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”.

Shymbulak, Kazakhstan’s Biggest Ski resort

The largest and most famous resort is Shymbulak (Chimbulak), just 25 km south of Almaty. Nestled at 2,260–3,180 m elevation, Shymbulak offers 20 km of ski slopes covering easy green runs up to steep off-piste terrain. It maintains reliable snow from November through April. Modern gondolas and chairlifts whisk skiers to the Talgar Pass (3,180 m), and even night skiing is available on select evenings.

Despite its size, Shymbulak remains very affordable – a full-day pass (gondola + lifts) is only about KZT 13,400 (≈$25). Families enjoy the on-mountain children’s slopes and plentiful cafes, while expert skiers can tackle steep runs and avalanche-prone backcountry.

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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.

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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 25 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 17 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 40 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 22 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 24 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 – Karaganda Region (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 (Kokshoky) – 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 (Elikty) – Northern Kazakhstan (Kokshetau).

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 t

Each 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.