · No public transport or marshrutka to the resort
Summer at Orlovka
When the snow melts, Orlovka becomes home to the first alpine coaster in Kyrgyzstan — a wheeled-sled track that has become the resort’s most popular attraction, with a single YouTube video reaching over 46,700 views.
The 860-metre track is the longest of its kind in Kyrgyzstan. Riders descend on wheeled sleds with manual brakes, reaching speeds up to 70 km/h. You choose your own pace — from a scenic glide to a full-speed rush.
Ascent to the start is by chairlift, comfortable for children. The track features banked corners and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The chairlift also operates for scenic rides — a popular option for photography and family outings, with mountain views from the top.
Group bookings for the rodelbahn are available any day by phone reservation. The summer season typically runs April to October, weekends and holidays from 10:00 to 19:00, weather permitting (closed in rain).
Nearby & Combine Your Trip
Orlovka sits on the Bishkek–Issyk-Kul highway, making it a natural stop on one of Central Asia’s most scenic routes. The Burana Tower, a UNESCO Silk Road site, is just 14 km away. Issyk-Kul Lake — the world’s second-largest alpine lake — is 57 km further east.
Attractions Near Orlovka
Other Ski Resorts in Kyrgyzstan
FAQ
When does Orlovka open?
The ski season runs from December to March. In the 2025–2026 season, opening day was January 17, 2026 — later than usual due to snow conditions.
How much is a ski pass?
A full-day ski-pass costs 1,300 som on weekdays and 1,700 som on weekends and holidays. Half-day passes from 13:00 are 1,000 som (weekday) and 1,300 som (weekend). See the full pricing table for details.
Can beginners ski at Orlovka?
Yes. The «Малыш» children’s trail is a dedicated beginner slope with its own lift, costing 800 som. There are also nursery runs (150 m and 500 m) and 9 named instructors offering lessons at 1,500 som/hour.
Is it cash only?
Yes, the resort is cash-only. Bring Kyrgyzstan Som (KGS) — ATMs are available in Bishkek and Kemin town, but not at the resort.
Do they speak English?
Staff speak Russian and Kyrgyz. English is very limited. Bring a translation app (Google Translate with the Russian offline pack) or a Russian phrasebook.
Is night skiing available?
Yes — every Friday and Saturday from 19:30 to 22:30 during January and February, on a 1,200-metre illuminated trail. Minimum 10 skiers required. Night ski-pass: 1,200 som.
How do I get there from Bishkek?
Orlovka is 100 km east of Bishkek on the A365 highway — about 1.5 hours by car. A free shuttle runs on weekends and holidays with a ski-pass purchase (departs 8:15 AM, returns 5:00 PM). Taxis cost 2,000–3,500 som one-way.
Can I stay overnight at the resort?
Yes — accommodation starts at 2,000 som/night (economy room, weekdays) with breakfast and free Wi-Fi included. Options include hotel rooms, cottages, private apartments, and a 2-level chalet. See the accommodation pricing table.
Ready to Ski Orlovka?
Ski passes from 1,300 som (~$15). Accommodation from 2,000 som/night with breakfast. Just 100 km from Bishkek with a free weekend shuttle. Visa-free for 60 days for most Western visitors.
Manas Airport (FRU) · 1.5 hours to Orlovka · 9 trails · 4 Doppelmayr chairlifts · Night skiing · 860 m rodelbahn