Ski in Zil

Zil Ski Resort


Modern Slopes & Scenic Views by Bishkek

ZIL Ski Resort (sometimes called ZiL or Suulu-Tor) is one of the most popular and well-developed ski complexes in Kyrgyzstan, celebrated for its modern facilities and convenient location just 35 km from Bishkek. Situated in the scenic foothills of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range (between the Chunkurchak and Issyk-Ata valleys), ZIL offers skiers a delightful mix of accessible skiing and beautiful mountain panoramas.

The resort’s base lies at 1,850 m altitude, and its slopes extend up to about 2,400 m, providing over 10 km of groomed trails (some sources say up to 12 km) that cater mainly to beginner and intermediate skiers. Over the past few years, ZIL has consistently been ranked among Kyrgyzstan’s top ski resorts – in fact, it was rated #1 in the country for three years running – thanks to its combination of proximity, picturesque setting, and reliable services.

If you’re seeking a family-friendly ski day or a quick weekend outing from the city, ZIL Ski Resort is an excellent choice. It delivers the fun of mountain skiing without the long drive, all in a setting that’s both historically quirky and naturally stunning.

Slopes and Terrain 

ZIL’s ski area lies on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and offers a moderate vertical drop of roughly 550 m (from base to top). The terrain is ideally suited for casual skiers and families – you’ll find plenty of wide, well-groomed blue and red runs, as well as gentle green practice areas. In total, ZIL has about 8–10 marked runs of varying lengths.

The longest piste is around 1.5 km long, providing a satisfying ride for intermediate skiers. The majority of slopes at ZIL are graded easy to intermediate (green/blue), with a few steeper sections (low-end red difficulty) for those looking to pick up some speed. While truly expert terrain (like black or off-piste) is limited – ZIL doesn’t have extreme chutes or big mogul fields – advanced skiers can still enjoy carving at higher speeds on the well-maintained trails or take advantage of fresh snow days to explore the sides of the groomers for a bit of powder.

The resort also features two dedicated toboggan runs, each about 350 m long, which are very popular with children and non-skiers. In terms of scenery, as you ascend the slopes, expansive views open up: on clear days you can see the entire Chuy Valley and even across into neighboring Kazakhstan from the upper trails. The aspect of the mountain means ZIL gets a good amount of sunshine, making cold winter days more pleasant.

ZIL’s trails are all below treeline, dotted with leafless deciduous trees and low pines, giving a nice sense of definition and contrast against the snow. Whether you’re learning your first turns or cruising with friends, ZIL’s terrain is enjoyable and confidence-inspiring. It’s the kind of mountain where beginners quickly progress, and families can stick together without fear of anyone getting lost or in over their head.

Lifts and Infrastructure

One of ZIL’s standout features is its lift system and infrastructure, which is among the best in the country. The resort currently operates five ski lifts, ensuring efficient access to all corners of the ski area. This includes: a 1.5 km long two-seater chairlift with heated seats (a rare luxury that keeps riders warm on the ascent), a 1.3 km long platter/rope-tow lift, two “snail” type platter lifts of 1.4 km and 1.2 km (these are high-capacity surface lifts designed for more advanced slopes), and a 400 m junior tow lift for the beginner zone.

Thanks to this network, lift lines at ZIL are usually short, even on busy weekends, as people distribute across the various lifts. The presence of multiple lifts also means different sections of the resort can operate independently – for example, the beginner area can function separately, which is great for novice lessons, while more experienced skiers use the chairlift and longer tows. Notably, ZIL has invested in excellent facilities off the slopes as well.

The access road from Bishkek is paved and well maintained, and on arrival you’ll find parking for over 700 cars – a sign of how popular the resort has become. At the base, ZIL boasts three cafés/restaurants: one with 100 seats (serving hearty meals and snacks), a smaller 20-seat café for quick bites, and another intimate café perched at ~2,300 m altitude with 15 seats, where you can enjoy a hot drink with panoramic views.

The resort also has a 19-room hotel on site, offering simple but comfortable accommodation for those who want to stay overnight. The hotel rooms often book up on winter weekends, as local families turn a ski day into a mini-vacation. Adjacent to the hotel, a complex of service buildings houses a ski rental office (stocked with skis, snowboards, and sleds), a ski school desk, and even staff housing and maintenance garages.

ZIL is proud of its full-time mountain operations team – the resort has round-the-clock security (including on-site police presence for safety) and machinery like snow groomers, bulldozers, and trucks to keep the slopes groomed and the facility running smoothly.

These investments reflect ZIL’s ambition to meet international standards and possibly expand: there have been plans to install a cable car up to the nearby Kentor Glacier (3,500 m) to enable year-round skiing in the future. While that project is still in development, it underscores ZIL’s position as a forward-looking resort.

Amenities and Activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, ZIL offers an array of activities that make it more than just a ski hill – it’s a winter fun park. As mentioned, tobogganing is a big hit here; the twin sledding slopes are groomed and even have a simple lift system so kids (and playful adults) can zip down on tubes or sleds and get towed back up for another go.

There’s also a 600 m zipline at the resort, allowing visitors to soar through the frosty air for an adrenaline rush. A children’s playground area is set up at the base, so little ones have a safe place to play in the snow. During the peak season, ZIL occasionally organizes snow festivals or competitions – for instance, local ski races or snowboard freestyle shows – which can be fun to watch from the chairlift.

In summer, the resort doesn’t hibernate; it transforms into an outdoor recreation center with rides like mountain tubing (riding an inflatable tube down grass), horseback excursions, and the unique Kyrgyz kymyz therapy (fermented mare’s milk health retreats) offered in the area. The cultural quirkiness of ZIL is also noteworthy: upon entering the resort, you are greeted by a monument of Vladimir Putin, and further in, you’ll find statues of Lenin and celebrated Kyrgyz writer Chyngyz Aitmatov lining the path.

These unexpected sculptures make for fun photo ops and speak to the resort’s mixed heritage (originally a Soviet-era base, now updated for modern times). Food options at ZIL are decent and reasonably priced – you can enjoy everything from shashlik BBQ and plov to hamburgers and french fries in the cafes. Apres-ski at ZIL is relatively low-key but enjoyable: many people gather on the outdoor terrace by the base café, music is often playing, and there’s a jovial atmosphere as skiers recount their day.

Since it’s close to Bishkek, a lot of visitors head back to the city in the evening, but for those staying at the hotel, a cozy dinner and maybe a game of pool or karaoke often cap off the night.

Why Choose ZIL? 

ZIL Ski Resort has become the go-to winter spot for Bishkek residents and a growing number of tourists because it strikes a perfect balance. It’s close enough that you can spontaneously decide to ski for a day, yet once you’re there, the mountain scenery makes you feel a world away from the city. ZIL’s well-earned reputation as Kyrgyzstan’s top resort for multiple years stems from its consistent quality: you know you’ll find groomed trails, working lifts, and a helpful staff ready to make your visit enjoyable.

It’s particularly attractive for families and intermediate skiers – those who want a comfortable, safe skiing environment with nice facilities. Beginners love ZIL for its easy runs and patient instructors, while intermediates can refine their technique on longer slopes without intimidation. Even advanced skiers might not find extreme challenges here, but they will appreciate the uncrowded runs on weekdays and the chance to just relax and carve turns with friends.

Additionally, the resort’s affordability is a plus: lift tickets cost around 1300 KGS for a full day (roughly $15), and rentals and food are similarly budget-friendly. All these factors, combined with the novelty factors (heated chairlift seats, unique statues, etc.), give ZIL a character all its own. It’s a place where you can enjoy both the modern comforts of a developed ski resort and the local charm of Kyrgyz culture.

Many expatriates and travelers passing through Bishkek make sure to squeeze in a “ZIL day” to experience Kyrgyzstan’s accessible skiing. In summary, choose ZIL Ski Resort if you’re looking for convenience, comfort, and a scenic alpine experience – it’s the perfect introduction to skiing in Kyrgyzstan and a delightful retreat for anyone craving snow time near the city.

ZIL Ski Resort – Key Facts:

  • Distance from Bishkek: ~35 km southeast of the city (about 1 hour drive), making it one of the closest ski areas to the capital.
  • Total Slope Length: Approximately 10.5 – 12 km of pistes (various sources cite ~10 km groomed). Mostly easy and intermediate runs; terrain ideal for beginners/families.
  • Elevation: Base at 1,850 m; summit around 2,300–2,400 m. Vertical drop ~450–550 m. Offers panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and Kazakhstan from upper slopes.
  • Lifts: 5 lifts (1 two-seater chairlift with heated seats + 4 surface lifts) cover the mountain. Lift hours typically 10:00–16:00 daily in season. Modern lift infrastructure allows quick laps and minimal queues.
  • Ski Pass Cost: ~1300 KGS for adults per day (≈ $14-15), ~800 KGS for kids. Frequently, discounted rates apply on weekdays (e.g. around 800–1000 KGS)Equipment rentals available on-site (ski set ~800–1000 KGS/day).
  • Facilities: Three cafés/restaurants (including a mid-mountain café) serving local and European fare; 19-room hotel at base (clean, simple accommodation); large parking area (700+ cars); ski school and rental center; first-aid post and 24/7 security.
  • Activities: In addition to skiing/snowboarding, ZIL offers tobogganing (two 350 m sledding slopes) and a 600 m zipline for winter fun. In summer, activities like mountain tubing, zipline, and horseback riding continue (plus traditional kymyz health retreats)
  • Notable: Unique statues of Putin, Lenin, and Aitmatov at the resort entrance add local character. Planned future expansion to Kentor Glacier (3,500 m) for year-round skiing is in the works. ZIL has been rated the #1 ski resort in Kyrgyzstan in past seasons for its service and popularity.
  • Season & Hours: Generally open mid-December through early March (earlier/later if snow permits). Operating hours roughly 10 AM to 4 PM each day. Night skiing is not available, but floodlit sledding or events are occasionally held during festivals.