Oi-Qaragai has won Best Ski Resort in the CIS and is expanding its ski area near Almaty. Discover the Otan tariff for Kazakh citizens, the new Aqtas complex and the resort’s 2028 development plans.
Shymbulak is expanding for the 2026–27 winter season with two new lifts, up to 4 km of beginner-friendly ski trails and a wider development plan that could transform skiing around Almaty.
Jyrgalan ski resort is scheduled to open next month, on December 1, 2026, with six cable cars and more than 47 km of planned ski trails. But accommodation will be limited during the first season. Here’s what skiers need to know before planning their first visit.
Shymbulak’s Velvet Club won a 2026 SKI BUSINESS AWARD in Moscow as Almaty’s Mountain Cluster advances plans for 32 new cableways, 151 km of ski slopes and capacity for 30,000 daily visitors.
Uzbekistan’s $300 million Gelon mountain resort is targeting a 2027 opening. Discover the planned ski slopes, gondola, hotels, infrastructure and what travellers should know before visiting
Kazakhstan’s winter 2026–2027 forecast points to warmer-than-normal temperatures, significant temperature swings and wetter conditions in February. Discover what the outlook means for ski resorts, snow conditions and winter travel across Central Asia.
Kazakhstan’s resort areas welcomed 510,800 business and professional visitors in the first half of 2026. The Almaty Mountain Cluster dominated with 77.3% of the total, highlighting the growing role of business tourism, MICE events and year-round mountain destinations.
Uzbekistan’s ski resorts offer a mix of historic mountain skiing, modern lift infrastructure and luxury accommodation. Compare Chimgan, Amirsoy and Beldersoy, discover expansion plans and learn how to combine a ski trip with Tashkent and the Silk Road cities.
Central Asia’s ski tourism scene is evolving, with major resort developments in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and established FIS-certified slopes in Azerbaijan. Discover the projects shaping a potential multi-country mountain holiday and what regional tourism cooperation means for skiers planning ahead.
Ala-Too Resort has announced a 35.4 million som procurement for snowmobiles, rescue equipment, staff vehicles and more ahead of its planned December 2026 opening in Jyrgalan.