Top Ski Resorts in Kyrgyzstan
Information about the Best Ski Resorts in Kyrgyzstan and the Mega Ski Resort Ala-Too (Under Construction)
Your Winter Adventure in Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan’s towering Tien Shan peaks are covered in deep snow every winter, making this country a hidden gem for skiers and snowboarders. More than 90 kilometers of groomed slopes await winter enthusiasts, plus endless backcountry routes through pristine alpine terrain. Kyrgyzstan offers 5 ski resorts with more than 10 km slope, and a mega ski resort that will offer 250 km slope is currently under construction.
The snow in Kyrgyzstan is famously dry and fluffy thanks to its extreme continental climate, creating ideal powder conditions. This all adds up to an unforgettable ski experience – and it’s extremely affordable. For example, a full-day lift ticket at the Karakol resort costs only about 1400 KGS (~$16), a fraction of prices in Europe or North America and even cheap compare to other places in Central Asia.
On and off the slopes, visitors enjoy the warm hospitality of the nomadic Kyrgyz people and simple but hearty local cuisine (think plov, laghman noodles and mutton dishes). In short, skiing in Kyrgyzstan means untouched mountains, great snow, and friendly culture – all at a bargain price.
Why Ski in Kyrgyzstan?
If you want to ski somewhere wild, cheap, and full of charm, Kyrgyzstan is the place for you. This small Central Asian country is packed with mountains—so many that people call it the Switzerland of Central Asia. But unlike Switzerland, everything here costs a fraction of the price. You can ski, eat, and stay for days without spending much, and the people you meet will be among the friendliest you’ll ever find.
Kyrgyzstan even has the highest mountain in the whole Tian Shan range, which means snow is deep, dry, and reliable. You don’t need to worry about long visa processes either—most visitors can enter visa-free for 60 days, making it one of the easiest ski trips in Asia.
You’ll find all kinds of resorts. Karakol has around 20 km of slopes reaching 3,040 m, while Chunkurchak near Bishkek is perfect for families or weekend breaks. For something unique, stay in a warm yurt in Jyrgalan or Ak-Suu and ski right from your door. If you want real adventure, try heliskiing—operators take you up to 4,200 m peaks for runs as long as 8 km. And soon, the massive Ala-Too Resort will open with around 250 km of slopes, turning Kyrgyzstan into one of the world’s most exciting new ski destinations.
How to Get to the Ski Resorts
To get to the ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan, you can fly into Bishkek’s Manas Airport. It has direct flights from big hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, Seoul, Beijing, Almaty and Tashkent, so it’s easy to reach from the Middle East and Asia. There are no direct flights from Europe or North America, so if you’re from there you will have to transfer. Once you land, you can get to the city in about 40 minutes by taxi. From Bishkek you can reach Zil, Kashka-Suu and Chunkurchk ski resort withing an our.
You can also travel to Karakol, the biggest ski resort in the country. The road trip takes around 6–7 hours by bus, (shared) taxi or GoBus. The ride is long, but you pass the blue Issyk-Kul Lake and wide open mountain views, so the journey feels like part of the adventure. In winter there are also flights from Bishkek and Almaty to Karakol, which can save you time. When you arrive, you get deep snow, long runs and warm local homes that make you feel welcome.
Find the best flights to Bishkek below!👇
Where to Stay on Your Ski Holiday in Kyrgyzstan?
When you plan your ski trip in Kyrgyzstan, you have four great options for places to stay. Each one gives you a very different trip, so you can choose what fits your style. You can stay in Bishkek if you want city life, good food, bars, shops and quick trips to Zil, Chunkurchak or Kashka-Suu. It’s the best choice if you like a mix of ski and city fun. Hotels are cheaper, and it’s easy to get around. Perfect for a longer trip or for nomads who want a winter destination!
You can stay in Karakol if you want the classic mountain feel. The town is friendly, full of warm guesthouses, and very close to Karakol Ski Base. You get the real “mountain town” mood with good food, hot tea and a calm vibe. Like staying in Bishkek, this option can save money on food and accommodation which makes it more suited for longer or cheaper trips.
Your third option is to stay right in the ski resort you choose. A pure ski holiday with ski in / ski out accommodation. This gives you the most comfort and the best ski days. You wake up, step outside, and start to ski. No travel, no stress — just pure snow time. Lastly, if you are adventurous and want to ski in multiple places and combine your ski adventure with culture and nature, you can book a tour. An extra advantage is that everything (accommodation and transport) will be done for you, you just have to book your ticket to Bishkek.
Stay in Bishkek
If you stay in Bishkek you can enjoy the facilities of the city like gyms, malls, supermarkets, restaurants and less expensive acomodation. There are about 83 hotels, 200 apartments and 10 guest houses with a very good rating (8+). There are 3 nearby ski resorts with 10 or more km slopes and some smaller ones. You can get a taxi or a bus to get there. Zil and Kashka-Suu are a 35 km drive away from the city and Chunkurchak is 45 km. Click on the map below and find your best place to stay!
Stay in Karakol
If you stay in Karakol you get the true mountain town vibe with cozy cafés, warm guest houses and easy access to nature. The town has 13 hotels, 17 apartments and 25 guesthouses with high ratings (8+), so you can always find a nice place to sleep. Karakol Ski Base is only 11 km, and you can reach it fast by taxi or a short shuttle ride. You can also visit nearby spots for hot springs, snowshoe walks or a yurt stay if you want 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 the pure ski holiday feel from the moment you wake up. You can step outside, click into your skis and go — real ski-in / ski-out comfort. No taxis, no travel time, no stress. Your whole day is about snow, fresh air and fun. Most resorts have good hotels, small lodges and cozy cabins close to the lifts, so you can choose what fits your style. If you want to stay at the resort, you have to choose where to go first. Scroll down for the best ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan!
Book a Tour
If you book a tour, your whole trip becomes simple and stress-free. The tour team arranges your stay, your transfers, and your time on the slopes, so you don’t have to plan anything. You just choose the tour you like. It’s the easiest way to enjoy Kyrgyzstan without worrying about details. All you need to do is book your flight to Kyrgyzstan and show up. If you want to see more of Kyrgyzstan while skiing at different resorts, a tour is perfect! Click on the tours below and find your trip!
Ski Resorts in Kyrgyzstan (Overview & Locations)
Map Ski Resorts Kyrgyzstan
The ski resorts near Bishkek 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
- Ala-Too (Under Construction)
- Karakol
- Zil
- Chunkurchak
- Kashka-Suu
Ski Conditions and Local Culture
The ski season in Kyrgyzstan is long. High-altitude resorts often open as early as November and stay snowy through April (Karakol, for example, operates from early November to late April), and in a good year some slopes remain skiable into spring. Resorts are typically at 1,800–3,000 meters elevation, so snowpack can reach over a meter and melt very late. Average winter temperatures at altitude are often around –10°C, ensuring light, dry powder that ski tourers and freeriders love.
Equipment rentals, lessons and facilities are modest but improving. Lift infrastructure is being upgraded as ski-tourism grows. Importantly, prices remain extremely low: full-day passes usually run in the 10–20 Dollar range. For instance, Karakol’s adult day pass is about 1200 KGS (roughly $15). Even budget travelers can afford multiple days on the mountain. Off the mountain, visitors enjoy warm Kyrgyz hospitality – locals are renowned for kindness and generosity – and can sample tasty traditional meals to refuel after skiing. Overall, Kyrgyzstan offers lots of ski for your money, with surprisingly good service, simple comfortable lodges, and a genuine cultural experience mixed in.
Major Ski Resorts in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is dotted with ski bases in scenic valleys. The main alpine resorts (most developed during Soviet times) vary from family-friendly beginner hills to big-mountain freeride zones. Kyrgyzstan is building one mega ski resort as we speak, but this will take years to be completed. However, the first slopes are expected to open already in the 2026 / 2027 season. Below we listed the 4 major ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan with a total of 10 km slopes or more. In our opinion, these resorts are worth it to book your holiday to, especially Karakol.
Ala-Too Mega Ski Resort (Under Construction)
An even bigger ski dream is now under way: The Ala-Too Resort project will unite three major peaks into a mega ski cluster. Construction began in 2025 under presidential direction. When complete, it will link Jyrgalan, Ak-Bulak and Boz-Uchuk mountains in the Issyk-Kul region with high-speed gondolas and lifts.The plan is to build roughly 250 km of ski slopes – ten times more than any single current resort – making it the largest ski area in Central Asia.
Officials say the first cable car (at Jyrgalan) should be finished by mid-2026, with the first ski trails opening in late 2026.The remaining sections (Ak-Bulak and Boz-Uchuk) will be added by 2028. Ala-Too is designed for year-round use (using snowmaking and the high-altitude cold), and is projected to attract millions of visitors annually. In sum, Ala-Too will put Kyrgyzstan on the map as a top ski destination, drawing foreign tourists and investments. 👉Read more about Ala-Too Resort……..
Karakol Ski Resort (Issyk-Kul Region)
Karakol Ski Base has 20 km of trails. The country’s largest and most famous resort, just 11 km south of Karakol city. Karakol sits at 2,300–3,040 m and has four lifts, serving a mix of easy blues and long black runs.
It’s especially popular with experienced skiers and backcountry adventurers – it’s known for its challenging off-piste terrain and stunning valley views.
The town of Karakol provides ample hotels, restaurants and facilities for multi-day stays. 👉Read more about skiing in Karakol………
Zil Ski Resort (Chuy Region)
Zil Ski resort counts 10.5 km of trails. Located just 35 km north of Bishkek at 1,850–2,330 m, Zil is very accessible for city dwellers. It’s a newer resort known for its well-groomed slopes, snowboarding park, toboggan runs and even a zipline for thrill-seekers.
With 4 lifts and diverse terrain for beginners through intermediates, Zil is great for families. At the top you can see all the way into Kazakhstan on a clear day. The resort has restaurants and a cozy alpine lodge. 👉Read more about skiing in Zil………
Chunkurchak Ski Resort (Chuy Region, Ala-Too Valley)
Chunkuruchak Resort has about 10 km of slopes. Only ~45 km east of Bishkek, Chunkurchak is the nearest major ski area to the capital. It has gentle long runs and modern chairlifts (including a dedicated children’s belt lift), making it ideal for beginners and families.
With 5 lifts and 10 km of piste, it offers a convenient, low-key skiing option: locals often drive up for a weekend day trip. The valley panorama is beautiful, and basic cafés and rentals are available on-site. 👉Read more about skiing in Chunkurachak……….
Kashka-Suu Ski Base (Chuy Region)
Kashka-Suu Resort has 10 km of slopes. Near the village of Kashka-Suu north of Bishkek, this small resort offers about 10 km of mostly intermediate runs served by 2 lifts.
Kashka-Suu is known for reliable machine-groomed trails and is very affordable. It’s a good spot for improving skiers. You’ll find a couple of cafés and a relaxed atmosphere here. 👉Learn more about skiing in Kashka-Suu…….
Smaller Ski Resorts in Kyrgyzstan
At the moment we have listed 4 smaller ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan. These resorts are probably too small for a winter holiday on itself. However, they might be nice to visit to get some variation after a few days in a bigger resort, as a one day ski-trip from Bishkek or if you want to learn to ski.
Too Ashuu Ski Resort (Chuy Region)
Too Ashuu has only 7 km of slopes. Situated on the 3,000 m Too-Ashuu pass south of Bishkek, this high resort is one of the coldest and snowiest in Kyrgyzstan. Its three lifts serve several runs (about 7 km total, including a mellow 3 km beginner trail and some steep zones for experts.
The very high altitude means snowfalls early and spring lasts long – some years the season goes through May. Skiers must shuttle back up by chairlift or snowmobile. The rugged terrain and nearly 1.5 m average snow depth make Too Ashuu a powder paradise.
Orlovka Ski Resort (Chuy Region)
Orlovska ski resort has 5 km of trails. This resort lies ~90 km east of Bishkek in the Chong-Kemin Valley. After recent upgrades, Orlovka now has four lifts serving 9 slopes (total 13.6 km). Trails range from gentle beginner runs to a challenging 2.9 km black with 560 m vertical drop.
Orlovka often enjoys good natural snow and is quieter than city resorts – a nice choice for those seeking intermediate pistes and scenic, pine-covered runs.
Ak-Tash Ski Resort (Kemin District)
This small ski resort has 5 km of trails. Opened in 2019, Ak-Tuz is a brand-new international-standard base north of Chüy Valley. It features modern Austrian lifts on slopes up to 2,500 m elevation, covering about 5 km total.
The runs are high quality with reliable snow – even November snows there form a stable base. It’s still quite small but growing in fame.
Norus Ski Resort (Issyk-Kul Region)
Norus has around 3 km of trails. As one of the lesser-known mountain ski areas, Norus sits at very high altitude (up to 3,048 m) on the slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too range. It has 2 chairlifts and boasts about 3 km of descent.
Norus markets itself as Kyrgyzstan’s highest ski zone and even offers heliskiing opportunities. The terrain is steep and deep – an adventure for confident skiers.Each resort has its own character, but all share clear weather and powder snow during winter months.
Combined, the resort network in Kyrgyzstan currently offers around 90–100 km of pistes. This is modest compared to Alpine giants, but Kyrgyz slopes are uncrowded and wild. Skiers also love the backcountry tours available off-piste – the country has hundreds of kilometers more ski-touring routes in its remote valleys.
Book Your Ski Tour in Kyrgyzstan
6-Day Kyrgyzstan Ski Tour
Escape the ordinary with this 6-day Kyrgyzstan Ski Tour—a perfect mix of skiing, nature, and local culture. You’ll ski at Kashkulak Ski Resort, known for its peaceful slopes and deep powder, ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers. After hitting the mountains, unwind in the Issyk-Ata hot springs, surrounded by snowy peaks.
The tour also includes a guided hike through Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine landscape just outside Bishkek. Your journey includes 5 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and airport transfers. Everything is arranged so you can enjoy the adventure stress-free.
3-Day Karakol Ski Spa Tour
Craving a winter retreat that balances snowy adventure with relaxation? Dive into this 3‑day Karakol Ski Spa Tour. Carve the pristine slopes at Karakol Ski Resort, where fresh powder and serene mountain views await. After skiing, unwind in the warm Ak‑Suu hot springs, surrounded by alpine scenery.
You’ll also explore Skazka Valley, stroll along Issyk‑Kul’s southern shore, visit historical petroglyphs and the Burana Tower, and even experience yurt-building and traditional Kyrgyz Oromo culture. Your trip includes accommodation, meals, a private English‑ and Russian‑speaking guide, airport transfers, and a free 1 GB e‑SIM for easy connectivity.