I’ve been snowboarding since 2011. The first attempt was in Chimgan – and that same day I injured my knee. I spent a month at home in a cast. Yet just two months later, I was already back on the board – in Beldersay.
In Amirsoy, we ride almost all the slopes. Alpha (a red slope, 2,290 m high and about 2 km long) is probably the most captivating of them. After many years of snowboarding, I feel confident both on groomed runs and in freeride. The key rule is not to ride alone – there should be someone next to you to back you up.
My favorite trail is in Beldersay, which is currently closed for reconstruction. There’s a peak called Kumbel (2,200 m), reached by a T-bar lift. With no markings and the freedom to choose your own route, that slope gives you a true sense of freedom: you forget about everything and simply enjoy the moment.
The condition of a slope always depends on the snow structure. In Central Asia, Uzbekistan stands unmatched when it comes to snow quality. It’s dry, doesn’t refreeze, and therefore stays fluffy – almost weightless. I would build a couple more ski resorts right here.
Our ski resorts differ from European ones in scale. In the Alps, there are dozens of lifts and hundreds of kilometers of trails. Everything is brought to perfection.
Among closer examples is Gudauri ski resort in Georgia: it also has well-developed infrastructure and a wide variety of runs. In Amirsoy, for instance, half the people in the gondola queue are just there to ride to the top and enjoy the panoramic view.
I usually order my gear from abroad with friends – the selection is broader. A snowboard should be chosen individually: by stiffness, shape, material, and even design. The same goes for bindings and boots. I have four complete sets – for different types of riding.
When my friends and I started exploring the slopes of Chimgan and Beldersay, there were no proper conditions for learning – we taught each other. Everyone just rode as they could. That’s why I can’t recommend a particular instructor. The main thing is to start on beginner slopes to avoid injuries.
For those trying skis or a snowboard for the first time, the key is not to be afraid. Many people fall simply out of fear. Hire an instructor – there are many now in Amirsoy. Ride for a couple of days: if you feel joy, it’s yours. If you’re afraid of speed – try something else.
For me, snowboarding isn’t just a hobby or a sport. It’s a way to feel free. When you glide over fresh, deep snow, it feels as if you’re flying – there’s no friction, only air and motion. It’s an indescribable feeling, but anyone who’s ever stood on a slope will recognize it immediately.
The material was published in Travel+Leisure Central Asia magazine (December 2025-January 2026)
