Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel
The flagship new ski resort at the heart of Almaty SuperSki — 65 km of slopes on the Kok-Zhailau plateau and Kumbel Peak, opening 2029
Part of Almaty SuperSki · Ile-Alatau National Park · 2,200–3,200 m elevation · Under construction
About Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel
Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel is a planned ski resort in the Ile-Alatau National Park, located between the Big Almatinka Gorge and the Small Almatinka Gorge, roughly 10 km south of Almaty. It is the new-build component of the Almaty SuperSki project and is currently under construction. The resort is not yet operational.
The Kok-Zhailau Plateau
The Kok-Zhailau plateau sits at approximately 2,200 metres elevation and has long been one of the most accessible mountain recreation areas for Almaty residents. The plateau is a popular destination for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking — activities that will continue alongside the future ski infrastructure. The terrain is north-facing with varied aspects, suitable for a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced pistes.
Kumbel Peak
Kumbel Peak rises above the plateau at over 3,200 metres and forms the upper mountain terrain of the planned ski area. The vertical potential from plateau to peak is approximately 1,000 metres — significantly more than any existing ski area near Almaty. From the upper slopes, the area offers scenic views toward Almaty, Medeu, Shymbulak, and the surrounding peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau range.
A New Resort for Almaty
The new resort is under construction as part of the Almaty SuperSki project, with construction targeted from July 2026 through December 2028 and commissioning planned for 2029. When complete, Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel will offer 65 km of slopes and 16 lifts — making it the largest single ski area near Almaty. The mountains are approximately 20 minutes by road from central Almaty.
Part of Almaty SuperSki
Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel is the new-build component of the Almaty SuperSki project — the interconnected ski domain that will link Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai, and the new Kok-Zhailau development into over 200 km of connected slopes. The full project details — including the timeline, contractor selection, environmental review, and the broader Almaty Mountain Cluster vision — are covered on the Almaty SuperSki page.
How Kok-Zhailau Fits In
Of the planned 200+ km across the full connected domain, Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel contributes 65 km of entirely new slopes. The remaining terrain comes from existing Shymbulak (about 20 km), Oi-Qaragai, and future connected sectors. Medeu serves as the unified transport hub — visitors arrive at a single base terminal and take cable cars to whichever mountain sector they choose.
Skiing & Terrain
65 Kilometres of Slopes
Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel is planned with 65 km of ski slopes across approximately 155 hectares of terrain, plus 9 additional ski tracks totalling 13.6 km. The Ecosign master-plan reference describes 77 prepared pistes served by 16 lifts with a combined uphill capacity of 34,960 persons per hour. The resort can simultaneously hold 10,150 skiers on the mountain. The terrain spans from 2,200 m on the plateau to over 3,200 m at Kumbel Peak — a vertical drop of approximately 1,000 metres.
Terrain by Ability
The terrain is structured across multiple zones, each offering a different skiing experience. The lower forested runs descend toward the plateau with gentle gradients ideal for building confidence. Wide intermediate pistes stretch across the Kok-Zhailau area, offering long cruising descents. The higher alpine runs from Kumbel reach above 3,000 metres, with steeper upper slopes and natural gullies for advanced skiers. The terrain is north-facing, which helps with snow retention and extends the season.
Gentle gradients on the Kok-Zhailau plateau and resort-center pistes. Wide, open terrain ideal for first-time skiers and families.
Wide cruising pistes across the mid-mountain area with long descents from the Kumbel sector. North-facing for reliable snow.
Steeper terrain on the upper slopes above 3,000 m. Natural gullies and bowls for experienced skiers seeking vertical.
Built for Beginners
A defining feature of Kok-Zhailau is its focus on accessible skiing. At least 35 km of slopes — roughly half the new terrain — are dedicated to beginners and easy recreational skiing. This approach is designed to democratise access to skiing in Kazakhstan, making the sport available to families and first-timers. The resort's proximity to Almaty (20 minutes by road) means beginners can reach the slopes without a long journey.
Freeride Potential
The upper Kumbel terrain offers natural features — gullies, bowls, and long descents — that are attractive to freeriders. However, the area is environmentally sensitive and avalanche-prone. Do not assume open freeride access: off-piste skiing may be controlled, guided, or restricted. Avalanche control systems are included in the master plan, but the extent of permitted off-piste access will be determined by the resort operator and national park authorities.
The master plan includes avalanche monitoring and control systems. The area above 3,000 m is inherently avalanche-prone. Always check conditions, carry avalanche gear, and follow resort guidance if off-piste access is permitted.
Lifts & Facilities
11 Cable Cars by POMA
The resort will have 16 lifts in total with a combined uphill capacity of 34,960 persons per hour. Of these, 11 cable cars are being built by POMA (France), running from the base station at Medeu (1,870 m) to the upper station at Kumbel peak (3,400 m). All lifts are designed to be accessible for children, elderly visitors, and people with disabilities.
The lift stations at Medeu and Kok-Zhailau are designed by Foster + Partners (UK), incorporating elements of the traditional Kazakh yurt: kerege (lattice wall), uyk (poles), and shanyrak (top dome light). Buildings use prefabricated timber engineered by StructureCraft (Canada), with panoramic terraces offering views of Almaty and the Ile-Alatau mountains.
Resort Zones
The resort is divided into six functional zones, each serving a different purpose across the Kok-Zhailau plateau and Kumbel area:
Main hub with ticketing, rentals, ski school, and primary access point
3 villages with ski-in/ski-out accommodation and local services
Lower-elevation slopes and beginner terrain near the plateau
Core intermediate terrain with wide cruising pistes
Eastern aspect slopes with morning sun exposure
Western slopes with afternoon light and upper alpine terrain
Hotels & Dining
Six hotels are planned with a total of approximately 6,000 beds: one five-star hotel, four four-star hotels, plus boutique and apart-hotels distributed across the resort villages. The Ecosign master-plan reference describes approximately 5,736 beds total (3,956 rental + 1,212 apartment). Three resort villages will feature ski-in/ski-out buildings in the core area.
1 five-star, 4 four-star, plus boutique and apart-hotels across 3 resort villages with ski-in/ski-out access.
4–5 new restaurants plus a mountaintop restaurant and viewing platform at the summit, accessible via cable car.
Snow & Season
Elevation & Snow Reliability
Kok-Zhailau benefits from a strong elevation profile. The plateau sits at 2,200 m — already a reliable base for natural snow — while Kumbel Peak rises above 3,200 m, where snow conditions remain favourable well into spring. The north-facing aspect of the terrain further helps with snow retention. Natural snowfall in the region is generally good, with the Trans-Ili Alatau range receiving consistent winter precipitation.
Artificial Snowmaking
To guarantee reliable conditions throughout the season, 70% of the slopes (42.2 km) will be equipped with artificial snowmaking. The system uses SnowFactory all-weather snow generator technology, powered by 3 artificial reservoirs filled from the Kazachka River. Annual snow production requires 355,000 m³ of water, with daily operation consumption of 2,700 m³.
When to Ski
The likely ski season runs from December to March, with upper Kumbel slopes potentially remaining skiable into April. The resort is planned for year-round operation — summer activities include hiking, biking, and gondola tourism. A maintenance closure of a few weeks is expected in May or October.
The terrain above 3,000 m is inherently avalanche-prone. The master plan includes avalanche monitoring and control systems. If off-piste access is permitted, always carry avalanche gear, check conditions, and follow resort guidance.
A Four-Season Mountain
Summer at Kok-Zhailau
Kok-Zhailau is designed for year-round, 24/7 operation — not just winter. Three of the 11 cable cars are dedicated to summer activities, providing access to a mountaintop restaurant and a viewing platform at the summit. This all-season approach is a deliberate shift from traditional Soviet-era ski resorts that operated only in winter, and is essential for improving investment returns and reducing seasonality.
The Kok-Zhailau plateau is already a popular hiking destination for Almaty residents
Cycling routes being developed for the Kok-Zhailau gorge
3 cable cars serve summer visitors — sightseeing rides for non-skiers
Mountaintop restaurant and viewing platform accessible via cable car
Hiking & Biking
The Kok-Zhailau plateau has long been one of the most popular mountain recreation areas for Almaty residents. In summer, it transforms into a base for hiking and mountain biking, with walking and cycling routes being developed for the gorge. The cable car network will provide access to terrain that was previously reachable only on foot, opening up higher-elevation viewpoints and the Kumbel summit area to a broader range of visitors.
Gondola Access
Three of the 11 cable cars operate year-round, making the summit accessible to non-skiers — families, sightseers, and visitors who simply want to reach the mountaintop restaurant or viewing platform. The gondola ride from Medeu to Kumbel covers nearly 1,500 metres of elevation in a single ascent, offering panoramic views of Almaty and the Ile-Alatau mountains.
3 of 11 cable cars serve summer activities · Mountaintop restaurant & viewing platform accessible year-round · Maintenance closure: a few weeks in May or October
Visiting Kok-Zhailau Today
What's Available Now
Kok-Zhailau is not operational as a ski resort. No lifts, pistes, accommodation, ski school, or rental services are available yet. Construction is underway, with the planned opening in 2029. However, the Kok-Zhailau plateau remains one of the most popular mountain recreation areas near Almaty, accessible year-round for non-ski activities.
Established trails across the plateau, popular with Almaty residents
High-alpine terrain at 2,200 m, accessible from the city
Existing trails with new cycling routes planned for the gorge
The following are not yet available:
Getting There
The Kok-Zhailau plateau is approximately 10 km south of Almaty — about 20 minutes by road from the city centre. Access is via hiking routes from the Almaty side, or via the Big Almaty Gorge and Navoi corridor road. Once the resort opens, the unified base terminal at Medeu will serve as the primary access point, with cable cars distributing visitors to all mountain sectors.
South of the city, Ile-Alatau National Park
Largest airport in Kazakhstan
Backcountry Ski Touring
Backcountry skiing and ski touring are possible at Kok-Zhailau as an independent mountain activity. The terrain above 2,200 m receives reliable natural snow from December to March. However, this is not a patrolled or avalanche-controlled area. Bring your own gear, carry avalanche equipment, and have proper training. The upper slopes above 3,000 m are inherently avalanche-prone.
Kok-Zhailau has no avalanche control, no patrol, and no rescue service outside the future resort operation. If you go backcountry skiing here, you are responsible for your own safety. Check avalanche conditions, carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel, and never ski alone.
For lift-served skiing near Almaty, Shymbulak is fully operational with approximately 20 km of slopes, 8 lifts, and a cable car from Medeu. It is the place to ski today while Kok-Zhailau is under construction.
How Does It Compare?
If built as planned, Kok-Zhailau alone would be the largest single ski area near Almaty — more than double the slopes of Shymbulak.
| Resort | Slopes | Lifts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shymbulak | ~20–25 km | 8 | Operating |
| Oi-Qaragai | ~30 km | Existing | Operating |
| Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel | 65+ km | 16 | Under construction |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kok-Zhailau is a high alpine plateau in the Ile-Alatau National Park, located between the Big and Small Almatinka gorges, approximately 10 km south of Almaty. At about 2,200 m elevation, it has long been one of the most accessible mountain recreation areas for Almaty residents — popular for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Construction is targeted from July 2026 through December 2028, with commissioning planned for 2029. The resort is currently in the preparatory and infrastructure stage — no ski lifts or pistes are operating yet.
Kumbel Peak rises above 3,200 metres above the Kok-Zhailau plateau. It forms the upper mountain terrain of the planned ski area, offering approximately 1,000 metres of vertical drop from plateau to summit.
No — the resort is not operational. No lifts, pistes, accommodation, or rental services are available. Backcountry ski touring is possible as an independent activity, but there is no avalanche control, patrol, or rescue service. For lift-served skiing, visit Shymbulak, which is fully operational.
Kok-Zhailau is approximately 10 km south of Almaty — about 20 minutes by road from the city centre. Access is via the Big Almaty Gorge and Navoi corridor. Once the resort opens, the Medeu area will serve as the unified base terminal.
Kok-Zhailau sits at high alpine elevation (2,200–3,200 m). Natural snowfall is generally reliable from December to March, with upper slopes potentially remaining skiable into April. The north-facing aspect helps with snow retention. Artificial snowmaking will cover 70% of slopes when the resort is complete.
Yes. Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel is the new-build component of the Almaty SuperSki project — the interconnected ski domain of 200+ km linking Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai, and the new Kok-Zhailau development. The full project details are on the SuperSki page.
Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel is planned with 65 km of slopes, 16 lifts, and 2,865 hectares of territory. The resort can simultaneously hold 10,150 skiers and handle 15,000 visitors per day. It would be the largest single ski area near Almaty.
Ready to Ski Near Almaty?
Kok-Zhailau & Kumbel opens in 2029. Until then, ski at Shymbulak — or explore the full Almaty SuperSki project.
Ski Shymbulak Today →Explore Almaty SuperSki
