Shymbulak Ski Resort

Shymbulak Ski Resort holds a significant place among the attractions of Almaty. Located near the high-altitude sports complex “Medeu,” the two iconic destinations are connected by a cable car equipped with comfortable cabins.
Founded in 1954, Shymbulak initially served as a training base for Soviet athletes. Over time, it became accessible to the general public. The snow-covered slopes of the Alatau Mountains provide ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Every February, the resort hosts the annual competition for the “Alexandra Artemenko Prize.” Various skiing and snowboarding events are held at the resort throughout the winter season.
Ahead of the 2011 Asian Winter Games, the resort underwent a major reconstruction. A spa center, restaurants, boutiques, a private ski and snowboard school, a signature store, and hotels were added. The length of the slopes was increased, skiing zones expanded, and modern competition systems were installed.
In March 2023, Shymbulak made it into the Guinness World Records as the highest night ski slope in the world, situated at an elevation of 3,200 meters above sea level.

The skiing season at Shymbulak starts in mid-November and lasts until mid-April. The resort caters to both professionals and beginners, with the longest slope stretching 3,163 meters. The slopes vary in difficulty, with an average incline of 12-28 degrees and a maximum of 45 degrees. Shymbulak offers a total of eight trails of varying difficulty levels. All necessary ski equipment can be rented at the resort or at the Medeu station for visitor convenience.
At Shymbulak, you can experience something truly unique by staying in an authentic Kazakh yurt and trying out freeriding, backcountry skiing, or even heliskiing. Several ski tours are available, ensuring there’s something for every interest and skill level. For those less inclined towards skiing or snowboarding, hiking tours to the natural landmarks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau are a great alternative. Tours can be booked directly through the resort.

Shymbulak offers a variety of activities that go beyond skiing, with many options contributing to both physical and mental well-being.

If winter means the crunch of sparkling snow underfoot and the thrill of skiing or snowboarding down well-maintained trails, then Shymbulak is the ideal destination for you. Even if you’re a beginner, the resort offers lessons in both skiing and snowboarding.

For those seeking additional excitement, the resort features Alpine Park, Chimba Truck Taxi, Gorilla Zipline Medeu, and a ropes course. You can also enjoy horseback riding, paragliding, tubing, or go on an ATV tour.
Alpine Park is a haven for climbing enthusiasts, offering safe crossings over bridges and swings, along with ascents to small peaks. The park also houses an Alpine Museum where visitors can learn about the history of mountaineering. For more information on ticket prices and park hours, call +7 727 331 77 77.

Chimba Truck Taxi offers a unique experience, allowing guests to ride in a snow-grooming vehicle known as a snowcat. The cabin accommodates up to 10 people, and the rides are available only in the evenings as the snowcat prepares the slopes for night skiing. Tickets are sold at the upper information center, and ride schedules can be found on Shymbulak’s official website.

For an adrenaline rush, try the Gorilla Zipline Medeu. Soar above the Zailiyskiy Alatau at speeds of up to 80 km/h along a zipline over half a kilometer long. Ready for the thrill? Call +7 727 331 77 77 to learn more about ticket prices and zipline hours.

Shymbulak’s ropes course offers a fun challenge for all ages, with three difficulty levels that even beginners can tackle. There’s also a course designed for younger adventurers. For details on gear, park hours, and difficulty levels, call +7 727 331 77 77.

If racing down a mountain or navigating ropes isn’t your style, how about a peaceful horseback ride through the scenic valleys surrounding the resort? Shymbulak offers guided horseback rides that allow you to connect with nature and enjoy a sense of tranquility. Ride lengths range from 15 minutes to full-day excursions. Call +7 700 116 94 40 or +7 700 221 02 73 for more information on ride costs and schedules.

Paragliding over the mountain slopes is an exhilarating dream for many, and at Shymbulak, it can become a reality with the help of experienced instructors. Soar from Talgar Pass to Shymbulak in a 15-minute flight, taking in breathtaking views from the skies. For more information on flight costs, equipment, or rules, call +7 777 020 43 44 or +7 771 709 91 22.

For those who prefer driving through the wilderness, Shymbulak also offers ATV tours. Explore enchanting pine forests and ascend to the peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau on routes that last from 20 to 180 minutes. These tours are led by expert guides and are completely safe. For more details, call +7 708 772 22 05.

And don’t miss out on one of winter’s most playful pastimes—tubing! Glide down the slopes in an inflatable tube, bringing back the joys of childhood with infectious laughter and broad smiles.

Since 2014, the Shymbulak Snowboard & Ski Club has been nurturing future champions, offering ski and snowboard training in the winter and organizing summer hikes, mountain biking, and football matches.
Families with young children will find an excellent solution in El Kiddo Shymbulak, a children’s playroom where little ones can enjoy toys, interact with animators, and take part in various workshops. The facility also has a mini ropes course for kids and skiing lessons. Video monitoring ensures parents’ peace of mind while they relax.