Kazakhstan is only gaining popularity in the tourism sector, remaining terra incognita for many. Great potential for year-round recreation is provided by magnificent lakes, healing springs, and coastal areas. But the most famous for tourists are the ski resorts of Kazakhstan.
Geography of winter holidays in Kazakhstan
At the moment, most of the ski slopes are in the eastern part of the country. In the southeast, resorts are built on the Tien Shan and Tarbagatai ranges, in the Altai Mountains. Residents of Alma-Ata have chosen the nearby ranges: Zailiysky and Dzhungarsky Alatau, located in the south-east of Kazakhstan. There is a small resort in the north - Elektau in the mountains of Kokshetau.
Ski resorts in Kazakhstan can not yet boast of perfect service, but they also have slopes of different difficulty levels. On most slopes, only 2-3 pistes are prepared, only a few resorts can boast of a great variety.
Snow cover depending onThe resort lasts from November-December to April-May. The air temperature in winter is -5 … -15 degrees Celsius. In summer, the air warms up to +20 … +25 degrees, the lifts operate for those who wish to overcome the route on foot or simply climb one of the peaks in order to enjoy the view.
Chimbulak is the star of winter holidays in Kazakhstan
This is one of the most popular complexes in the country, including due to its proximity to Alma-Ata (25 km). Opened in the middle of the twentieth century, the resort is constantly developing. Old cable cars are being replaced with modern ones, new lift routes are being laid, opening up more space for skiers. As of the spring of 2016, ski lifts, chairlifts and gondola lifts operate in Chimbulak, where you can climb from the starting point (2260 m) to the stations located at an altitude of 2840, 2845 and 3163 meters above sea level. The highest point is located on the Talgar Pass, the elevation difference during the ascent is a little more than 900 m.
For children and beginners, there is a school with Russian-speaking instructors on the territory of the complex. Self-propelled roads and a small rope tow will deliver to the easiest routes. Those who already feel like a pro can try their hand at black and high-speed FIS slopes, as well as mogul and slalom sections. The length of the longest descent is 4.5 km.
The best choice for snowboarders arriving in Kazakhstan is the Chimbulak ski resort. Forthere are many trails both in open areas and through coniferous thickets. Another advantage of the complex is a direct connection by a high-speed cable car to the Medeo ice rink. This is a whole glade with a mirror area of 10,000 square meters, which is filled with water from mountain rivers. World-class athletes love to train on the ideal surface, setting new records on the rink.
"Ak Bulak" is another favorite of Almaty residents
The resort is located at a distance of 35 km from Almaty, so it is also popular with residents of the city for its proximity. In addition, the ski complex is growing, not far behind in terms of service level, the number of slopes and lifts from the eminent neighbor Chimbulak.
The highest point that can be reached by cable car is 2006 m, while the elevation difference will be just over a thousand meters. The longest track of the complex is 2.5 km long, for beginners there are gentle slopes of 500-700 meters. Like other ski resorts in Kazakhstan, "Ak Bulak" has the opportunity to learn ski skills.
The resort is suitable for skiers and snowboarders with different skiing skills. For the most confident, there are challenging trails with tight turns, evergreen spruce areas and plenty of room for freeriding.
Tabagan is a rookie with ambitions
In fact, "Tabagan" is a ski resort, not a resort. It opened in 2005 and is very activedevelops, also quickly gaining the favor of the guests. Located 17 km from Almaty, in a few years it has developed from a suburban complex to a well-known resort. Every year the slopes of "Tabagan" accept more and more skiers, sports competitions of international level are held. A few numbers: the elevation difference on the slopes is 500 meters, the lifts raise to a height of 1600 m, and the longest track stretches for 2100 m.
Interestingly, from the moment of opening "Tabagan" was focused on year-round operation. Not all ski resorts in Kazakhstan have a range of summer services, limited only by ski lifts. To maintain interest during the period of lack of snow, sports grounds for various sports have been prepared on the territory of the complex, and appropriate competitions are held. The Aqualandia water center, paintball club, quad biking and much more will help you have fun.
Cost of lifts and equipment rental
Compared to European resorts, the cost of winter holidays is much lower, so more and more skiers from the CIS countries are conquering the ski resorts of Kazakhstan. The prices below are valid for spring 2016.
The climb to the highest point will cost 700-2500 tenge ($2-8).
There are subscriptions for the day for 4000-7000 tenge (12-21 dollars), 4 hours - 3000-6000 tenge (9-18 dollars), night time - 2500-4500 tenge (8-13 dollars) and week - 20,000-30,000 tenge (60-90dollars).
There are permanent discounts for children under 10 years old. On weekdays, subscription prices are lower, there are special offers for young people under 23 and for pensioners.
To use the subscription, you must additionally purchase a card with a microchip for 1500 tenge. Some passes are valid at several resorts, you only need to activate them additionally for 500 tenge.
A set of ski equipment at the main resorts will cost 5,000 tenge, only skis - 3,000 tenge, boots - 2,000 tenge.
If the resorts discussed above are located near Alma-Ata, then most of the others are located near Ust-Kamenogorsk and Karaganda. It is these cities that you should focus on when planning your winter holidays in Kazakhstan.
