Ski resorts in Kazakhstan: slopes, prices and schedules

Tengrinews.kz – Winter is in full swing, which means it’s time to dust off your ski goggles or plan your very first run. Kazakhstan offers a wide range of ski resorts, from major destinations near Almaty to cozy mountain bases in East Kazakhstan and the south. Tengrinews reviewed current prices, opening hours and equipment rental costs to help you plan the perfect mountain getaway.
Almaty and Almaty Region
Shymbulak
One of the country’s most famous ski resorts is located in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, just a 30-minute drive from Almaty. The resort offers slopes of varying difficulty, from beginner runs to challenging routes for experienced riders.
Ski pass prices at Shymbulak:

08:30–13:30 (morning) – 19,500 tenge (adult), 7,000 tenge (child)08:30–18:00 (full day) – 26,000 tenge (adult), 10,000 tenge (child)12:30–18:00 (afternoon) – 22,000 tenge (adult), 8,000 tenge (child)19:00–23:00 (night skiing) – 22,000 tenge (adult), 8,000 tenge (child)

Akbulak
A smaller ski resort near Almaty with several slopes suitable for beginners and recreational skiers.
Prices listed on social media:

09:00–12:00 (morning) – 18,000 tenge09:00–17:00 (full day) – 22,000 tenge13:00–17:00 (afternoon) – 20,000 tenge18:00–22:00 (night skiing) – 18,000 tenge

These prices apply until January 11 due to the high season; changes may follow afterward.
Oi-Qaragai
The resort offers 26 slopes with a total length of about 28 kilometers. In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy snow tubing, equipment rental and cable cars.
Main ski pass rates:

09:00–13:30 (morning) – 16,500 tenge09:00–17:00 (full day) – 24,000 tenge12:30–17:00 (afternoon) – 20,000 tenge19:00–23:00 (night skiing) – 19,500 tenge

Until January 11, ski pass prices may be up to 5,000 tenge higher. Special discounted rates are available for pensioners, ranging from 4,500 to 5,500 tenge.
Turkestan Region
Tau Samaly
The Tau Samaly ski base is located in the Tolebi district of Turkestan Region, about an hour’s drive from central Shymkent. The slope is 1,800 meters long, with a minimum gradient of 5–10 percent and a maximum of 30–40 percent.
Prices:

Children under 5 – free
One lift and descent – 2,500 tenge
Full-day pass – 6,000 tenge

East Kazakhstan Region
Altai Alps
The Altai Alps resort is located just 22 kilometers from Ust-Kamenogorsk. The season usually starts in November, when snow depth reaches around 1.5 meters, and lasts until mid-April.
The resort offers slopes of varying difficulty: gentle runs for beginners and steeper slopes that meet international standards.
Weekdays:

Until 12:00 (morning) – 6,500 tenge
Until 17:00 (day) – 9,000 tenge
Until 23:00 (night skiing) – 9,000 tenge

Weekends and holidays:

Until 12:00 (morning) – 6,500 tenge4 hours before 12:00 or after 14:00 – 12,000 tenge4 hours during peak time (12:00–14:00) – 13,000 tengeUntil 17:00 (day) – 14,500 tenge

Stardust Camp
The Stardust Camp ski base is located just 6 kilometers from the center of Ridder, at the foot of the Ivanovsky Ridge. The illuminated slopes stretch for about 15 kilometers and are equipped with a cable lift.
Ski pass prices:

Single ride (main lift) – 800 tenge
Single ride (small lift) – 400 tenge
Day pass (main lift) – 8,000 tenge
Day pass (small lift) – 4,000 tenge

Nurtau
The Nurtau recreation base is located 35 kilometers from Ust-Kamenogorsk. In winter, it offers ski slopes with surface lifts, a separate snow tubing track, equipment rental and instructor services.
Weekdays:

One lift – 1,000 tenge10:00–17:00 (day pass) – 8,500 tenge18:00–23:00 (evening pass) – 7,500 tenge

Weekends:

One lift – 1,200 tenge10:00–18:00 (day pass) – 12,000 tenge18:00–23:00 (evening pass) – 8,000 tenge

Equipment rental prices
Buying your own skis or snowboard can be expensive, which is why most people opt for rentals. A full set of gear can cost hundreds of thousands of tenge to purchase.
Depending on the resort and the equipment level, renting skis or a snowboard with boots typically costs between 5,000 and 15,000 tenge per day. This is the most affordable option for those who ski occasionally or are just getting started.