Thanks to the Asian Winter Games held in Almaty in 2011, most of the sports facilities in the metropolis received a second life. The city hosted the seventh Asian Games, in the framework of which competitions were held in skiing and speed skating, figure skating, biathlon, hockey and ski jumping.
The most dramatic and qualitative changes occurred in the best ski resort of Almaty, Chimbulak. It has acquired a modern look, and its technical equipment today meets the highest European standards. At the same time, the cost of skiing and using the infrastructure of the complex is still pleasantly surprising. The abundance of interesting tracks and accessibility are the main advantages of Chimbulak.
Captured by snowy peaks
The most popular ski resort in Almaty "Chimbulak" is located 25 kilometers from the former capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The tracks of the complex are designed for both beginners and professional athletes. Offering ample opportunities for relaxation and fun, it is the main training base of the national team.
The presence of artificial lighting on the tracks "Chimbulaka" suggests the possibility of round-the-clock skiing. The main ski resort of Almaty "Chimbulak" is open regardless of the season. Skiing here begins in the second half of November and ends in May. The rest of the time it serves as a great place for horseback riding, hiking and cycling. It offers excellent conditions for sports tourism, orienteering and mountaineering.
Kazakhstan Alps
The ski resort of Almaty "Chimbulak" is often compared with the Austrian Alps. Indeed, the capabilities of the winter center are not inferior, and sometimes surpass the resources of European bases. On the territory of Chimbulak there are eight certified routes. There are also unofficial “black” slopes, as well as speed and slalom slopes.
The maximum elevation difference in the resort is 900 meters. In addition to the ski slopes, there is a snowboard park. All lower levels of the tracks are regularly processed by powerful snowmasters. Each route is equipped with its own lift. The base slopes are served by a chairlift and cableway. At the very top position of the middle station visitors are delivered by a tow-lift. Athletes overcome insignificant distances between other starting points on “baby lifts”.
Service and equipment rental
Access to the Chimbulak ski resort in Almaty is provided by season tickets purchased at the box office. There are four-hour, daily and weekly ski passes. Children receive discounts. There is a school of snowboarding and skiing. Perhaps group and individual training.
The local equipment rental has everything you need for a comfortable and safe winter holiday. Rental equipment for a teenager will cost about 3,000 tenge, a set for an adult - 5,000.
Personal belongings can be left in a storage room specially provided for this. The volume of its sections is sufficient to accommodate the luggage of an entire family or group of vacationers. There are small eateries and cafeterias at the base.
To the mountains in summer!
The best ski resort in Almaty “Chimbulak” attracts visitors not only in the winter season, but also after the snow has finally melted on the slopes. His possessions are an integral part of the Ile Alatau Nature Reserve. Places in these parts fascinate with their pristine beauty. Mountain air is always fresh and cool.
The complex serves as the starting point of many excursions following the Tien Shan Pass and the Almaty Gorge. Climbers park is located within walking distance from the base, where fans of extreme sports are offered a lot of breathtaking entertainment. One of them is bungee riding.
How to get there
To get to “Chimbulak”, you need to follow from “Medeo” (Almaty), the ski resort is located a few bus stops from the skating rink. Regular shuttle buses regularly run from the public transport stop, which is located opposite the Kazakhstan Hotel, towards the winter entertainment center.
As soon as you are in the possessions of Medeo, look for the gondola lift. This is the most convenient way to go to Chimbulak. The funicular works in almost any weather. Local taxi drivers also offer their services, which in the summer months will wind up to the highest point of the sports base with a breeze.
Alternative? There is!
Despite the fact that Chimbulak was recognized as the best ski resort in Almaty, city residents warmly respond to another sports center located a few kilometers from the metropolis. This is the ski resort "Akbulak" (Almaty). The spurs of the Soldier Gorge hide it from prying eyes.
In addition to cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, in Akbulak you can freely ride on tubing, for which a separate track is allocated. The vertical drop in these parts is almost a thousand meters. The slopes of the sports base are subject to artificial snowmaking. The tilt angle of the most difficult descent is 55 degrees. Its route partially runs through a pine forest. On weekends, Akbulak hosts mass night skiing.
Starting in November, an equipment rental service has been operating. Equipment from leading brands Salomon, Burton, Rossignol will cost from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge. The cost of a coach starts at five thousand.
Back to the past
Almatau, a ski resort near Almaty, is considered the oldest in Kazakhstan. It occupies a height of 1,970 meters above sea level and is located half an hour from the southern capital. Its territory belongs to the Ile-Alatau park. The lack of professional “black” slopes more than compensates for the abundance of family fun.
Children expect a sleigh race, snowball games, the construction of ice castles. For skiing, only one track is provided, which has a diverse relief. It is serviced by a lift. The cost of a single trip to the top is about 200 tenge. Subscription price per day - 2,000.