Kazakhstan
May 29, 2025

Kazakhstan: the new ski destination to discover

Kristin My
I organise custom trips and expeditions in Central Asia
Kazakhstan: the perfect destination for ski lovers

With its majestic mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and a booming infrastructure, Kazakhstan offers a unique experience for skiers and all winter sports enthusiasts of all levels from November to March.

Whether you're a fan of well-groomed slopes, a ski touring enthusiast, or a freeride lover, Kazakhstan has something to amaze you.

The main ski resorts in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has several ski resorts. Here are some of the most famous:

Shymbulak

  • Where: 30 km from Almaty, in the Tian Shan mountains
  • Altitude: resort from 2,200 m to 3,180 m
  • Slope length: 20 km
  • Level: beginner to advanced
  • Equipment rental and professional instructor services available
  • Advantages: choice between different hotels or yurts, multiple restaurants, and many activities for both adults and children: freeride zones, horseback riding, zipline, paragliding, concerts, and festivals.
  • Website : https://shymbulak.com/en 

Tabagan

  • Where: Talgar, near the Ile-Alatausky National Nature Reserve
  • Altitude: 1,650 m
  • Slope length: 12 km
  • Level: children, beginners, to advanced in off-piste
  • Equipment rental and professional instructor services available
  • Advantages: family-friendly environment with numerous facilities: restaurants, hotels, and multiple activities such as snowmobiling, paragliding, paintball, etc., and the slopes are open at night!
  • Website : https://tabagan.kz/en/home-2/

Oi Qaragay - “Lesnaya Skazka”

  • Where: 40 km from Almaty
  • Altitude: 1,550 m – 1,820 m
  • Slope length: 13 km
  • Level: children, beginners to advanced
  • Equipment rental and professional instructor services available
  • Advantages: numerous facilities: restaurants, hotels, spa, sauna, and multiple activities such as paragliding, horseback riding, archery, hiking tours, etc.
  • Website : https://oiqaragai.com/en 

Ak-Bulak – Talgar

  • Where: 40 km from Almaty
  • Altitude: 1,632 m – 2,664 m
  • Slope length: 10 km
  • Level: beginner to advanced
  • Equipment rental and professional instructor services available
  • Advantages: numerous facilities: restaurants, hotels
  • Website : https://ak-bulak.kz/ru/home 

Altai Alps

  • Where: in the Altai region, in the east of Kazakhstan
  • Altitude: 600 m – 1,200 m
  • Slope length: 15 km
  • Level: beginner to advanced
  • Equipment rental and professional instructor services available
  • Advantages: numerous facilities: restaurants, hotels, sauna, wellness center, and multiple activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, freeride
  • Website : https://alps.altay.kz

The best freeride spots in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is becoming a sought-after destination for freeride thanks to its majestic mountains, abundant snowfall, and isolation, which offer ideal conditions for freeriding.

The snow is light and powdery, especially in the east, and the country's varied mountains cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.

The main spots include:

  • The ski resorts of Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak near Almaty: one of the most popular sites, offering opportunities for freeride and ski touring. Ski touring is common, especially after heavy snowfalls.
  • The Altai Mountains in eastern Kazakhstan: known for ideal conditions with deep and soft snow, this region offers options for off-piste skiing, ski touring, and heliskiing. The area is accessible to all levels.
  • The Turgen Valley and Karash Mountains: these spots are wilder and require professional guidance. A camp has been set up to provide comfortable lodging and ski touring adventures.

Experienced guides can take you to even more remote locations, where you can enjoy untouched slopes and top-quality powder snow. Don’t hesitate to ask the locals for tips!

The freeride season runs from December to April, with optimal conditions in February. However, riders must be prepared and well-equipped for safety, especially due to avalanche risks.

Kazakhstan offers a unique experience of wild nature, perfect for those looking to escape mass tourism, but it’s essential to be accompanied by professional guides to avoid danger.

If you’re planning a trip to Kazakhstan, feel free to contact me via Instagram or WhatsApp for advice or help organizing your stay! You can also email me (easternpathsdata@gmail.com) or sign up for a call if you have any questions!

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

Travelling to Kazakhstan as a single woman

Do you need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?

Is Kazakhstan dangerous?

Visit Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan

Budget to go to Kazakhstan

Want to travel to Kazakhstan?

I can help you organize a tailor-made trip or offer you optimized programs developed in collaboration with local partners.
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