Zil Ski Resort Guide
A Modern Ski Resort Very Close to Bishkek
Ski in Zil – Modern Slopes & Scenic Views by Bishkek
This is what skiing in Kyrgyzstan looks like!
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.
Why Ski in 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 on a week day cost around 1400 KGS for a full day (~$16), 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.
Zil Ski Season
| Year | Start Season | End Season |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 / 2017 | 03 Dec | 21 March |
| 2017 / 2018 | 03 Dec | Late March |
| 2018 / 2019 | 22 Dec | Late March |
| 2019 / 2020 | Mid Dec | Late March |
| 2020 / 2021 | – | 20 March |
| 2021 / 2022 | 28 Dec | 31 March |
| 2022 / 2023 | 15 Dec | Late March |
| 2023 / 2024 | 01 Jan | Late March |
| 2024 / 2025 | Mid Dec | Late March |
| 2025 / 2026 | 29 Dec | – |
You can see in the table when the ski season in Zil started and ended in the last years. As you will notice, the dates are not the same every season. Zil has no fixed opening or closing day — it all depends on the weather and the snow. This is good to keep in mind when you plan your trip.
Zil almost always runs from late December to mid-March, and most winters even fit inside this range without problems. If you want to book your ski holiday early, these months are your safest choice.
In some winters, Zil opens a bit earlier or closes a bit later. When this happens, it is great for you if you are already close to Bishkek. You can go for a last-minute ski day with lower prices, quiet slopes, and soft snow — almost like you have the whole resort to yourself.
How to Get to Zil?
Getting to Zil is fast and easy. You first fly to Bishkek, the main airport of Kyrgyzstan. From there, you can reach Zil in a short time, it’s only about 35 km. You can take a private taxi for a smooth ride straight to the resort. You can also book a shared shuttle if you want a cheap and simple way to go.
The road from Bishkek to Zil is safe, quick, and very scenic. You drive through wide fields and low hills and reach the resort in less than an hour. It is one of the easiest ski trips from the city.
Find the best flights to Bishkek below!👇
Where to Stay?
Stay in Bishkek
Staying in Bishkek gives you the broadest range of options and the easiest logistics for Zil. The resort is only about 35 km south of the capital, and it’s a 40‑ to 50‑minute ride by shuttle or taxi. Many hotels can help organise transport or package deals that include the lift pass and rental gear. In Bishkek you’ll return to a city full of malls, cafés, banks and good restaurants, so you don’t miss any of the comforts of home.
The Zil base itself has a small lodge, but basing in Bishkek lets you enjoy the slopes by day and relax in modern hotels by night. Plus, from the city it’s easy to switch between Zil, Chunkurchak, Kashka‑Suu and other nearby resorts if you want variety during your trip. Choose your preferred location on the map below and enjoy the flexibility of having Bishkek as your hub.
Look for a place to stay in Bishkek by clicking on the map below.👇
Stay at the Resort
If you prefer to stay right on the mountain, Zil also offers accommodation directly at the resort. There are hotels at the ski base, so you can sleep close to the lifts and be on the slopes within minutes after breakfast. This is a good option if you want a quiet mountain setting and don’t feel like commuting back to the city after skiing.
Staying at the resort means everything is nearby: ski lifts, rental, cafés, and other basic services. After a full day on the snow, you can relax in a calm alpine atmosphere and enjoy the fresh mountain air. This choice suits skiers who want a simple, ski-focused stay without daily travel.
Check the list of hotels at the ski resort below.👇
Hotels at Zil Ski Resort
Gornolyzhnyi Kompleks ZIL
Gornolyzhnyi Kompleks ZIL is a convenient place to stay if your main goal is skiing at Zil. The hotel is located directly at the ski base, so you don’t need daily transport from Bishkek and can start skiing as soon as the lifts open. The accommodation is simple but functional, designed for skiers who want warmth, rest, and easy access to the slopes. With ski rental, lift tickets, and cafés nearby, everything you need is within walking distance.
ZIL Ski Base Lodging
The accommodation shown on the Zil website is located directly at the ski resort. It is not listed on Booking.com, Trip.com, or other booking platforms. To stay here, you can only book through Zil’s official website.
Ski Pass Prices for Zil Ski Base
| Ski Pass Type | Weekdays | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pass | 1400 Som ($16,-) | 1800 Som ($20,60) |
| Children (≤12) | 1000 Som ($11,45) | 1300 Som ($14,90) |
| Adult 13.00 – 16.00 | 1000 Som ($11,45) | 1400 Som ($16,-) |
| Adult 14.00 – 16.00 | 700 Som ($8,-) | 900 Som ($10,30) |
| Child 13.00 – 16.00 | 700 Som ($8,-) | 1000 Som ($11,45) |
| Child 14.00 – 16.00 | 500 Som ($5,70) | 650 Som ($7,45) |
| Elec. Card | 300 Som ($3,45) | 300 Som ($3,45) |
When you ski at Zil Ski Base, the ski pass system is straightforward and easy to understand, with clear price differences between weekdays and weekends. Weekday passes are cheaper and usually come with a calmer atmosphere on the slopes, while weekend prices are higher due to increased demand.
Zil offers full-day passes for adults and children, as well as shorter time-based passes that are valid from 13:00 to 16:00 or 14:00 to 16:00. These afternoon passes are a good option if you arrive later in the day or only plan a few relaxed runs. Children up to 12 years old benefit from reduced prices across all ticket types.
All ski passes require a reusable electronic card, which is purchased once and then used at the lift gates. This card has a fixed cost and is the same for weekdays and weekends. The resort operates daily from 10:00 to 16:00, and tickets are non-refundable, so it’s best to choose the pass that matches your arrival time and how long you plan to ski.
Transport and Ski Rent in Zil
ZIL is easily accessible from Bishkek. The resort’s shuttle bus departs each morning from collection points such as Dordoi Plaza and returns at 16:20, with a 500 KGS round‑trip fare. Taxis cost about 1 000 KGS one‑way, and tour companies offer packages including transport, lift ticket and equipment rental for 2 300–2 800 KGS.
On site you’ll find a fully equipped rental shop. Adult ski or snowboard sets cost 700–800 KGS per day and children’s gear is 600–700 KGS. Helmets, goggles and protective clothing are available, and instructors charge roughly 1 000 KGS per hour
Slopes and Terrain
ZIL sits on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and has a vertical drop of about 550 m. The terrain is perfect if you ski for fun or travel with family. You mostly ride wide, groomed green, blue, and easy red runs that feel safe and relaxed.
You get around 8–10 marked slopes, with the longest run about 1.5 km. Most pistes are easy to intermediate, with just a few steeper parts if you want more speed. There’s no extreme terrain, but on fresh snow days you can still enjoy light powder next to the pistes.
ZIL also has two toboggan runs that kids and non-skiers love. From the upper slopes, you get wide views over the Chuy Valley, and on clear days you can even see into Kazakhstan. The sunny aspect makes cold days feel warmer, and the tree-lined slopes help you feel confident. It’s an easy, friendly mountain where you quickly improve and ski together without stress.
Lifts and Infrastructure
ZIL has one of the strongest lift systems in Kyrgyzstan, which makes skiing here easy and comfortable. You use five lifts to reach all parts of the resort, so crowds spread out well and lift lines stay short, even on weekends. The main lift is a long two-seat chairlift with heated seats, which is a real bonus on cold days. Several surface lifts serve the longer and slightly steeper runs, while a separate beginner lift keeps the learning area calm and safe.
Because the lifts are well divided, beginners can ski without pressure while more confident skiers enjoy faster runs higher up. Getting to the resort is simple too. The road from Bishkek is paved and well maintained, and there is large parking at the base.
Around the base area, you’ll find cafés where you can sit down for a meal, grab a snack, or warm up with a hot drink. There is also accommodation on site for guests who want to stay at the resort. ZIL operates with its own grooming machines and staff on the mountain all day, which helps keep slopes smooth and the resort running safely.
Amenities and Activities in Zil
ZIL offers much more than skiing and snowboarding. It works as a full winter fun park, especially for families. Tobogganing is very popular here, with two groomed sledding slopes and a simple lift that pulls you back up for another run. Kids and adults can enjoy it together without effort.
For more action, you can try the 600 m zipline and fly above the snow. There’s also a small playground at the base where children can play safely. During busy periods, ZIL sometimes hosts small events like ski races or freestyle shows, which add extra atmosphere to the day.
In summer, the resort stays active with grass tubing, horseback rides, and local kymyz health experiences. ZIL also has a unique character, with statues of famous figures along the entrance road, making it a fun spot for photos. Cafés at the base serve simple, affordable food, and après-ski is relaxed, with people gathering outside, music playing, and an easy-going vibe after a day on the slopes.
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: ~1800 KGS for adults per day (≈ $21), ~1300 KGS for kids. Frequently, discounted rates apply on weekdays (e.g. around 1400 –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.
