Shymbulak: A Legend Among the Mountains

Shymbulak is the largest ski resort in Kazakhstan and one of the most popular in Central Asia. Just 20 minutes from downtown Almaty, at an altitude of 2,260 meters above sea level, begins the story of Kazakhstan’s ski sport and winter recreation.

In 2024, the resort celebrated its 70th anniversary. Today, it stands as a modern destination where sport, technology, and nature merge into a single harmonious space. Guests arrive via a 4.5-kilometer gondola lift that connects the resort with Medeu.

The winter season here begins as early as November and lasts until May – sometimes even longer – with steady mountain snow providing perfect skiing conditions. The resort features 20 runs with a total length of 16 kilometers, ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging black runs with a vertical drop of more than 900 meters. All the slopes are certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS), making Shymbulak a regular venue for world-class competitions.

There are 11 lifts available to guests, including modern chairlift and gondola lines that quickly and comfortably take them to the upper stations. Hotels, chalets, and apartments are located at various elevations: from secluded mountain lodges to the legendary Tenir eco-hotel (3,200 m) and Le Mont hotel (2,800 m), where the ski-out format lets guests start skiing right from the doorstep.

Since 2017, Shymbulak has served as a venue for the Winter Universiade and stages of the Freestyle World Cup.. In 2021, it hosted the FIS World Championship, and in 2024, the first-ever Freeride World Qualifier stage in Kazakhstan, bringing together more than 130 participants from across the globe. In 2025, the resort welcomed the Junior Freestyle World Championships for the first time – yet another confirmation of its international acclaim.

Beyond major tournaments, Shymbulak has become a magnet for extreme and large-scale sports events: the spectacular Race Nation, Almaty Mount Fest, and even the quirky Monster of Shymbulak competition, where participants raced against the ascending cable car.

Ahead of the 2025-2026 season, the resort has introduced a number of upgrades. A new parking area for electric vehicles has been built, rental points have been modernized, and new professional equipment has been purchased. All lockers now open with a ski pass – no keys required. At the Mid Station, a covered pavilion with a café and shop has been added, while a new training area for beginners has opened on the Zmeyka slope.

For those seeking a more private experience, the exclusive Velvet Shymbulak Club has opened its doors. Its members receive seasonal ski passes, personal lockers, access to the spa area, the opportunity to be the first on the slopes during First Track sessions, and invitations to night rides and private events.

Although Shymbulak is best known as a winter destination, it thrives in summer as well. Here, routes open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, along with paragliding flights and alpine climbs. Since 2025, an open-air roller rink has been operating on the grounds, transforming into an ice rink in winter. A children’s camp, El Kiddo, has been created where kids explore the mountains, learn navigation, pitch tents, and develop survival skills.

In addition to classic skiing, the resort offers freeriding on untouched slopes and rides in the Gorilla Chimba Park snow park, where trainings and competitions in acrobatic disciplines take place. For family recreation enthusiasts, a tubing track is available.

In 2023, Shymbulak set a world record: at an altitude of 3,200 meters, the world’s highest night ski run equipped with artificial lighting appeared. Skiing under the starry sky became a truly unique experience for guests and was officially entered into the Guinness World Records.

The resort is part of the strategic development program under Almaty Mountain Cluster (AMC) – a large-scale initiative aimed at transforming the region into the leading center of mountain tourism in Central Asia. In the coming years, the launch of a new project, Sukhoy Log, is planned, along with the construction of one of the highest cable cars in the world, which will lift guests to an altitude of 3,800 meters. New alpine-style villages – Shymbulak Village and Medeu Village – will feature stylish hotels, apartments, and restaurants that reflect the spirit of alpine resorts.

With more than 300 sunny days a year, reliable snow cover, and continuous investment in the development of infrastructure, Shymbulak is fast becoming the benchmark for contemporary mountain recreation.

Ak-Bulak

Just an hour’s drive from Almaty, at an altitude of 1,650 meters above sea level, lies the mountain resort of Ak-Bulak. Spread across 45 hectares, this high-altitude oasis features a cozy hotel, well-groomed ski runs, a modern spa complex, and panoramic terraces that open onto breathtaking views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau. In winter, visitors come here for skiing, snowboarding, and the thrill of fresh, living snow beneath their feet. The resort offers slopes suited to every level of experience:
Balapan – a training slope for children and beginners (250 m, next to the hotel);

Solnechnaya, Beryozovaya, Ak Su – intermediate trails with a total length of more than 2.5 kilometers;

Dombra and FanPark – black-diamond runs with gradients of up to 55°, designed for advanced riders and freeride enthusiasts.

There is a school of instructors: experienced instructors will help you stand confidently on skis – even if it’s your very first time.

In summer and during the off-season, Ak-Bulak transforms into a haven for walks, bike rides, and inspiration. The Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains are particularly picturesque here: you can stroll along pine-covered trails, picnic at the foot of cliffs, or hike to snow-capped peaks that reveal panoramic views.

Doppelmayr and Leitner lifts carry guests not only to the slopes but also to viewing platforms over two thousand meters high – perfect spots for photo sessions and corporate retreats.

After an active day, it’s a pleasure to unwind in the spa center with a pool and sauna, stop by the lobby bar, or spend the evening enjoying karaoke or bowling. Guests are welcomed with comfortable mountain-view rooms and a restaurant serving dishes of local cuisine.

Altai Alps

Amid the picturesque mountains of East Kazakhstan, 24 kilometers from Ust-Kamenogorsk, lies the Altai Alps ski resort – one of the region’s best-known destinations for winter recreation and wellness retreats. The resort welcomes guests year-round – from enthusiasts who enjoy active sports to those who value peace, nature, and traditional methods of rejuvenation.

In 2026, the resort will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Over the years, it has ranked among the top ten ski resorts in the CIS, according to TourStat. The resort’s grounds feature four hotels that can accommodate up to 252 guests. Guests can choose from modern suites, junior suites, and upgraded comfort rooms.

Winter sports enthusiasts will find 12 trails of varying difficulty with a total length of more than 15 kilometers. Four lifts operate on-site – two chairlifts and two drag lifts. Within walking distance are equipment rental points and the Altayskie Barsy ski school, where both adults and children can learn to ski. The resort takes special pride in its purely natural snow, which maintains its quality and density throughout the season. After an active day, guests can relax at the cafés Alpiyskoye and Sugrob, both offering panoramic mountain views.

Since 2020, the resort has operated a maral-breeding farm and pantotherapy center, open year-round. Guests can also enjoy horseback and hiking tours, excursions, and trout fishing – making a stay at Altai Alps truly diverse. In winter alone, Altai Alps welcomes up to 180,000 visitors, with annual visitor numbers exceeding 200,000.

Oi-Qaragai

A year-round mountain retreat for the whole family, Oi-Qaragai is nestled in a picturesque gorge of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, within the Ile-Alatau National Park – just a 40-minute drive from downtown Almaty and the airport.

Covering 210 hectares, the resort offers 26 trails with a total length of 28 kilometers, cable cars, snow tubing, electric snowmobiles, and full equipment rentals during winter. Combining the raw beauty of the mountains with modern infrastructure, the resort welcomes thousands of guests throughout the year. Its unique attractions make it truly distinctive: the “Village in the Trees”, the world’s largest yurt housing a restaurant, a nearly 3-kilometer zipline park, a natural rock climbing wall, and Umai Ethno-SPA set in traditional yurts.

In 2025, Oi-Qaragai expanded with the launch of the new Aqtas zone, located at an altitude of 2,140 meters. It is connected by Central Asia’s first ten-seat gondola lift. From the Aqtas viewing platforms, guests can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Tian Shan Mountains and Almaty. The area already features two cable lifts, observation decks, sky swings, and a catapult attraction. Soon, glamping sites and a restaurant with mountain views will open. The overall project budget is around $150 million, invested by its founder, Yerlik Balfanbaev.