SKI RESORTS IN KAZAKHSTAN
Compare the ski resorts above Almaty, from Shymbulak, the best known, to quieter family resorts, and open each page for slopes, lifts and transfers.
4
resort guides
3,163 m
top of the Shymbulak lifts
20 km
of slopes at Shymbulak
Dec to Apr
typical season
Resort guides
Shymbulak
Almaty
Kazakhstan's best-known resort, in the Zailiysky Alatau above Almaty.
- 3,163 m top lift station
- 20 km of slopes
- 25 km from Almaty
Oi-Qaragai
Almaty region
An all-season mountain resort 42 km east of Almaty, with mostly easy and intermediate runs.
- 42 km east of Almaty
- 1,550 to 1,820 m altitude
- 13 km of pistes
Ak Bulak
Almaty region
A family-friendly resort east of Almaty, with lower prices than Shymbulak.
- 1,600 m altitude
- Talgar district Soldiers' Gorge
- Italian and Austrian lift equipment
Tabagan
Almaty
A small day-trip resort near Almaty, with 11 slopes.
- 1,650 m upper point
- 11 ski slopes
- Near Almaty day trip
Which resort suits you?
Biggest and most iconic
FIS slopes, gondolas and a mountain day only 25 km from Almaty.
Good to know
Kazakhstan's ski season usually runs from late November or December to late March, and Shymbulak can stay open into April. Backcountry skiing needs proper equipment, local knowledge or a guide, because mountain rescue outside the resorts can take more than two hours to arrive.
Also in Kazakhstan
Altai region (Ridder)
East Kazakhstan
A growing winter sports hub with ski resorts and backcountry skiing. Ridder hosted the World Ski Orienteering Championships in 2013.
Burabay
Akmola region
A small resort with about one to two meters of snow a winter.
Tau-Turan
Almaty region
A ski complex with slopes up to 800 m.
In the news
Euronews · 4 February 2026
Kazakhstan plans one connected Tien Shan ski circuit
Plans to link Shymbulak, Pioneer and Oi-Qaragai into a 162 km network.
Lonely Planet
Shymbulak is a winter highlight of Kazakhstan
Names Shymbulak among the country's top experiences.
Watch the resorts
Plan your ski trip in Kazakhstan
Guides, transfers and trip planning for individuals, groups and tour operators.