Ala-Too Ski Resort
The largest ski resort project in Central Asia — 3,916 hectares of Tien Shan terrain near Lake Issyk-Kul, backed by €1.2 billion in investment and planned through 2038
3,916 ha project area · 250 km of planned trails · 6 Doppelmayr cable-car lines · Phase 1 opens December 2026
About Ala-Too Ski Resort
Ala-Too is a state-backed mountain ski and year-round tourism cluster in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region, built on 3,916 hectares of Tien Shan terrain in the Ak-Suu district of eastern Kyrgyzstan. Construction began in August 2025, and the project is planned to continue in stages through 2038.
The Largest Ski Resort Project in Central Asia
Described in both Kyrgyz and international reporting as the largest ski resort project in Central Asia, Ala-Too spans 3,916 hectares in the heart of the Tien Shan range. The estimated total investment is €1.2 billion, making it one of the most significant tourism infrastructure commitments in the region’s history. The name “Ala-Too” comes from the Kyrgyz and Turkic term for the colourful, snow-streaked mountains that define the landscape.
Three Phases, One Vision
Rather than a single opening, Ala-Too is being developed as a multi-phase resort. Phase 1 is Jyrgalan — the first to open, with 46 km of planned ski trails. Phase 2 is Ak-Bulak, followed by Phase 3 at Boz-Uchuk. Each phase adds new lifts, trails, and infrastructure, building toward a full resort that will eventually offer around 250 kilometres of ski slopes.
Beyond Winter — A Year-Round Cluster
Ala-Too is designed as an all-season destination, not only a winter ski resort. The project concept includes hotels, restaurants, a traditional ethno-village, ropeways, and hiking trails — broader mountain tourism infrastructure intended to operate year-round. The resort aims to offer up to seven months of skiing per year, with summer activities filling the remainder. Nearby Karakol, the gateway to the Issyk-Kul region, already serves as a base for travellers exploring the area. For more on the country’s ski destinations, see our guide to skiing in Kyrgyzstan.
The Three Areas of Ala-Too
Ala-Too is built across three distinct areas in the Ak-Suu district, each developed as a separate phase. Together, they will form a resort with around 250 km of ski trails at full build-out.
Jyrgalan
The first phase and the only area with concrete construction progress. Two cable cars — B-1 at 1,727 m and B-2 at 2,296 m — were technically launched by July 2026. Four additional lines are contracted with Doppelmayr, expected by end of 2026. Once operating, Jyrgalan will offer 46 km of ski trails served by over 8 km of cable-car lines.
- Trails46 km planned
- Cable cars6 (B-1, B-2 + 4)
- Top station2,296 m (B-2)
- StatusUnder construction
Ak-Bulak
The second phase of the Ala-Too cluster. Detailed specifications for Ak-Bulak have not yet been published, but it will expand the resort's trail network and add further lift infrastructure as development progresses beyond the Jyrgalan opening.
- TrailsTBC
- Cable carsTBC
- StatusPlanned
Boz-Uchuk
The third and final phase. A road paving project between Boz-Uchuk and Jyrgalan is already underway, connecting the two areas. At full build-out across all three phases, the resort is expected to offer 250–260 km of ski slopes.
- TrailsTBC
- Road linkPaving underway
- StatusPlanned
2026/2027 Season — What to Expect
Ala-Too is not a finished resort. When Phase 1 opens in December 2026, it will be a partial launch — core ski infrastructure first, with broader hospitality services following in later stages. If you're considering a visit for the inaugural season, here's what is confirmed and what is not.
Cable Cars Already Running
By July 2026, two cable cars had already been technically launched at Jyrgalan. B-1 serves the lower section at 1,727 m, and B-2 reaches 2,296 m. Four additional Doppelmayr lines are under contract and expected by the end of 2026, bringing the total to over 8 km of cable-car lines.
- Cable cars (B-1, B-2 + 4 additional)
- Ski runs
- Equipment hire points
- Administrative buildings
- Car park facilities
- Bookable accommodation
- Fully operational ski rental
- Full hospitality services
- Restaurant operations
The partial launch prioritises core ski infrastructure. Broader hospitality services are expected to follow as development continues through subsequent phases.
Infrastructure and Investment
Ala-Too is an active construction site, not a finished resort. Here's what's been built, contracted, and planned so far.
Austria's Doppelmayr has signed contracts for six cable-car lines at Jyrgalan — two under an earlier contract and four additional lines added later. A modern cableway was reported as completed by April 2026. Once Phase 1 is operating, the total length of cable-car lines is expected to exceed 8 kilometres.
Master planning is supported by Input Projektentwicklungs GmbH, a subsidiary of the Doppelmayr Group.
- Cable-car lines6 total
- Total length8+ km
- First cablewayCompleted Apr 2026
A road paving project between Bozuchuk and Jyrgalan is underway, connecting the Phase 1 and Phase 3 areas. An electrification effort for the project is also in progress.
The full infrastructure build includes roads, power lines, water systems, and wastewater systems — the foundational utilities needed before hospitality facilities can be constructed.
- Road Bozuchuk–JyrgalanPaving underway
- ElectrificationUnderway
- Water/wastewaterPlanned
39 land plots have been sold through auction across three stages. The plots are designated for hotels, apartments, restaurants, and related tourism infrastructure.
Auction winners are expected to build the facilities and put them into operation within two years. The state is issuing the permits needed for the project.
- Plots sold39
- Auction stages3
- Build deadline2 years
A ski operations consulting contract was signed with SkiMIS, covering slopes, lifts, snowmaking, snow removal, avalanche safety monitoring, ski school, and access-control systems.
Staff have been recruited and trained, including practical training at the Manzherok resort in Altai. The company has worked with ski-industry organizations and universities on workforce preparation.
- ConsultingSkiMIS
- Training siteManzherok, Altai
- PartnersUniversities
Planned through 2038 in stages. Local villages are expected to benefit from infrastructure improvements including kindergartens, social facilities, and utility networks.
The Full Vision — 2026 to 2038
Ala-Too is not a single opening but a staged development planned through 2038. What opens in December 2026 is Phase 1 only — the full resort will take over a decade to complete, built in phases across Jyrgalan, Ak-Bulak, and Boz-Uchuk.
250 Kilometres of Ski Trails
At full build-out, the wider resort is expected to offer about 250 kilometres of ski trails according to official descriptions, with other reporting giving a broader long-term figure of up to 260 kilometres. For context, that would place Ala-Too among the largest ski domains in the world — comparable to major European resorts. The cable-car network is planned to exceed 8 kilometres of lines once Phase 1 is operating, with further expansion in later phases.
A Year-Round Tourism Cluster
The project is designed as an all-season destination, not only a winter ski resort. The concept includes hotels, restaurants, a traditional ethno-village, ropeways, hiking trails, and broader mountain tourism infrastructure. The resort is intended to operate for up to seven months of skiing per year, with summer mountain tourism filling the remainder.
Jobs and Economic Impact
The fully completed project is expected to create between 5,000 and 7,000 jobs, depending on the estimate. Official statements on annual visitor targets vary significantly — from 850,000 to 4 million tourists per year. With a total investment of €1.2 billion, the project is presented by authorities as a way to strengthen winter tourism and broaden Kyrgyzstan's tourism economy. For more on investment opportunities in the region, see our page on investing in Central Asian ski resorts.
How to Get There
By Air
The nearest international airport is Manas International Airport (FRU) in Bishkek, approximately 400 km from Jyrgalan. During the summer season, Tamchi airport on the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul also handles flights, cutting the drive significantly.
By Road from Bishkek
From Bishkek, the route follows the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul to Karakol, then continues east to the Jyrgalan valley. The full drive is roughly 400 km and takes 5–6 hours depending on road conditions. A road paving project between Bozuchuk and Jyrgalan is currently underway, improving access to the Phase 1 area.
From Karakol
Karakol, the gateway town to the Issyk-Kul region, is approximately 60 km from Jyrgalan. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Karakol offers accommodation, restaurants, and transport connections for visitors heading to the Ala-Too site. For more on the region's ski destinations, see our guide to Skiing in Kyrgyzstan.
GPS: 42.6213°N, 78.9902°E — View on OpenStreetMap →
Mega Resorts of Central Asia
Ala-Too is one of three large-scale ski resort projects transforming Central Asia into a winter tourism destination. Here's how they compare.
Ala-Too Resort
A state-backed €1.2 billion project spanning 3,916 hectares near Lake Issyk-Kul. 250 km of planned trails across three phases (Jyrgalan, Ak-Bulak, Boz-Uchuk), with six Doppelmayr cable-car lines. Full build-out planned through 2038.
Explore Ala-Too →Almaty SuperSki
A $1 billion mega-resort project near Almaty. One of the largest ski infrastructure investments in Central Asia, aimed at positioning Kazakhstan as a major winter tourism destination.
Explore Almaty SuperSki →Amirsoy
Amirsoy Mountain Resort in Uzbekistan is undergoing major expansion as part of the country's broader tourism boom. Already operational with existing lifts and trails, with significant new development planned.
Explore Amirsoy →Latest Articles
- Ala-Too Resort Investment: First Lifts Running, Land Auctions Complete, and What’s Next
Kyrgyzstan’s flagship Ala-Too mountain resort has entered a new phase with its first cableways in technical operation, hotel land auctions completed, and major international investors taking notice. On July 3, ... Read the full article → - Almaty SuperSki Construction Begins: Kazakhstan’s Biggest Ski Resort Takes Shape
A unified cable car hub, 11 new lifts, Shymbulak integration, and billions in investment are transforming Almaty’s mountain cluster into one of Central Asia’s most ambitious ski destinations. Imagine stepping ... Read the full article → - Kyrgyzstan Launches First Cableways at Ala-Too Ski Resort Ahead of December 2026 Opening
Kyrgyzstan Just Unveiled Two Massive Cable Cars — And Your Next Ski Adventure Is Closer Than You Think Imagine gliding up pristine mountain slopes while 250 kilometers of untouched terrain ... Read the full article →
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ala-Too ski resort open?
Phase 1 (Jyrgalan) is planned for a partial launch in December 2026. This is not a full resort opening — it covers core ski infrastructure only, with broader hospitality services following in later phases.
Is Ala-Too the largest ski resort in Central Asia?
Yes, Ala-Too is described in both Kyrgyz and international reporting as the largest ski resort project in Central Asia. The total project area is 3,916 hectares with about 250 km of planned ski trails at full build-out.
Can I book accommodation for the 2026/2027 season?
There is no public confirmation yet that fully ready-to-book accommodation will be available for the 2026/2027 season. Equipment hire points are planned for Phase 1, but fully bookable ski-rental services are also unconfirmed. The partial launch prioritises core ski infrastructure first.
How many cable cars will Ala-Too have?
The project has signed contracts with Doppelmayr for six cable-car lines at Jyrgalan. Two (B-1 and B-2) were technically launched by July 2026, with four additional lines expected by end of 2026. Total cable-car length will exceed 8 km.
Where is Ala-Too located?
Ala-Too is located in the Ak-Suu district of eastern Kyrgyzstan, near Lake Issyk-Kul. The nearest gateway town is Karakol, approximately 60 km from the Jyrgalan area.
What are the three phases of Ala-Too?
The resort is developed in three phases: Phase 1 is Jyrgalan (opening December 2026), Phase 2 is Ak-Bulak, and Phase 3 is Boz-Uchuk. A road paving project connecting Boz-Uchuk and Jyrgalan is already underway.
How much is the Ala-Too project investment?
The estimated total investment is approximately €1.2 billion. The project is state-backed and planned to continue in stages through 2038.
When will the full resort be complete?
According to government planning, the full resort is expected to be developed in stages through 2038. The project is being built as a multi-phase resort, not a single finished project.
Stay Updated on Ala-Too's Progress
Ala-Too is the largest ski resort project in Central Asia — €1.2 billion in investment, 250 km of planned trails, and a first phase opening in December 2026. We'll keep tracking construction progress, cable-car launches, and phase openings as they happen.
3,916 ha · 6 Doppelmayr cable-car lines · 3 phases through 2038 · Ak-Suu district, Issyk-Kul