There are many interesting and varied vacation opportunities in Kazakhstan. In recent years, ski resorts have also gained popularity among tourists. The technical equipment and tourist infrastructure of the resorts are quite modern and are slightly inferior to the popular European or Russian ski resorts. However, the cost of visiting resorts in Kazakhstan is much lower.
The main advantage of the ski resorts in Kazakhstan is their slopes on the slopes of the mountains. The diverse mountain landscape allows the creation of several ski slopes of different difficulty levels within one resort. They are also distinguished by the excellent quality of the snow cover. Almost all ski resorts provide guests with an additional range of services.
The main ski resorts in Kazakhstan
List of the most popular ski resorts in the country.
Shymbulak (Shymbulak)
One of the most popular ski resorts in the country. It is located in the Ile-Alautsky National Natural Park next to the Medeu high-mountain skating rink, where the cable car is laid. Due to the mountainous terrain, the height difference of the ski slopes is from 900 to 1000 meters. The length and width of the tracks allow athletes to develop high speeds. For example, the length of the descent from the Talgar pass is 3.5 km.
Tabagan
Located 17 km from the capital of the country. The vertical drop on the ski slope is 400 meters. The length of the track is 1 km. The resort provides services not only for skiers and snowboarders. On Tabagan you can ride an ATV and a snowmobile, a paraglider and horses. It is possible to organize a picnic, play airsoft, visit a climbing wall or tennis court. There is a water complex with a swimming pool, sauna and gym.
Borovoe
The area on the Kokchetav Upland, where the resort is located, is often called "Kazakh Switzerland". It is completely atypical for ski resorts. The height of the mountains here is only 460 meters, and often, instead of snowy peaks, the attention of tourists in winter is attracted by ice-covered lakes. Many hotels and sanatoriums have been built near the resort. Local residents are happy to rent out their homes at quite budget prices.
Forest fairy tale (Oy Karagay)
For guests of the resort there is a choice of place to stay - a modern hotel room, a cozy cottage or a yurt in the national style. For skiers and snowboarders, 15 tracks of varying degrees of difficulty and length have been prepared. There is an opportunity to learn to ride from professional instructors. The resort is open all year round. On the territory of the Forest Fairy Tale, you can ride horses and visit a mountain climbing wall.
Ak Bulak
It has several tracks for athletes with different training. For beginners, the Balapan track with a gentle slope and a length of 250 meters is perfect. There are three 2.5 km long tracks for professionals. They are located among coniferous forests and birch groves. For those who prefer freeriding, there are slopes ranging from 22 to 50 degrees. For the convenience of athletes, there are several chair lifts and rope tows.
Altai Alps
Located on the picturesque slopes of the Altai Mountains, 20 kilometers from Ust-Kamenogorsk. For athletes, there are several tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, equipment rental points, cable cars, lifts. For beginners, there is a school with professional trainers. There is also a sauna and massage rooms, which are popular with guests after a day of active skiing. There is a cozy cafe and a swimming pool.
Tau Samaly
This resort is perfect for fans of well-groomed trails as well as for freeride lovers. The length of the track is 1800 meters. The slope is from 5 to 40%. There are ski schools, equipment and special clothing rental. Artificial snowmaking occurs when the snow cover is low. The trails are laid among beautiful mountains, there is clean fresh air and an excellent view of the mountain slopes covered with pine and spruce.
Nurtau
The resort has a mild climate, excellent tourist infrastructure and a wide range of services for guests. About 30,000 winter sports enthusiasts come here every year. The location in the valley protects the routes from winds, so the air temperature here is always higher than in Ust-Kamenogorsk, located 35 km away. Nurtau ski slopes have a length from 1800 to 2000 meters. The backlight comes on at night.
Almatyau
The resort is located in the Kotyrbulak gorge in the foothills of the Alatau. Has two slopes for skiing with a drag lift. There are also dedicated slopes for tubing and sledding. The hotel complex includes hotels and cottages. The resort was founded in 1972, while its equipment is not inferior to modern bases. Many tourists believe that a clear advantage of Almaty is the cost-effectiveness of recreation in it.
Elikti
The five snow slopes of the resort are designed for athletes of different skill levels. For beginners, there are smooth and gentle slopes. For freeriders - snowy forest tracks. You can go upstairs with a drag lift. There is a special trail for children with a mini lift. There is an opportunity to learn the basic basics of skiing from instructors. Necessary equipment and clothing can be rented.
Myrzashoky
One of the recently built ski resorts is deservedly popular with athletes. About 2,000 people come here every day during the season. The length ranges from 800 to 1300 meters. Tourists appreciate the stunning fresh air and clean snow. With a low snow cover, the slopes of the mountains are sprinkled with artificial snow. Accommodation is possible in small, cozy chalets and hotels. There is a cafe and equipment rental.
Tau Turan
Snowboarding and downhill skiing takes place on an 800-meter trail with a vertical drop of 80 meters. The cableway is 400 meters long. There is a special slope for beginners and qualified instructors. There is also a separate tubing and sledging trail. It is possible to come here for a few days, there are comfortable cottages for living, as well as a bath and a sauna.
Elik-Sai
The length of the tracks is 1500 meters. Most of the slopes have a high level of difficulty, so freeriders are frequent guests of Elik-Sai. The slopes are quite steep, the ascent level reaches 50 degrees. There is also a training slope for beginners. There are 4 drag lifts. For guests, a hotel has been equipped with an unusual look - it is made in the form of a ship. Excellent kebabs are prepared in the café on site.
Edelweiss
The resort is located in the eastern part of the country, 10 kilometers from the town of Ridder. Students of children's sports schools come to this ski base to train. There are five tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, including those for beginners. There is a drag lift that delivers athletes to an altitude of 1300 meters. A hotel has been built for accommodation with rooms of varying comfort. Meals are possible in the cafe.
Stardust-camp
Located in the Altai Mountains. The total length of all tracks is 15 kilometers, the length of the main track is 1300 meters. The width of the main track is 70 meters. The height difference of the tracks is 375 meters. The drag-type cable car is 1000 meters long. For guests there is a rental of various equipment, including tubing, ice and children's sleds. There is all the necessary infrastructure - a hotel, a cafe, a bathhouse.
