A Beginner's Guide To Kazakhstan's Ski Resorts

Almaty is the Chamonix of Central Asia, with gorgeous, hidden slopes that are heaven-sent. Not only will the lack of crowds mean you barely need to queue for a lift, but you’ll also be awe-struck by a bewitching landscape barely known to the rest of the world.

Shymbaluk

The Shymbulak Resort is by far the largest and most modern in Central Asia, with breathtaking slopes that rise to heights of 3200 meters (10,5000 feet). Not only does this destination attract neighboring Russian thrill-seekers, but it also boasts a history of attracting royals, notably Prince Harry.

While the eight pistes stretch for 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), Shymbulak is a fairly small ski destination compared to others around the world. The wide and fairly gentle slopes are superb for beginners, allowing for a leisurely, stress-free descent.

Tekeli

Most adventurous skiers will prefer Tekeli, a wild stretch that gateways to the Dzungarian Mountains, located 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Almaty. Skiing is possible in the Dzungarian Alatau, with two small ski bases nestled in the hills, though the scale is more suited to cross-country skiing.

Once sealed off as a closed city, this location still clings onto its fascinating industrial heritage, as during World War II, Tekeli could lay claim to having produced one in three Soviet bullets fired at Germans.

Almaty

Almaty, the former capital of the Kazakh state, is nestled in the snow-capped foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, whose majestic peaks soar up to heights of over 4000 meters (13,000 feet). Off the beaten track, the slopes of this secluded ski destination are not its only lure, as there is sublime natural beauty wherever you turn.

Perhaps more importantly, it’s an attractive resort to book, given the incredibly reliable snow conditions between December and April. In Kazakhstan, you are guaranteed to have good snow. What makes this destination even better is that there are direct flights from London and other major European cities, and this network is set to expand.

Ak-Bulak, Talgar

Ak-Bulak in Talgar is only a quick, one-hour drive from Almaty, with ten kilometers (6.2 miles) of glistening slopes available for adrenaline-seeking skiers and snowboarders. A fantastic winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1650 meters (5400 feet) and 2700 meters (8860 feet), with the five lifts that take you there barely ever busy. The area is also close to some of the most stunning lakes in Central Asia.

Kok Zhailau

Kok Zhailau in the center of the Ile-Alatau National Park, located just ten kilometers (6.2 miles) from Almaty, is a fast-developing ski resort, with some $750 million filtered into its construction.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.