Kashka-Suu Ski Resort Guide
Affordable Slopes in Kyrgyzstan just 30 Minutes from Bishkek
Alpine Charm and Panoramic Views Near Bishkek
Kashka-Suu Ski Resort is a classic Kyrgyz alpine getaway combining scenic beauty with a touch of Soviet-era ski culture. Located just 35 km from Bishkek in the picturesque Oruu-Sai Gorge (on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range), Kashka-Suu has been a favorite among locals for decades. The resort’s name, meaning “snowy juniper” in Kyrgyz, hints at the lovely natural surroundings – you’ll find yourself amid a red-rock canyon and juniper-dotted hills as you ascend to the slopes.
Kashka-Suu sits at an altitude of about 2,000 m at its base and reaches around 2,270 m at the top of the main lift. It offers 10 km of ski trails spread across a mountain face, with a mix of intermediate and advanced terrain that will appeal especially to experienced skiers. Unlike the newer resorts, Kashka-Suu has a charming rustic feel – it first opened in the 1960s, and while it’s been maintained and modestly updated, it retains the character of a no-frills ski base.
Think old-fashioned double chairlifts, hearty food, and a focus on the skiing itself. One of Kashka-Suu’s big draws is its stunning panoramic view: from the slopes, you can gaze out over the entire Chuy Valley and even see the city of Bishkek in the distance on a clear day. For those looking to ski near Bishkek but avoid crowds, Kashka-Suu is often quieter than its peers.
Partly because it’s a bit more challenging and partly because it doesn’t heavily advertise. It’s a “hidden gem” for those in the know, offering rewarding skiing and an authentic mountain atmosphere.
Why Ski in Kashka-Suu?
Skiing at Kashka-Suu is a bit like finding a secret spot that most tourists overlook. Often, you’ll find mainly locals on the slopes, and perhaps a few expatriates, but it’s not widely publicized to international visitors. This gives it a quiet, authentic atmosphere. The pace of life here is calm: skiers take a few runs, then relax in the sun with a tea, admiring the view of Bishkek far below.
That view really is one of Kashka-Suu’s crown jewels – as you ride the lift or ski down, you have a sweeping panorama of the entire valley and city, with the endless Kyrgyz steppe beyond. It’s particularly gorgeous in late afternoon when the sun starts to set and the valley lights up in golden hues. The resort’s south-facing slopes mean plenty of sunshine on nice days, though it can also mean the snow softens by afternoon in the spring.
One of the mandatory highlights to mention is the panorama of the Chui Valley and Kyrgyz Range peaks – photographers will love it. On a clear day, you can even make out landmarks in Bishkek from the top! Another highlight: because there’s lodging at the base, you can turn a day trip into a mini vacation.
Many visitors enjoy the evening after skiing: Maybe a group will light a campfire or grill meat outside (Kashka-Suu has picnic pavilions for summer, which sometimes winter visitors also use), and you get this wonderful sense of being in the mountains after all the day-trippers have gone home. When night falls, it’s incredibly quiet – just the crackling of firewood and the sound of wind in the pines.
For advanced skiers, a big highlight is the chance to ski more challenging terrain than at other nearby resorts. If you’ve mastered the runs at Chunkurchak or Orlovka and want something steeper, Kashka-Suu delivers. The feeling of carving down a long, sustained red run with hardly anyone else around can be exhilarating.
And if fresh snow has fallen, tracking out the powder stashes along the edges of the piste or under the lift can make for an epic day. Because of the resort’s orientation in a canyon, sometimes the snow stays in good condition longer (shaded spots preserve powder, and sheltered spots keep it from getting wind-blown).
Kashka-Suu Ski Season
| Year | Start Season | End Season |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 / 2016 | 27 Nov | Mid March |
| 2016 / 2017 | 27 Nov | Mid March |
| 2017 / 2018 | 30 Dec | Mid March |
| 2018 / 2019 | 17 Nov | Late March |
| 2019 / 2020 | 28 Dec | 15 March |
| 2020 / 2021 | 05 Dec | 04 April |
| 2021 / 2022 | 04 Dec | Late March |
| 2022 / 2023 | 03 Dec | 02 April |
| 2023 / 2024 | 10 Dec | Late March |
| 2024 / 2025 | Mid Dec | Late March |
| 2025 / 2026 | 24 Dec | – |
You can see in the table when the ski season in Kashka-Suu started and ended over the last ten years. As you can see, the dates change every year. There is no fixed ski season here — it all depends on the weather. This is important for you to know when you plan your trip.
For the past ten years, Kashka-Suu has always been open from late December until mid-March. This makes it very likely that you will be able to ski during this whole period in the coming years. If you want to book your holiday in advance, these are the safest months.
Most years, Kashka-Suu opens earlier or stays open longer. In one year it opened as early as 17 November, and in another year it stayed open until 4 April. These early and late dates are great if you are already nearby and want a last-minute ski day. Prices are lower, the slopes are quiet, and you get lots of space to ski.
How to Get to Kashka-Suu
You first fly to Bishkek. From Bishkek, Kashka-Suu is one of the closest ski resorts. A taxi will take you straight to the base in a very short time, it’s only 35km. You can also use a shared minibus from the city to the nearby village, then take a short taxi ride up.
The road is smooth and easy, and you reach the resort fast. This makes Kashka-Suu perfect for a half-day ski trip or a quick escape from the city.
Find the best flights to Bishkek below!👇
Where to Stay?
Stay in Bishkek
Staying in Bishkek gives you great value if you plan to ski in Kashka-Suu. Rooms are cheaper, you have more choice, and taxis bring you to the slopes fast. The road is short, safe, and your hotel can arrange a driver or help you find good ski rental shops in town.
In Bishkek you have all things close: shops, cafés, malls, banks, and warm food halls. After skiing you come back to a city with life and soft beds. It makes your trip easy, warm, and low cost.
From Bishkek you can also visit Zil and Chunkurchak. Many people ski all three resorts and sleep in the city because it keeps costs low and days simple.
Look for a place to stay in Bishkek by clicking on the map below. 👇
Stay at Kashka-Suu Ski Resort
If you stay near Kashka-Suu, you sleep right by the mountains. You wake up, step outside, and you are almost on the slopes. No taxis, no loss of time, just pure ski days. You pay a bit more than in the city, but you enjoy quiet nights, clean air, and a warm place close to the lifts. And if you want to explore more, you can also ski in Zil or Chunkurchak with an easy ride from here.
Check the list of hotels at the ski resort below.👇
Hotels at Kashka-Suu:
Alto Cabins
ALTO Cabins gives you a calm, modern mountain stay with clean, cozy 60 m² cabins. You get your own living room, private bathroom, and a small kitchen — perfect after a ski day. It’s quiet, comfortable, and close enough to the slopes for easy trips while still feeling peaceful.
Ski Pass Prices for Kashka-Suu Ski Base
| Ski Pass Type | Weekdays | Weekend + Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pass | 1500 Som ($17,15) | 1800 Som ($20,60) |
| Single Ride | 500 Som ($5,70) | 500 Som ($5,70) |
| Night Ski | 1500 Som ($17,15) | 1500 Som ($17,15) |
| Children | 250 Som ($2,85) | 250 Som ($2,85) |
| Elec. Card | 300 Som ($3,45) | 300 Som ($3,45) |
When you ski at Kashka-Suu Ski Resort, the ski pass system is simple and flexible, with higher prices on weekends and public holidays compared to regular days. This makes weekday skiing more affordable and usually less crowded, especially during the busy winter season near Bishkek.
The most popular option is the day pass, valid from 10:00 to 16:00, which gives you unlimited access to the chairlift during opening hours. This pass is ideal if you plan to ski for a full day and want the best value for money. For shorter visits, single-ride tickets are available and are perfect if you only want a few runs or plan to enjoy the mountain views.
Kashka-Suu also offers night skiing from 19:00 to 22:00, allowing you to ski after dark in a unique atmosphere. For groups, the resort provides the option to book the lift privately, either for small groups by the hour or at a reduced per-person rate for larger groups.
Children benefit from discounted lift prices, making Kashka-Suu a family-friendly ski area. All ski passes are non-refundable, so it’s best to choose the option that fits your skiing plans, available time, and the day you visit.
Slopes and Terrain
The ski terrain at Kashka-Suu is carved into a dramatic mountainside and is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The vertical drop is roughly 400 m (from ~1,870 m base to ~2,270 m top), and the resort’s runs take full advantage of this, with a relatively steep pitch on many sections. In total, there are about 6 main trails of varying difficulty that interconnect between two lift lines.
The longest run can be up to 1.5 km from top to bottom without stopping, giving a nice leg-burning descent. Skiers will find that a couple of the upper runs are rated as solid reds (advanced intermediate), featuring sustained steeper sections and some exciting fall-line skiing. There is even one section that local skiers might call a black run when moguls form – with a maximum vertical drop of ~380 m on one lift line, it offers a challenge in terms of steepness.
That said, there are also easier options: From the mid-station or by taking a traverse, you can find gentler paths down, so confident beginners who have progressed a bit could still enjoy parts of the resort. Many of Kashka-Suu’s trails eventually converge towards the base, meaning you won’t get lost – they all funnel back to the lodge area.
Off-Piste Skiing
On a powder day after a fresh snowfall, advanced skiers love Kashka-Suu for its off-piste opportunities: The resort’s slopes are bordered by open bowls and glades that, while unofficial, are often accessible and full of untouched snow. It’s a bit of a locals’ secret that Kashka-Suu can deliver fantastic powder skiing, since its higher altitude and orientation trap snow in the Oruu-Sai Gorge.
However, caution is needed when leaving the groomed runs, as avalanche risk can exist (the resort occasionally closes during extreme avalanche danger). Most of the time, though, you’ll see experienced skiers dipping into side powder stashes and then returning to the lifts. For those staying on piste, all runs are groomed by a snowcat (weather permitting).
The lower slopes are moderate and run through a beautiful small forest area and alongside red rock formations, adding to the scenery. Notably, Kashka-Suu is typically open Wednesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), a schedule which helps the snow stay fresh and the slopes uncrowded mid-week.
If you ski there on a Wednesday after two quiet days, you might feel like you have a private resort. In summary, expect challenging and satisfying terrain at Kashka-Suu – it’s a place where intermediates improve their skills and advanced riders can find thrills, all with a spectacular view as a backdrop.
Lifts and Facilities in Kashka-Suu
Kashka-Suu’s lift system is simple but effective: It has two main lifts. The primary lift is an old-school two-seater chairlift about 1.5 km long that carries skiers from the base up to the top station at ~2,270 m. This lift provides access to all the principal runs. It’s a fixed-grip chair (not high-speed), so the ride is a bit slow – but that gives you ample time to enjoy the mountain scenery on the way up.
The second lift is a shorter rope tow (surface lift), roughly 800 m long, that services a lower part of the slopes and some alternate routes. This rope tow (or sometimes a T-bar, depending on how they rig it each season) is useful for lapping the bottom half of the mountain or accessing a specific slope without going to the top each time.
Together, these lifts handle the skier traffic adequately; on busy weekends you might encounter some wait at the chairlift, but generally things move smoothly. Just be prepared: the chairlift is a vintage model – no conveyor loading carpet or safety bar cushioning – so it’s all part of the authentic experience!
Ski Rental
Equipment rental is available at Kashka-Suu, although the selection might not be as extensive or new as at Chunkurchak or ZIL. It’s perfectly fine for beginners who need basic skis or a snowboard for the day. If you’re particular about gear, it might be better to rent in Bishkek and bring it along. There is usually at least one ski instructor or guide around, but Kashka-Suu doesn’t have a formal ski school desk like the larger resorts.
Still, if you inquire, you can often arrange a lesson or a guided run with an experienced local instructor (many speak Russian, and some may speak basic English). Another facility worth mentioning is parking – the road up the Oruu-Sai Gorge leads directly to the resort, and there’s a parking area by the lodge. It can get muddy when it’s not frozen, but it’s convenient enough.
Note that in heavy snow, the access road can be tricky for cars without 4WD; on such days, locals sometimes hop in a friend’s Jeep or even catch a ride on a passing truck headed up.One standout aspect of Kashka-Suu’s facilities is the vintage vibe. The chairlift was reportedly installed during Soviet times, and you’ll see some old signage in Cyrillic, perhaps an aging trail map, and the general aesthetic of a 1980s ski base.
For many, this is part of the charm – it feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era of skiing. However, the resort has not been neglected: it was part of a “Tourist Center” development, meaning they did invest in the hotel and some improvements. So it’s a mix of old and new in a way. Crucially, the slopes are well taken care of, and that’s what counts for the skiing experience.
Practical tips
remember that Kashka-Suu is closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan accordingly. This mid-week closure means Tuesdays often accumulate untouched snow if it snowed on Monday, and Wednesday morning can be fantastic with fresh corduroy or powder.
Also, since it’s a bit of an old-school place, bring cash (soms) for lift tickets and food – credit card acceptance may be hit-or-miss. The ski pass prices are around 1200 KGS for a day (adults) and about 500 KGS for kids, which is quite affordable. If you choose to stay overnight, booking in advance is wise, especially on weekends.
In summary, Kashka-Suu Ski Resort offers a blend of spectacular views, satisfying ski runs, and a nostalgic ski atmosphere. It might not have the gloss and glamour of a high-end resort, but it has heart and natural beauty.
For skiers who appreciate a bit of challenge and the charm of a mountain hideaway, Kashka-Suu can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the purity of skiing in a beautiful environment.
Kashka-Suu Ski Resort – Key Facts:
- Distance from Bishkek: ~35 km south of the city (about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive). Located past the village of Kashka-Suu, in the Oruu-Sai Gorge of Chuy Region. Accessible via the road toward Ala-Archa National Park, then a turn-off to Oruu-Sai after Kashka-Suu village.
- Total Slope Length: 10 km of trails, with ~6 main runs. Mix of intermediate (blue/red) and some advanced sections; limited beginner terrain (better for those with some experience). The longest run is ~1.5 km.
- Elevation: Base around 1,870 m; top around 2,270 m. Approx. 400 m vertical drop (some runs have up to ~380 m continuous vertical). Offers panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and Bishkek city on clear days.
- Lifts: 2 lifts – one 1.5 km two-seater chairlift (fixed-grip, vintage) and one rope-tow/drag lift ~800 m. The chairlift operates to the summit; the tow covers lower slopes. Operating days: Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday-Tuesday). Hours roughly 10:00–16:00 (some days they may open earlier if demand).
- Ski Pass Cost: 1200 KGS per day for adults (≈ $14) and around 500 KGS for children. Half-day passes sometimes available in afternoons. Very budget-friendly pricing. Rentals on-site (older equipment) for ~500–800 KGS/day.
- Facilities: On-site mountain hotel with 65 beds (year-round operation) – offers basic accommodations (shared bathrooms for some rooms) and is often used by groups/retreats. Large chalet-style lodge with cafeteria and bar. Parking at base (road can be snowy; 4WD recommended in winter). First aid available; limited formal ski school but local instructors can be hired informally.
- Amenities: Restaurant serves local cuisine and staples (affordable hearty meals). Sauna available at hotel (common in Kyrgyz resorts for warming up après-ski). Nightlife is minimal – the ambience is tranquil in evenings.
- Highlights: Magnificent vistas from slopes; fewer crowds (especially mid-week); more challenging runs compared to other Bishkek-area resorts. Rustic, authentic vibe – a trip back in time for skiing enthusiasts. Opportunity to stay overnight in the mountains for a very reasonable cost.
- Nearby: The resort area is picturesque – even non-skiers might come for a day trip to enjoy the snow and scenery. In summer, Kashka-Suu base area is used for hiking and mountaineering training, given its roots as a “Tourist Center” for year-round mountain activities.
