Seasonal Activities & Recreation in Almaty

Like many global metropolises, Almaty offers something special in every season. Winter brings ski enthusiasts to its slopes, while summer attracts nature lovers and hikers. During the in-between seasons, the city is especially delightful for strolls: in spring, Almaty transforms into a blooming garden city, and in autumn, it becomes the vibrant host of colorful markets and gastronomic festivals.

New Year’s celebrations have remained one of Kazakhstan’s most beloved holidays since Soviet times. The city is adorned with bright and colorful decorations during the festive season. The main New Year’s tree is set up at Astana Square, near the KBTU building, and over a hundred photo zones are scattered throughout the city. A crafts fair opens along Zhibek Zholy Avenue, Almaty’s local Arbat, in mid-December, offering handmade gifts. From December 15 to January 15, a festive market operates at Ramstore All In, complete with hot drinks and an ice rink. The Esentai Winter Fair also features a traditional holiday market.

A visit to Almaty in winter isn’t complete without a trip to the high-altitude Medeo complex, home to a famous ice rink nestled among mountain peaks at an altitude of 1691 meters. For those who prefer to stay in the city, you can skate at Pervomayskiye Ponds, or at the outdoor and indoor rinks at Almaty Arena. There is also the smaller Skadi rink on Dostyk Avenue near the Arman cinema.

Almaty is surrounded by mountain ranges, and the nearby ski resorts cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals. The largest is the Shymbulak Ski Resort, located 30 km from Almaty, sitting at an altitude of 2000 meters. The resort offers a variety of slopes: green for beginners, blue for confident skiers, and red and black for professionals, with a total length of 25 km. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can try tubing, take ATV excursions, or enjoy horseback riding tours.

Another popular destination is the Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort, located an hour’s drive from Almaty in the Oi-Karagai gorge. With 20 trails of varying difficulty, totaling 22 km in length, the resort also offers a mountain hotel, spa center, horseback riding, karting, and paintball activities. Ak-Bulak, a budget-friendly ski resort located 40 km from Almaty at 1600 meters, is known for its classic slopes and black-category freeride trails.

Winter in Almaty is also the perfect time to relax in the region’s thermal springs. Most of these are located in the village of Chundzha and its surroundings, where several wellness centers offer multi-day stays. Almaarasan hot springs, found in Prokhodnoye Gorge just 16 km from Almaty, are sulfur-thermal radon springs, known for their therapeutic benefits for skin ailments. Visitors can bathe in specially designed barrels filled with thermal water heated to 39°C. The Gornik hot spring, at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level, is another popular spot, often visited after a day at the Medeo complex or the Shymbulak resort.

For a more luxurious experience, the Premium Spa Resort in Chundzha offers an open-air pool along with nine different pools of both hot and cold water. Another option is Eco Park, also in Chundzha. If you’re looking for something unique, the Drevushka Resort stands out with its alpine-style cottages and a traditional wood-fired bathhouse. The resort features three pools, one indoor and two outdoor.

The second half of spring is considered the best time to visit Almaty. The ski season may continue in the first half, but the city itself begins to thaw, with the snow gradually melting away. By mid-April, the city’s gardens are in full bloom. To experience this, visit the Botanical Garden or the Park of the First President, where the Japanese garden is particularly popular for springtime photo sessions. To witness blooming alpine meadows, head to the nearby mountain regions surrounding Almaty.

In summer, residents of Almaty escape the heat by retreating to the mountains. Hiking is one of the most popular activities for both locals and tourists. The most accessible mountains are Kok-Tobe and Medeo, both offering park areas, observation decks with views of the city and the Zailiyskiy Alatau ridge, and a range of cafes and restaurants.

One of the most picturesque areas near Almaty is Kok-Zhaylyau, which translates to “Green Pasture.” From the plateau, visitors are treated to stunning views of the city, Medeo, and the Bolshoy Almaty Peak. Kok-Zhaylyau is the only part of the Ile-Alatau National Park that can be visited for free, and it offers trails for cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders.

For those seeking more physically demanding routes, the trek to Furmanov Peak offers a challenging hike with a steep ascent, taking about six hours to complete. The peak stands at 3053 meters. For a more relaxed hike or a family outing, the trails leading to the Butakovsky Waterfalls or the Gorelnik Gorge, which also features waterfalls, are ideal. On a hot day, the shores of Bolshoye Almaty Lake make for a lovely picnic spot, though swimming is not recommended as the water rarely warms above 10°C.

Within the city, there are four popular spots for swimming: the eastern and western parts of Lake Sairan, the Guldar Recreation Area, and along Baum Grove. Lake Sairan is an artificial reservoir with pathways, piers, sports fields, and benches, offering free admission. For some aquatic fun, the “Eighth Wonder of the World” water park in Central Gorky Park is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The park boasts a cool pool, a variety of water slides for all levels of thrill-seekers, a beach volleyball area, and picnic zones. In the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, the Home Club complex offers cottages by mountain lakes, water transport rentals, a children’s nature park, and fishing spots.

Early autumn in Almaty feels like an extension of summer, with warm weather that makes it possible to swim in some lakes and enjoy leisurely walks in light clothing. Mountain hikes are possible until mid-autumn, with September being the optimal time for such activities. Another great reason to visit Almaty in the fall is the harvest season, when you can savor fresh fruits and vegetables and participate in seasonal festivals. As the weather cools in the second half of autumn, it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s museums and theaters. By late October or early November, snow begins to blanket the mountains, and some ski resorts open as early as November.