Winter Activities in Kazakhstan: Examination of Infrastructure and Athletic Achievements in 2024
Kazakhstan, a country known for its vast landscapes and rich culture, is also becoming a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Here's a guide to some of the top ski resorts in Kazakhstan, each with its unique features.
Shymbulak
Located in the Tien Shan mountains near Almaty, Shymbulak is the flagship and most advanced ski resort in Kazakhstan. It boasts about 20 km of ski runs reaching over 3,000 meters altitude, night skiing, heli-skiing for experts, and a modern infrastructure. Shymbulak's dramatic mountain scenery and affordable ski passes make it a favourite for serious skiers and tourists alike, although it can get crowded on peak days [2][3][4].
Qiongbulak
Set in a picturesque valley across the Ili Alatau Mountains at over 2,260 meters altitude and about 25 km from Almaty, Qiongbulak offers a pristine winter atmosphere and great value for skiing. It combines sport with natural beauty, making it attractive for photography and nature lovers [1].
Tabagan and Ak-Bulak
Tabagan and Ak-Bulak cater more to families and beginners, offering affordable, charming facilities and accessible skiing experiences close to Almaty. They are less crowded, making them suitable for newcomers to winter sports [3].
Lesnaya Skazka (Oi-Qaragai)
Known for its forested runs and family-friendly theme park vibe, Lesnaya Skazka prioritizes beginner slopes and mountain activities for all seasons. It aims to consolidate its role as a gateway resort for beginners with planned cable car integrations [4].
Almaty SuperSki
An ambitious mega-project under construction, Almaty SuperSki aims to become the largest ski resort in Central Asia by linking valleys and glaciers with hundreds of kilometers of eco-friendly runs. This future development promises to elevate Kazakhstan’s status on the global ski map [3][4].
Beyond Skiing
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Oi-Qaragai features horseback riding, forest excursions, and a rope park. Burabai ski resort, located in Northern Kazakhstan, offers gentle slopes surrounded by coniferous forests and lakes, and is popular for its proximity to the Santa Claus residence [5].
Modern Facilities at Lower Prices
Kazakhstan's winter resorts offer modern facilities and infrastructure at comparatively lower prices than popular foreign ski locations [6]. The Altai Alps resort, for example, has recently added the Panorama slope, a warm-up descent suitable for beginners and seasoned riders alike [7].
Kazakhstan in the Spotlight
Kazakhstan's winter sports scene has been making waves on a global scale. In the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, Kazakh ski jumper Ilya Mizernykh won Kazakhstan's first gold, Polina Omelchuk secured bronze in short track speed skating, and Kazakhstan's junior ice hockey team won the bronze medal in the men's 3-on-3 event [8].
Almaty made it into the TOP-52 best tourist destinations, according to The New York Times [9]. In October last year, the fifth Denis Ten Memorial Challenge tournament was held at Barys Arena in Astana, commemorating a celebrated Kazakh figure skater who tragically passed away in July 2018 [10].
In 2023, Koksai tourist ski resort in the Zhambyl Region opened, accommodating up to 500 people daily and offering both winter and summer sports recreation activities [11]. Lonely Planet included Kazakhstan in its annual Best in Travel 2025 list [12].
Shymbulak, the country's and Central Asia's largest ski destination, offers three cable car lines and tickets range from 2,000-4,000 tenge (US$4-8) [13].
With its diverse range of ski resorts, Kazakhstan offers a winter sports experience for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
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