Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel Peak Ski Resort

Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel Peak Ski Resort (Under Construction)

Almaty’s New Alpine Gem Under Construction as Part of the Almaty Superski Project

Kazakhstan is building a brand-new ski resort in one of the most picturesque parts of the Tien Shan mountains: the Kok-Zhailau Gorge and Kumbel Peak area, just 10 kilometers south of Almaty. This resort, part of the broader Almaty Superski network, is poised to become a standalone highlight of winter tourism in Central Asia.

Location and Natural Beauty

The Kok-Zhailau Gorge is an alpine meadow nestled between the Big and Small Almaty gorges in the Ile-Alatau National Park. In Kazakh, “Kok-Zhailau” means “Green Pasture,” and the area is known for its unspoiled scenery, panoramic mountain views, and biodiversity. Towering above the gorge is Kumbel Peak, reaching elevations of over 3,200 meters. Together, these two zones form the core of the new ski resort.

The approximate coordinates of the resort are 43.14° N, 77.00° E. Despite its proximity to the city, Kok-Zhailau has long remained undeveloped, making it a prized natural retreat for Almaty residents and a site of ecological significance.

Resort Specifications

The Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel Peak Ski Resort is planned to feature over 65 kilometers of ski trails and around 16 ski lifts, catering to all levels of skiers. What sets it apart is the focus on beginner and family-friendly slopes, which will make up about 50% of the terrain. This makes it an ideal destination not only for international tourists but also for locals and first-time skiers.

The design of the resort emphasizes sustainability. Infrastructure will be limited to just 2–3% of the total land area, with careful planning to preserve natural landscapes. Buildings such as hotels, restaurants, and service stations will be concentrated in low-impact zones. Lifts will be powered by renewable energy where possible, and the terrain will be graded with minimal disruption to local ecosystems.

All-Season Destination

Beyond winter sports, the resort is planned as a year-round mountain tourism hub. During the warmer months, visitors will be able to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rope parks, and glamping areas. Cultural and ecological experiences are also part of the vision, including ethnic heritage centers and guided nature tours.

This all-season approach ensures that the area becomes a consistent draw for tourists, not just during ski season but throughout the year, boosting the local economy and encouraging environmental stewardship.

The Kok-Zhailau area lies within a national park, which raised concerns in the past. Earlier plans to develop the area met strong public opposition and were halted in 2019. However, the new version of the resort is designed to operate within the legal boundaries of protected land. Under current Kazakh law, limited tourism infrastructure is allowed in designated park zones, provided that environmental assessments and sustainability measures are followed.

According to the Ministry of Ecology, the resort will only develop what is legally permitted in the park’s limited-use zones. Strict ecological oversight will be applied, and all development must undergo environmental impact assessments before construction.

Development and Timeline

Construction of initial infrastructure is expected to begin in late 2025. This includes roads, lift systems, and utility services. The first phase will focus on the connection between Kok-Zhailau and Kumbel Peak, with additional phases expanding services and facilities. Completion is expected in multiple stages, with core skiing facilities operational by 2028 or 2029.

The development is led by a state-owned enterprise in partnership with international ski consultants and local engineers. Public investment will fund the core infrastructure, while private investors will be invited to build accommodations and recreational services.

A Landmark Project for Sustainable Tourism

Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel Peak Ski Resort is a unique project that aims to combine the thrill of skiing with the tranquility of preserved mountain landscapes. Its success will depend not only on engineering and investment but also on public trust and ecological responsibility.

By focusing on accessibility, environmental sustainability, and year-round appeal, the resort has the potential to become a model for responsible tourism in protected natural areas. As development moves forward, all eyes will be on how Kazakhstan balances progress with preservation in this exceptional alpine setting.