Top Ski Resorts in Kazakhstan
Information about the Best Ski Resorts in Kazakhstan and the Mega Ski Resort Almaty SuperSki (Under Construction)
The Best Ski Resorts in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s rugged Tien Shan mountains offer dramatic backdrops for winter sports. The country’s ski season generally runs from late autumn through early spring (roughly November/December to March/April), with high-altitude resorts enjoying snow depths up to 1–3 meters by winter’s peak.
In recent years the ski infrastructure has modernized rapidly – all major resorts now have European-style lifts and grooming equipment – yet prices remain low (lift tickets often cost only $20–30 per day). Foreign visitors also love the warm Kazakh hospitality: families and friends gather after skiing to share hearty traditional meals like plov pilaf, manti dumplings, shashlik kebabs and sweet baursak bread, reflecting “the warm hospitality of Kazakhstan’s people”.
Why Ski in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is one of the best places in Asia to ski, and yet almost no one knows it. You get huge mountains, deep snow, and fast lifts, all without the high prices or tourist crowds you find in Europe. You feel like you found something secret.
The mountains here are part of the Tian Shan range, which is massive and wild. Peaks rise above 4,000 meters, and the snow stays cold and dry. This means long runs, fresh powder days, and views that feel unreal. At Shymbulak, the main resort near Almaty, you can ski from around 3,200 meters with wide open slopes and terrain for all levels. And if you want more, there are small local ski bases all over the country, each with their own charm and friendly vibe.
Everything is also cheap. Lift passes, ski rentals, hotels, food—it all costs far less than in Europe or North America. You can eat well, stay well, and enjoy long days on the mountain without worrying about your budget.
The people are warm and welcoming, the culture is unique, and travel is easy. You can fly into Almaty and be skiing the same day. If you want real mountains, real snow, and real value, Kazakhstan is the place to go.
How to Get to the Kazakh Ski Resorts?
To get to the ski resorts in Kazakhstan, you can fly into Almaty International Airport. It’s the main gateway to the country and has direct flights from big hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, London, Frankfurt, Seoul, Beijing and many cities in Russia and some in South-East Asia. This makes it easy to reach from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. If you come from North America, you will often need a transfer, but connections are smooth and flights run often. Once you land, you can reach the city in about 25–30 minutes by taxi.
From Almaty, you can get to ski resorts like Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai and Ak-Bulak in less than an hour. The roads are good, and taxis are cheap, so it’s simple to plan day trips or a full ski week. If you want to explore more, you can travel to Altai Alps or Ridder in the east. It’s a long trip, but you pass big open steppe, tall peaks and quiet towns, so the journey feels like part of the experience. In winter, local flights to Oskemen also help you reach the eastern ski areas faster. When you arrive, you get modern lifts, great snow and warm Kazakh hospitality.
Find the best flights to Almaty below!👇
Where to Stay on Your Winter Sport Trip in Kazakhstan?
When you plan your ski trip in Kazakhstan, you can pick from four very different places to stay. Each choice gives you its own mood, so you can match your trip to what you enjoy most. If you stay in Almaty, you get city energy, great cafés, lively nightlife, shops and fast access to Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai and Ak-Bulak. It’s ideal if you want to ski by day and enjoy the city in the evening. Prices are friendly, transport is simple, and it works well for long stays or for remote workers who want a winter home.
If you choose Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen), you get a softer, more local feel. The city is close to Altai Alps and other eastern ski areas, and it has a cozy mix of hotels, guesthouses and warm cafés. The vibe is calm, the people are welcoming, and the mountains feel close. Staying here often costs less than the bigger cities, which makes it great for longer trips or anyone looking to save a bit.
You can also stay right inside the ski resort you want to explore. This gives you a real ski-focused holiday with ski-in/ski-out access. You wake up, step outside and you’re already at the lift — no taxis, no transfers, just full days on the snow. And if you want to explore many ski areas, see more nature and enjoy a stress-free plan, you can book a guided tour. They take care of your stay and all transport. All you need to do is book your flight to Almaty and enjoy the ride.
Stay in Almaty
If you stay in Almaty, you get all the comfort of a big, modern city. You have gyms, malls, cafés, supermarkets and a wide range of places to eat. There are about 100 hotels, 982 apartments and 6 guesthouses with a high rating (8+), so you can find a good place without spending too much. From the city, you can reach three major ski resorts with 10 km or more of slopes, plus a few smaller ones for quick day trips. Shymbulak is 30 km from the city, Oi-Qaragai 40 km, and Ak-Bulak 50 km. Click on the map below and find your best place to stay!
Stay in Oskemen
If you stay in Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen), you get a calm winter-town feel with cozy cafés, nice restaurants and quick access to the mountains. The city has about 8 hotels and 49 apartments with high ratings (8+), so you can always find a comfortable place to stay. Altai Alps is only 22 km away, and you can reach it easily by taxi or a short local ride. You can also explore nearby areas for hot springs, forest walks or small mountain villages if you want a bit more adventure.
Click on the map below and find your best place to stay!
Stay at the Resort
If you stay right at the ski resort, you get that full ski-holiday feeling from the moment you open your eyes. You step outside, put on your skis and start your day — real ski-in/ski-out ease. No taxis, no waiting, no travel time. Just snow, fresh air and long, fun days on the slopes. Most Kazakh resorts offer a mix of hotels, mountain lodges and warm wooden cabins close to the lifts, so you can pick the style that suits you best. If you want to stay on the mountain, you simply choose which resort fits your trip.
Scroll down for the best ski resorts in Kazakhstan!
Book a Tour
If you book a tour, your whole ski trip becomes smooth and worry-free. The tour team handles your stay, your transport and your ski days, so you don’t need to organize anything yourself. You simply pick the tour you prefer, and everything else is done for you. It’s the easiest way to enjoy Kazakhstan without thinking about the details. All you need to do is book your flight to Almaty and arrive. If you want to explore more of the country while skiing at different resorts, a tour is the perfect choice.
Click on the tours below and find your trip!
Ski Resorts in Kazakhstan (Overview & Locations)
Map Ski Resorts Kazakhstan
The ski resorts near Almaty are very close to each other. Zoom in to see the different resorts better. You can click on the resort to see more information
List Ski Resorts
- Almaty SuperSki (Under Construction)
- Shymbulak
- Tabagan
- Oi-Qaragai
- Ak-Bulak
- Altai Alps
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Skiing Conditions and Local Culture
Kazakhstan’s high-altitude resorts benefit from a dry, continental climate. Skiing is possible from late October (in good years) through mid-April. By mid-winter, consistent snow cover makes virtually all runs skiable. Visitors praise the comfortable “velvet season” in April, when sunny days and late-season powder allow spring skiing well after European resorts have closed. The country’s ski tourism has blossomed: resorts are well-equipped and safe. Like everywhere in Central Asia, lift tickets and accommodations can cost far less than in Western Europe.
Beyond the slopes, guests often note the warm Kazakh culture. Locals are famously friendly: a casual trip to a mountain café or market will often turn into new friendships over kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) or vodka toasts. Traditional dishes like beshbarmak (noodle and meat stew) and lagman (noodle soup) highlight the hearty cuisine of the region. Sharing food is a social affair, exemplifying “the warm hospitality of Kazakh people”. In short, skiing here is about more than adrenaline. It’s also about authentic local flavors and smiles after the last run.
Major Ski Resorts in Kazakhstan (10+ km slope)
Kazakhstan may have a surprisingly large number of ski areas for its size. The best-known resorts are clustered around Almaty, but notable mountains stand far to the north and east as well. Kazakhstan is building one new mega ski resort near Almaty as we speak. It will connect some existing resorts and a new resort to create one big resort with a staggering 300 to 700 km slope! In Kazakhstan are currently 2 mayor ski resorts under construction and 5 major ski resorts are operating:
Almaty Super Ski Project (Under Development)
Kazakhstan’s government is planning a mega ski project to make the Almaty mountains world-class. The Almaty Mountain Cluster (AMC) will eventually unite multiple areas into one large ski corridor. Planners envision 300 to 700 kilometers of ski trails and 58 modern lifts stretching from Talgar in the east to Kaskelen in the west. A headline feature is the “Almaty SuperSki” concept: This will connect Kumbel Peak and the Kok-Zhailau gorge with about 65 km of new ski runs.
This project isn’t just winter skiing: The design includes year-round recreation (biking and hiking trails, glamping, ethno-hotels, etc.) and eco-friendly transport. Half of the SuperSki runs are being designed for beginners, and all facilities will be wheelchair-accessible. In short, Almaty SuperSki aims to make Kazakhstan a top global ski destination. Once completed, it will dwarf today’s resorts – giving visitors endless terrain to explore. 👉Read more about Almaty SuperSki….
Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel Peak (Under Construction)
Kok‑Zhailau and Kumbel Peak are being developed as part of the ambitious Almaty Superski project, aimed at expanding Kazakhstan’s ski infrastructure. The comprehensive master plan envisions 65 km of ski tracks linking Kok‑Zhailau Gorge with Kumbel Peak and adjoining resorts. Located between the Small and Big Almaty gorges, the site lies just 10 km from the city of Almaty.
Once complete, this integrated ski area will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple lifts and varied terrain suitable for all skill levels . The project aims to transform the region into a premier winter destination while generating substantial economic and tourism growth. 👉Read more about Kok‑Zhailau and Kumbel Peak….
Shymbulak (Chimbulak) – Almaty Region
Shymbulak is Kazakhstan’s premier ski resort, located in the Medeu Valley of the Zailiisky Alatau range, and it stands as the largest ski area in Central Asia. It offers a compelling vertical drop of around 920 m—from base to summit—and comprises a variety of terrain suited to all skill levels. Its total slope length is 20 km, combining beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails.
The resort lies approximately 30 km south of Almaty by road, a scenic gondola ride away. With modern lifts, year‑round sunshine, and night‑skiing options, Shymbulak is a complete mountain getaway and a beloved destination for winter sport enthusiasts. 👉Read more about skiing in Shymbulak….
Tabagan – Talgar Gorge (Almaty Reg.)
Tabagan is a versatile ski and entertainment complex just 20 km from Almaty (bolded as requested), located in the Talgar region within the Ile‑Alatau National Park. Built in 2005, it spans about 91 ha and is beautifully arranged across two terraces connected by paved roads and stairways.
The resort offers six main slopes—three easy and three advanced—with a total slope length of 37 km, including the longest run of roughly 2.1 km and a vertical drop of around 400 m. Facilities include two drag lifts, a chairlift, a toboggan run, and a variety of winter and summer recreational options—from sledding to paragliding. 👉Read more about the ski resort Tabagan…..
Ak-Bulak – Talgar (Almaty Reg.)
Ak‑Bulak is a high‑altitude ski resort in the Trans‑Ili Alatau foothills near Talgar, located 50 km east of Almaty . The resort offers a total slope length of 14 km across six trails catering to beginners through freeride enthusiasts. Its vertical range spans from approximately 1 652 m at the base to 2 664 m at the summit, providing steep, varied terrain and excellent freeride opportunities.
With five lifts—including chairlifts and a gondola—and snowmaking capabilities, Ak‑Bulak serves as both a training base for athletes and a quieter alternative to busier resorts. 👉Read more about skiing in Ak-Bulak….
Lesnaya Skazka (Oi-Karagay) – Almaty Region.
Oi‑Qaragai (Lesnaya Skazka) is a charming all‑season family resort located within Ile‑Alatau National Park, offering a peaceful mountain escape. Situated approximately 40 km from Almaty (roughly a 40‑minute drive), it features a total slope length of 13 km across 11 lifts, with terrain ranging from beginner to advanced (8 km easy, 4 km intermediate, 1 km difficult).
Perched between 1,550 m and 1,820 m elevation, the resort blends skiing with comforts like ski‑in/ski‑out lodging, spa facilities, and diverse year‑round activities including zip‑lining, mountain biking, and wellness services. Its tranquil, forested setting makes it a thoughtful alternative to busier resorts. 👉Read more about the ski resort Oi-Karagay…..
Altai Alps – East Kazakhstan (near Ust-Kamenogorsk).
Altai Alps is a tranquil ski complex in East Kazakhstan’s Gornaya Ulbinka valley, approximately 22 km from Ust‑Kamenogorsk—while not Almaty, this is the major nearby city relevant for distance context given its remote location. The resort boasts approximately 15 km of slopes, featuring 13 official runs that cater to beginners, intermediates, and freeride enthusiasts, with significant vertical drops exceeding 350 m.
Facilities include several cable cars, T-bar lifts, a ski school, rental zones, and cozy alpine lodges. Visitors can enjoy a mix of winter activities like skiing under the stars, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, all set amidst breath‑taking natural woodland surrounding. 👉Read more about the Altai Alps….
Small Ski Resorts in Kazakhstan
Below you can find the smaller ski resorts in Kazakhstan. They all have less than 10 km slope, thus not worth it as a destination for a skiing holiday. However, they can be a good way to diversify, to learn skiing or to go for a day out.
Nurtau – East Kazakhstan (near Oskemen).
Nurtau is a quaint, family-friendly ski resort in East Kazakhstan, nestled around 35 km from Ust‑Kamenogorsk, the nearest regional hub. It offers a total slope length of approximately 3.8 km, comprising a few gentle runs ideal for beginners and leisurely skiers.
The resort opened in 1999 and is set in a scenic valley surrounded by fir forests, offering relaxed winter recreation including snowmobiling, horseback riding, and snow tubing.
Facilities include ski rentals, a ski school, cozy accommodations, and a café—all designed to deliver a serene getaway amid nature’s tranquility. Perfect for family outings or calm solo getaways.
Tau Samaly (Central Kazakhstan).
Tau Samaly is a small, inviting ski resort located approximately 80 km northwest of Almaty—a cozy option for beginners and families seeking a quiet mountain escape.
It offers a total slope length of 1.9 km, comprised entirely of gentle beginner terrain, served by three lifts across an elevation range from 1,340 m to 1,589 m.
Despite its modest size, Tau Samaly delivers a warm, accessible environment with ease of access to its runs and a serene alpine setting—perfect for ski newcomers or a relaxed day trip close to Almaty’s borders.
Kumbel Hotel – Talgar Gorge.
Kumbel Hotel is a charming alpine lodge located in the Kok‑Shoky gorge, approximately 20 km from Almaty, making it a peaceful yet accessible mountain getaway. While not a full ski resort, it offers direct access to a small local slope with a total slope length of around 1 km, perfect for beginner skiers or families.
The hotel features traditional wooden interiors, an indoor pool, sauna, restaurant, and ski storage. Guests can enjoy winter walks, cozy evenings by the fire, and fresh mountain air. Its location in Ile‑Alatau National Park provides a scenic backdrop year-round, making it ideal for both winter sports and tranquil nature escapes.
Yelikty – Northern Kazakhstan.
Yelikty is a modest ski resort situated in Akmola Region, approximately 25 km from Kokshetau and not near Almaty. It features five prepared runs served by a 1.3 km drag lift, with a total slope length of approx. 4 km—varied in difficulty from gentle beginner slopes to lengthier, more technical forest runs up to about 1.3 km long.
The mountain reaches around 502 m in elevation and offers a nice height differential for regional skiing. Resort amenities include on-site lodging, a restaurant, and rental facilities, designed tEach of these resorts has a unique flavor, but they all share modern lifts and well-groomed trails – all while remaining much cheaper than similar resorts in Europe.
Overall, Kazakhstan offers roughly 45 km of ski slopes across the country, served by about 34 lifts. In other words, you can ski new terrain every day of your trip.
Book Your Ski Tour in Kazakhstan
8-Day Ski Touring in Western Altai
You want a real ski adventure? This 8-day tour in the Western Altai gives you pure wild snow and huge open lines with no crowds. You ski deep powder, wide slopes and quiet forests with pro guides who keep you safe. You stay in a warm lodge, eat good local food and wake up ready for fresh tracks every day. The area gets early, strong snow from November, so you enjoy long, smooth runs in a calm, wild place. If you want true freedom, clean air and the best untouched snow in Kazakhstan, this trip is made for you.
6-Day Ski Adventure Kazakhstan
You want a winter trip that gives you more than just ski days? Then this 6-day ski adventure in Kazakhstan is perfect for you. You stay in a top, warm 4-star hotel in Almaty and wake up each day ready for new slopes, new views and new stories. You visit three of the best ski resorts near the city — Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai and Ak-Bulak — all included, with ski pass, lifts and full equipment ready for you. You don’t need to bring anything. Just enjoy.
A German-speaking guide takes care of you from the moment you land. You see the famous Medeo Gorge, ride the cable car, visit Talgar Peak at 3,200 m and enjoy the calm winter nature of the Ile-Alatau National Park. Transfers, breakfasts and even early check-in are arranged for you, so your trip feels smooth and easy.If you want a safe, fun and stress-free ski holiday, this tour gives you exactly that.