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BGTN > BRICS Partner States > Қазақстан > Almaty, Kazakhstan, A Ski Destination the World Needs to Know
BRICS Partner StatesҚазақстан

Almaty, Kazakhstan, A Ski Destination the World Needs to Know

Nathan Coombs
Last updated: September 26, 2025 11:01 am
By Nathan Coombs
4 Min Read
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When most people think of skiing, they imagine the Alps, Colorado, or Japan. Yet just 25 km from Almaty, Kazakhstan, lies a hidden gem offering world-class slopes, high altitude, reliable snow and prices far lower than most international resorts. For travellers seeking adventure without breaking the bank, Almaty ski resorts should be top of mind.

Contents
Shymbulak: Central Asia’s Premier Ski ResortAffordable Skiing Without CompromiseScenic Beauty and AdventureAlmaty vs. International Ski ResortsWho Should VisitTips for VisitingConclusionSources and Accreditation

Shymbulak: Central Asia’s Premier Ski Resort

Location & Elevation: Shymbulak sits in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, starting at 2,260 meters above sea level and reaching roughly 3,200 meters at Talgar Pass. Source: https://central-asia.guide/kazakhstan/destinations-kz/shymbulak/

Ski Season & Snow: Runs from mid‑November through April, with snow depths up to 1.6 meters at peak winter. Average winter temperatures are around −7 °C. Source: https://welcome.kz/en/info-cities/almaty/shymbulak

Terrain: Shymbulak offers slopes for all levels, including beginner runs, intermediate trails, and challenging expert slopes, along with freeride and backcountry terrain. Source: https://central-asia.guide/kazakhstan/destinations-kz/shymbulak/

Affordable Skiing Without Compromise

Lift Pass Costs: Weekend full-day passes are around 13,400 KZT (~USD 25), with weekday and night passes even cheaper. Source: https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/almaty/sorted/day-ticket-price/

Equipment Rental: Ski gear and snowboards are available for rent at very reasonable rates. All equipment is well maintained. Source: https://www.journalofnomads.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan-shymbulak-ski-resort/

Accommodation: Options range from Almaty city hotels and guesthouses to chalets at the resort. Mountain-top lodging remains highly affordable compared to Western ski resorts. Source: https://skicentralasia.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan/shymbulak/

Scenic Beauty and Adventure

Views: The gondola from Medeu to Shymbulak offers sweeping alpine vistas overlooking Almaty, often under clear winter skies. Source: https://central-asia.guide/kazakhstan/destinations-kz/shymbulak/

Night Skiing: Shymbulak holds a Guinness World Record for the highest night ski slope at approximately 3,200 meters. Source: https://welcome.kz/en/info-cities/almaty/shymbulak

Other Activities: Ski schools, paragliding, backcountry tours, and cultural experiences in Almaty city add depth to any ski trip. Source: https://skicentralasia.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan/shymbulak/

Almaty vs. International Ski Resorts

FeatureShymbulak / AlmatyTypical International Resorts*
Full-day lift pass~13,400 KZT (~USD 25) Source: https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/almaty/sorted/day-ticket-price/$80–$150+
Equipment rentalAffordable and well-maintained Source: https://www.journalofnomads.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan-shymbulak-ski-resort/Expensive
Accessibility25–30 km from Almaty, with gondola and public transport Source: https://skicentralasia.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan/shymbulak/Often remote, multiple connections needed
CrowdsLess crowded, local hospitality Source: https://skicentralasia.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan/shymbulak/Busy, high tourist density
Snow & Vertical Drop920 m vertical, longest run 3.1 km Source: https://central-asia.guide/kazakhstan/destinations-kz/shymbulak/Varies; some have higher vertical but less reliable snow

*Typical resorts in Europe, North America, or Japan.

Who Should Visit

Skiers and snowboarders seeking big mountain thrills on a budget, travelers wanting culture plus adventure, beginners and intermediates looking for well-taught slopes, and adventure seekers who enjoy local hospitality and scenic, less crowded mountains.

Tips for Visiting

Travel on weekdays to save on lift passes and accommodation. Take the Medeu–Shymbulak gondola for convenience and spectacular scenery. Dress in layers; the mountain sun is strong despite winter cold. Sample local food it’s hearty, delicious, and far cheaper than international resort dining.

Conclusion

Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Shymbulak Ski Resort offer high-altitude skiing, reliable snow, scenic beauty, and extreme affordability. For travelers seeking a winter adventure, Almaty ski holidays are a compelling alternative to crowded and expensive international resorts. With lift passes up to 90 % cheaper, it’s a hidden gem that deserves global attention.

Sources and Accreditation

https://skicentralasia.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan/shymbulak/
https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/almaty/sorted/day-ticket-price/
https://central-asia.guide/kazakhstan/destinations-kz/shymbulak/
https://www.journalofnomads.com/skiing-in-kazakhstan-shymbulak-ski-resort/
https://welcome.kz/en/info-cities/almaty/shymbulak

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