Forest ski slopes at Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort in the Tian Shan near Almaty, Kazakhstan

Oi-Qaragai Ski Resort

More than a ski resort, Oi-Qaragai is a mountain escape near Almaty, surrounded by forests and offering skiing, snowboarding and year-round activities

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Ile-Alatau Range · 13 km of slopes · 11 lifts · Season Dec – Apr · Night skiing

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35kmFrom Almaty
13kmSlope Length
270mVertical Drop
11Lifts
1,550–1,820mElevation
Dec–AprSeason

About Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

An all-season mountain resort in the Ile-Alatau range, 35 km east of Almaty

Ski Oi-Qaragai short video Ski Oi-Qaragai Shorts

Oi-Qaragai opened in 2007 under the Russian name Lesnaya Skazka, meaning "Forest Fairy Tale."

As Kazakhstan promoted Kazakh-language place names, the resort adopted the name Oi-Qaragai, which refers to the local gorge in the Talgar district near Besqaynar village.

LocationIle-Alatau Range, Talgar District
Distance from Almaty~35 km (40 min)
Base Elevation1,550 m
Top Station1,820 m
Former NameLesnaya Skazka
Operating Since2007

From Lesnaya Skazka to Oi-Qaragai

The rebranding reflects the broader national initiative to incorporate Kazakh language and identity into tourism destinations. The resort combines Kazakh cultural elements — including the UMAI ethno-spa and the world's largest yurt — with modern ski infrastructure.

Aerial view of Oi-Qaragai resort in the Tian Shan forest

Aerial view of Oi-Qaragai resort in the Tian Shan forest

A Forest Resort in the Tian Shan

Oi-Qaragai is an all-season mountain resort in the Ile-Alatau range, 35 km east of Almaty. Set within a dense Tian Shan fir forest at 1,550 m, it combines skiing, wellness, and outdoor activities with cultural elements unique to Kazakhstan.

The resort operates year-round — skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in summer.

What sets Oi-Qaragai apart from other Almaty ski resorts is its forest setting. Slopes wind through Tian Shan fir trees, sheltering runs from wind and creating a setting closer to Central European forest resorts than the open alpine bowls found higher up.

Local instructors often recommend Oi-Qaragai for beginners and families before they move on to larger resorts like Shymbulak, where the terrain is steeper and more demanding.

Explore all Kazakhstan ski resorts →

How to Get There — Oi-Qaragai is 35 km from Almaty, a 40-minute drive on paved roads via Al-Farabi Avenue and the Eastern Bypass into the Talgar Gorge. Taxis cost 5,000–7,000 ₴ (~$10–14) via Yandex Go, or take seasonal bus routes #209, #210, #211, or #224.

Oi-Qaragai Ski Season

Season history and month-by-month guide — one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons in the Almaty region

SeasonOpeningClosing
2017 / 2018—16 April
2018 / 2019—26 April
2019 / 202023 Nov—
2020 / 202128 Nov—
2021 / 202212 Nov—
2022 / 202303 Dec—
2023 / 2024Mid Dec27 April
2024 / 202507 Dec—
2025 / 202613 Dec—
DecemberChristmas atmosphere, lower crowds before New Year. Season typically opens early December.Quiet
JanuaryPeak season. Best snow conditions but busiest month, especially around New Year holidays.Peak
FebruaryConsidered the sweet spot — reliable snow, longer daylight, manageable crowds.Best
MarchStill enjoyable. Warmer temperatures, good family skiing, quieter than January.Quiet

Season Dates and Reliability

In every recorded year, Oi-Qaragai opened before early December and stayed open until after mid-April. This makes it one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons in the Almaty region. The exact dates shift with weather each year, but the pattern is consistent — late November through mid-April is a safe window for planning a trip.

Best Months to Visit

December offers a quieter start to the season with fewer visitors before the New Year rush. January has the best snow but is the busiest month. February is widely considered the sweet spot, combining reliable snow with longer daylight and manageable crowds. March brings warmer temperatures and relaxed family skiing. Early and late season days are quiet and cheaper — ideal if you are already near Almaty and want a last-minute ski day.

Skiing and Terrain

Beginner 30%
Intermediate 55%
Advanced 15%
Slope Length13 km
Vertical Drop270 m
Elevation1,550–1,820 m
Max Angle35°
Lifts11
Difficulty MixGreen / Blue-Red / Black
BeginnerGreen RunsGentle gradients through forest clearings. Sheltered from wind, forgiving terrain ideal for first-timers and children learning to ski.
IntermediateBlue & Red RunsThe majority of slopes. Winding trails through fir trees, long enough to enjoy but never intimidating. Good for progressing skills.
AdvancedBlack SectionsA couple of short, steeper pitches. Not sustained — most advanced skiers explore the entire resort in a single day.

Forest Skiing Through the Tian Shan

Oi-Qaragai’s 13 km of slopes wind through dense Tian Shan fir forest, with narrow clearings and twisting trails between snow-laden evergreens. This forest setting is closer to Central European forest resorts than the open alpine bowls found at higher-altitude resorts. The trees shelter runs from wind and provide consistent visibility — a practical advantage for beginners and families.

Difficulty and Suitability

The terrain is well suited to beginners and intermediates. Green runs offer gentle gradients for novices, while blue and red runs provide enough variety for recreational skiers. The short black sections are not sustained enough to challenge expert skiers — most advanced visitors cover the entire resort in a day. Local instructors often recommend learning at Oi-Qaragai before moving on to Shymbulak, where the terrain is steeper and more demanding. For expert skiing and freeriding, the larger resorts in the Almaty region offer more vertical and open terrain.

Skier on forested slope at Oi-Qaragai

Forest skiing through Tian Shan fir trees — sheltered, scenic, and built for progression.

Lifts and Facilities

11 lifts, 5 rental points, ski school, and snowmaking — full-service infrastructure for a compact resort

Lift System 11 lifts Chairlifts, platter lifts, and conveyor lifts covering all sections. Short rides due to 270 m vertical.
Queue Times Minimal Weekdays almost none. Weekends 10–20 min. New Year busy but shorter than Shymbulak.
Ski School All Ages Lessons for children, adults, and snowboarders. English-speaking instructors on request. Russian primary.
Snowmaking Modern Snowmaking machines and grooming equipment maintain piste conditions when natural snowfall is light.

Equipment Rental

800+Ski Sets
300Snowboards
5Rental Points
YesID Required

Five rental points, including a dedicated children’s rental, stock over 800 ski sets and approximately 300 snowboards. Available equipment includes poles, boots, helmets, goggles, gloves, jackets, pants, and snowshoes. The resort also operates its own ski workshop for maintenance and repair. Equipment quality is above average for Kazakhstan.

Aqtas expansion planned: 6–8 km of additional slopes at 2,140 m elevation on the Aqtas plateau are under development, which will nearly double the skiable terrain. Not yet operational as of the 2025/26 season.

Night Skiing at Oi-Qaragai

Illuminated slopes through Tian Shan fir trees — one of the resort’s most popular features

Night skiing on illuminated slope at Oi-Qaragai

Skiing Under the Pines

From Wednesday to Saturday, the lower slopes are illuminated from 19:00 to 23:00, transforming the forest into a lit trail network among the Tian Shan firs. The trees create corridors of light and shadow that feel distinctly different from daytime skiing. Many locals specifically recommend visiting after sunset — the atmosphere is quieter, the air is colder, and the slopes are less crowded than weekend mornings at Shymbulak.

All paths through the resort are well-lit and decorated, and the entire village takes on a different character at night. The combination of forest setting, lighting, and evening activity makes night skiing one of Oi-Qaragai’s most distinctive features among Almaty ski resorts. After skiing, guests can unwind at the UMAI ethno-spa.

Night Skiing Schedule

4 evenings per week, 4 hours of night skiing through the fir forest

Days Wed–Sat 4 evenings per week
Hours 19:00–23:00 4 hours of night skiing
Setting Forest Lit slopes through fir trees
Weekends Live Music Entertainment programs
Atmosphere Lit village All paths decorated and well-lit
After Ski UMAI Spa Unwind at the ethno-spa after skiing

Weekend Entertainment

On weekends, live music and entertainment programs run alongside the skiing in the village area. The combination of night skiing, dining, and evening activities makes Oi-Qaragai a practical choice for a full weekend stay.

Oi-Qaragai Ski Pass Prices

Full price tables for the 2025/2026 season — ski passes, combo tickets, and special tariffs

Updated for 2025/2026 season

Ski Passes

Ticket TypeAdultChild (7–14)Pensioner
Day Pass24,000 ₸ (~$47.00)8,500 ₸ (~$16.65)5,500 ₸ (~$10.75)
Morning16,500 ₸ (~$32.30)6,500 ₸ (~$12.70)4,500 ₸ (~$8.80)
Afternoon20,000 ₸ (~$39.15)6,500 ₸ (~$12.70)5,500 ₸ (~$10.75)
Night Skiing (Wed–Sat)19,500 ₸ (~$38.15)6,500 ₸ (~$12.70)5,500 ₸ (~$10.75)
Day + Night27,500 ₸ (~$53.85)——
TrainingsPass11,000 ₸ (~$21.50)——

Season Periods

PeriodDates
Standard Season12 Jan – 28 Feb 2026
High Season1 – 11 Jan 2026
Night Skiing DaysWednesday – Saturday

Prices shown are standard-season rates. High-season prices (1–11 Jan) are higher, especially for full-day and combo passes.

Kids Under 6 Free (with adult)
Reusable Ski-Pass Card 3,000 ₸ (~$5.90) — one-time, reused on future visits
TrainingsPass 11,000 ₸ (~$21.50) — ski-school area only

Ticket Types and Pass Options

A day pass at 24,000 ₸ (~$47.00) gives full lift access from opening to closing. The morning pass at 16,500 ₸ (~$32.30) is a budget-friendly option for early skiing and quieter slopes, while the afternoon pass at 20,000 ₸ (~$39.15) suits late arrivals. Night skiing passes cost 19,500 ₸ (~$38.15) for adults and run on Wednesday through Saturday evenings — see the night skiing section for details. For those wanting both, the day + night combo at 27,500 ₸ (~$53.85) offers the best value for a full day and evening of skiing.

The TrainingsPass at 11,000 ₸ (~$21.50) is an affordable option limited to the ski-school area only, making it ideal for beginners taking lessons. Children aged 7–14 pay reduced child rates across all ticket types, and kids under 6 ski for free when accompanied by an adult. Pensioner tariffs offer further discounts, with day passes at 5,500 ₸ (~$10.75). Tickets are usually bought on site at the resort, and prices can change slightly during holidays or special events.

Seasons and Special Tariffs

Oi-Qaragai (Lesnaya Skazka) separates the winter into two pricing periods. The standard season runs from 12 January to 28 February 2026, with the rates shown in the tables above. The high season from 1 to 11 January 2026 coincides with the New Year holidays, when prices increase — especially for full-day and combo passes. Planning a visit outside the high-season window is the simplest way to save on lift tickets.

Every visitor needs a reusable plastic ski-pass card costing 3,000 ₸ (~$5.90), paid once and reused on all future visits. The card is loaded with your chosen ticket type at the ticket office. With child rates for ages 7–14, free skiing for under-6s, and dedicated pensioner tariffs, Oi-Qaragai is one of the most affordable family ski resorts near Almaty. For a comparison with other ski resorts in Kazakhstan, Oi-Qaragai’s day pass is positioned as a mid-range family-friendly option.

Experience and Atmosphere

Forest setting, fairytale architecture, and a village that stays alive year-round — not just a seasonal outpost

Perfect for

Beginners

✓

First-time skiers and beginners — gentle forest clearings, sheltered terrain

Perfect for

Families

👨‍👩‍👧

Families with children — Ugusha kids’ center, ski school, non-ski activities

Perfect for

Couples

💕

Couples and weekend getaways from Almaty — spa, dining, night skiing

Perfect for

Day-trippers

🏙️

Day-trippers from Almaty — 35 km, 40-minute drive on paved roads

Perfect for

Comfort seekers

🏨

Luxury travelers seeking comfort — treehouses, VIP chalet, UMAI spa

Perfect for

Mixed groups

🎯

Mixed-ability groups — terrain for all levels plus non-ski activities

Oi-Qaragai village with fairy lights and wooden chalets

The Fairytale Village Vibe

Oi-Qaragai’s atmosphere is shaped by its forest setting. Wood-and-stone architecture, well-lit paths, and twinkling lights in the trees create a village feel closer to a Central European forest resort than a typical alpine ski area. The dense Tian Shan fir trees shelter the slopes from wind and give the resort a quiet, enclosed character — different from the open bowls and exposed ridges at Shymbulak.

Book your stay →

Winter Activities and Wellness

Tubing, snowshoeing, zipline, sleigh rides, and Kazakhstan’s premier mountain spa — après-ski built in

Kazakh yurt spa at Oi-Qaragai in snowy forest

UMAI Ethno-Spa

The UMAI Ethno-Spa is one of Kazakhstan’s best mountain wellness facilities. Treatments include hot stone massages, traditional sauna, and yurt baths set within traditional Kazakh nomadic dwellings. The spa operates year-round and draws guests who visit the resort without skiing at all — it functions as a standalone wellness destination in its own right.

Outdoor hot stone spa at Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

Hot Stone Treatments

Hot stone treatments and traditional sauna in an outdoor mountain setting among the fir trees. The UMAI spa uses traditional Kazakh yurts for sauna and hot stone treatments in the forest, combining wellness with cultural elements unique to Kazakhstan.

Beyond Skiing — Winter Activities

Tubing, snowshoeing, zipline, horse-drawn sleighs, and a children’s center — a full day off the slopes

Activity

🛷 Snow Tubing

Dedicated tubing hills for kids and adults. No skills required — just hold on and slide.

Activity

🥾 Snowshoeing

Marked routes through the Tian Shan fir forest. Snowshoes available at the rental center.

Activity

🐴 Horse-Drawn Sleigh

Sleigh rides through the snow-covered village and forest paths.

Activity

🏍️ Snowmobiling

Guided snowmobile rides through designated forest trails.

Activity

🪂 Zipline

A long zipline — Spirit of the Tien Shan — spanning the gorge above the forest canopy.

Activity

🧗 High-Ropes Course

Rope park and climbing elements for older kids and adults. Safety systems throughout.

Restaurants and Cuisine

Multiple cafes and restaurants serve Kazakh, European, and Asian cuisine

Cuisine

Kazakh, European, and Asian dishes — lagman, shashlik, plov, beshbarmak, and grilled meats. Prices higher than the Kazakh average but reasonable by European ski-resort standards.

Dining

Alpine restaurant with panoramic slope views, outdoor terrace with fairy lights, and the world’s largest traditional Kazakh yurt — events hall and cultural exhibit. Read guest reviews →

Summer at Oi-Qaragai

An all-season mountain resort — 11 mountain bike trails, hiking, horseback riding, and adventure parks

Year-Round Mountain Resort

In summer, Oi-Qaragai shifts from skiing to adventure tourism. The mountain bike park operates 11 trails served by lifts — making it one of the largest in Central Asia. Hiking routes wind through the same Tian Shan fir forest that shelters the winter slopes, and the equestrian center offers both trail rides and academic riding lessons.

The rope park, via ferrata, archery range, and zipline operate alongside kids’ summer camps and adventure courses. Because the resort operates year-round, the staff and infrastructure are maintained to a consistent standard — it does not have the closed, seasonal feel of a ski-only base.

Popular summer activities include mountain biking (11 trails served by lifts), hiking through Tian Shan fir forest, horseback riding at the on-site equestrian center, and adventure parks including rope courses, via ferrata, and archery. For winter activities, see Winter Activities above.

Summer activities infographic at Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

Oi-Qaragai operates year-round — 11 mountain bike trails, horseback riding, and adventure parks in the Tian Shan forest.

Year-Round Operation

Unlike seasonal ski outposts, Oi-Qaragai maintains staff and infrastructure throughout the year. The resort hosts corporate retreats, team-building events, and weddings in both winter and summer — facilities and service levels remain consistent across seasons.

Oi-Qaragai Reviews

3.9 out of 5 Based on 19 reviews on TripAdvisor · #2 of 3 hotels in Besqaynar
Excellent
8
Good
4
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
3

What Visitors Say

Guests consistently praise the treehouse accommodation, which multiple reviewers describe as the highlight of their stay. The forest setting, proximity to Almaty, and horseback riding experiences receive positive mentions across reviews spanning several years. Families appreciate the Ugusha children’s center and the range of non-skiing activities. The Georgian restaurant is specifically singled out for quality. The 3.9 rating reflects this split: guests who book the right accommodation type and visit with appropriate expectations tend to rate higher, while those expecting consistent four-star service standards are often disappointed.

What Guests Praise
  • Treehouse accommodation — unique and memorable
  • Forest and mountain setting, 30 min from Almaty
  • Horseback riding through the gorge
  • Spa, massage, and wellness services
  • Georgian restaurant specifically praised
What Guests Criticize
  • Inconsistent service and staff professionalism
  • Breakfast quality — basic, limited choice
  • Heating issues in some winter rooms
  • All activities paid separately, including playground
Read all 19 reviews on TripAdvisor →

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Where to Stay at Oi-Qaragai

Treehouses, cottages, glamping, and VIP chalets — on-site accommodation in the forest

Eco

Treehouses

Among Kazakhstan's most photographed accommodations. Internationally recognized eco-hotel experience. Free minibar, private bathroom, shower.

  • Free minibar
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Eco-hotel
Check Availability →
Family

Cottage Deluxe

2 bedrooms, 2 queen beds, 28m². Private bathroom, TV, tea bags, free Wi-Fi. Non-smoking, has window.

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking
Check Availability →
Group

Glamping

30m² with king bed, minibar, refrigerator, TV. Private bathroom. Non-smoking with window. Sleeps 2 + 1 child.

  • King bed
  • Minibar & fridge
  • Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2+1
Check Availability →
See All Hotels Near Oi-Qaragai →

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Plan Your Trip

Stay at Oi-Qaragai Treehouses, cottages & glamping on site Hotels in Almaty Stay in Almaty and day-trip to Oi-Qaragai Airport Transfer Pre-book a transfer from Almaty Airport (~40 min)

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How to Get There — Oi-Qaragai is 35 km from Almaty, a 40-minute drive on paved roads via Al-Farabi Avenue and the Eastern Bypass into the Talgar Gorge. Taxis cost 5,000–7,000 ₸ (~$10–14) via Yandex Go, or take seasonal bus routes #209, #210, #211, or #224.

Booking Tip

Overnight capacity is limited. Book well in advance for New Year holidays and winter weekends — treehouses and VIP chalets sell out months ahead. Staying overnight gives you early-morning slopes and full access to evening activities including night skiing and the UMAI spa.

Nearby Ski Resorts

Other ski resorts in the Almaty region — from advanced alpine to budget day trips

Advanced

Shymbulak

Kazakhstan's largest and highest ski resort. Steep alpine terrain, long vertical, open bowls above the tree line.

20 km slopes · 3,200 m top →
Beginner

Ak-Bulak

Sport-focused resort with uncrowded pistes and modern Doppelmayr & Leitner lifts. Quieter than Shymbulak.

14 km slopes · 2,664 m top →
Budget

Tabagan

Budget day-trip resort near Almaty. Short slopes, basic infrastructure, affordable pricing.

Almaty region · Closed →
Mega Project

Almaty SuperSki

Planned interconnected mega project linking Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai, and new mountain areas into 200+ km of slopes.

200+ km planned · 58 lifts →

All Kazakhstan Ski Resorts

For a full overview of all ski areas in the country, see our guide to skiing in Kazakhstan.

Oi-Qaragai FAQ

Common questions about skiing and visiting Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

What is Oi-Qaragai and why was it called Lesnaya Skazka?

Oi-Qaragai is an all-season mountain resort in the Ile-Alatau range, 35 km east of Almaty. It originally opened in 2007 under the Russian name Lesnaya Skazka, meaning 'Forest Fairy Tale.' As Kazakhstan promoted Kazakh-language place names, the resort adopted the name Oi-Qaragai, which refers to the local gorge in the Talgar district near Besqaynar village.

How far is Oi-Qaragai from Almaty?

Oi-Qaragai is 35 km from Almaty — a 40-minute drive on paved roads via Al-Farabi Avenue and the Eastern Bypass into the Talgar Gorge. Taxis cost 5,000–7,000 ₸ (~$10–14) via Yandex Go, or take seasonal bus routes #209, #210, #211, or #224.

How much is a ski pass at Oi-Qaragai?

Ski pass prices vary by season and ticket type. Day passes for the 2025/2026 season start at around 24,000 ₸ (~$47) for adults, with child and pensioner discounts available. A reusable plastic ski-pass card costs 3,000 ₸ (~$6) paid once. Children under 6 ski for free. Prices are higher during the New Year holiday period (1–11 January).

Is Oi-Qaragai good for beginners?

Yes. Oi-Qaragai is well suited to beginners and families. Green runs offer gentle gradients through forest clearings, sheltered from wind. The ski school offers lessons for children, adults, and snowboarders, with English-speaking instructors available on request. Local instructors often recommend learning at Oi-Qaragai before moving on to Shymbulak, where the terrain is steeper.

When does the ski season start and end?

Oi-Qaragai typically opens in late November or early December and stays open until mid-to-late April. In every recorded year, the resort opened before early December and closed after mid-April, making it one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons in the Almaty region. February is considered the sweet spot — reliable snow, longer daylight, and manageable crowds.

Can you stay overnight at Oi-Qaragai?

Yes. The resort offers six room types ranging from bunk-bed tourist village rooms to luxury VIP chalets. The treehouses are the standout option — they have become some of Kazakhstan's most photographed accommodations. Overnight capacity is limited, so book well in advance for winter weekends and New Year holidays.

Ready to Ski Oi-Qaragai?

13 km of forest slopes, night skiing under the pines, and Kazakhstan's premier mountain spa — 35 km from Almaty

Plan Your Trip → Book Your Stay at Oi-Qaragai →

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