Winter will come very soon, which means it’s time to plan trips to ski resorts. We tell about the best resorts in Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Kazakhstan
Shymbulak, @shymbulakmountainresort
The main ski resort of Kazakhstan in Almaty. The slopes of Shymbulak lie at an altitude from 2260 to 3200 meters, and the height difference almost reaches a kilometer. There are zones for beginners and professionals, freeride routes with picturesque landscapes, equipment rental and skiing schools, as well as hotels and restaurants.
Ak-Bulak, @akbulakkz
This high-mountain resort with a stylish hotel, cable car, and gentle slopes is perfect for active winter recreation. The place is especially popular among families and beginner skiers — there are fewer tourists and a calmer atmosphere.
Oi-Qaragai, @oiqaragai
An atmospheric mountain resort near Almaty, where both day and night skiing are held. There are also easy slopes that are ideal for children and beginner skiers and snowboarders, as well as equipment rental points and skiing schools.
Kyrgyzstan
Ski base Karakol, @karakolski
On the territory, there are four hotel buildings, a café on the slope, chalet houses, an ice rink, and an entertainment complex. The base is located at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the Tien Shan. Experienced instructors work with guests who can teach snowboarding or skiing.
Orlovka, @orlovka_kg
One of the most popular winter destinations in Kyrgyzstan, located just an hour’s drive from Bishkek. Guests will find well-groomed slopes of varying difficulty, a modern lift, equipment rental, and cozy cafés with hot drinks. The resort is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders.
Ski complex Chunkurchak, @chunkurchak.kg
The complex has five modern chairlifts with a total length of more than two kilometers and 500 meters. The maximum length of the slopes is ten kilometers, and the height difference is about 370 meters. For guests’ convenience, all lifts have their own names and colors. There are also rental points for sports equipment, a medical station, cafés, children’s playgrounds, and parking.
Kashka-Suu, @kashkasuu
The ski base includes a tourist center, a hotel complex, a conference hall, a café, cableways, an ice rink, and a sports ground.
There are chair cableways with a total length of 2270 meters and a tow road of 1365 meters. There are seven slopes of various difficulty levels that connect both cableways.
ZiL, @zil_baza
The ski base “ZiL” is located in the picturesque Chon-Kemin valley, about an hour’s drive from Bishkek. The resort is situated at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level and is known for its well-groomed slopes, modern lifts, and cozy cottages with mountain views. In total, five cable lifts are operating here — for adults, beginners, and children. A few kilometers from the base lies the Kentor glacier.
Azerbaijan
Shahdag, @shahdag.resort
The first and largest ski resort in Azerbaijan. There are several slopes of varying difficulty, modern lifts, and guests are offered full equipment rental and a world-class hotel. Picturesque landscapes, first-class service, fun entertainment, and the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding — ideal for a comfortable holiday in the mountains.
Tufandag, @tufandagskiresort
The ski resort Tufandag in Gabala with slopes for both experienced athletes and beginners. The resort also has hotels with excellent service and various entertainment options.
Uzbekistan
Amirsoy, @amirsoyresort
A luxurious mountain resort near Tashkent. Amirsoy meets the best international standards — modern lifts, professional slopes, quality service, and a variety of entertainment. It is comfortable here both for experienced skiers and beginners.
Tajikistan
Safeddara, @safeddara
The center of active winter recreation in Tajikistan is a high-mountain resort with good slopes at altitudes up to 3000 meters, good lighting for evening skiing, rental of quality equipment, and cozy hotels.