Winter and Ski

Shymbulak, Tabagan, Ak-Bulak, ski touring, and freeride at Talgar Pass.

Shymbulak, Tabagan, Ak-Bulak, ski touring, and freeride at Talgar Pass.

Winter and Ski

Shymbulak, Tabagan, Ak-Bulak, ski touring, and freeride at Talgar Pass.

Hero

A winter and ski tour in Almaty means Shymbulak (runs from green to black, approximately 900 m of vertical drop, top cable-car station at 3,163 m), Ak-Bulak (a family format one hour from Almaty), Tabagan, and backcountry riding in the gorges of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The season runs from December through April; snow lies until mid-May on the upper slopes.

The format ranges from single-day outings with rental gear to 5-7-day packages with ski-in/ski-out at Shymbulak. Our winter tour covers transfers from Almaty, ski passes, ski and snowboard rental, instructor on request, and lunches at mountain restaurants. For off-piste enthusiasts, we offer backcountry programs with a guide and avalanche-safety protocols.

Format

A typical ski tour day: hotel breakfast, first lift at 9 AM, 4-5 hours of skiing with a lunch break at a slope-side chalet, apres-ski with mulled wine on the terrace at 4 PM, then a sauna or pool in the afternoon, dinner with a ridge view. Morning means hard-packed corduroy, midday brings sunshine, and evening offers night skiing on lit runs. Options: a weekend (Ak-Bulak or Shymbulak with a transfer from Almaty), 3-5 days at Shymbulak with ski-in/ski-out, 7 days rotating Shymbulak plus Ak-Bulak plus backcountry.

How it differs from trekking: it is winter and with gear on your feet. Compared to a luxury tour, the focus is on skiing. Backcountry programs are a separate sub-format for experienced riders with avalanche equipment, a guide, and high-risk insurance.

Who it suits

The format is for skiers and snowboarders aged 6 and up at any level: from a first run to expert. Shymbulak has green, blue, red, and black runs; Ak-Bulak has a gentle profile for families with children. Adult beginners work with an instructor for 2-3 days; intermediate and advanced riders ski independently. Backcountry and freeride are only for those who pass a level check and carry avalanche gear.

Contraindications: recent knee, shoulder, or back injuries; cardiovascular risks at 3,000+ m altitude. Our ski guide works with Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak instructors; the package includes an avalanche safety briefing before backcountry sessions, a check of beacon-probe-shovel kits, and group insurance. For beginners, rental and lessons are available in a group or private format.

Seasonality

The season runs December through April, peaking January through March. In December, the snowpack is still building and the opening is usually around the 15th; January-February brings consistent cold and powder; March is sunny and mild; in April, Shymbulak's upper runs are still open while the lower ones close. The backcountry season extends to May on north-facing slopes.

Best months for skiing: late January through mid-February (peak powder, but cold) and March (sunshine, mild temperatures of +5 to +10 C). Our ski operator books ski-in/ski-out at Shymbulak 1.5-2 months before peak season; in the low season (December, April), more hotels are available and slopes are less crowded.

Where it takes place

Ski resorts of the Almaty Region: Shymbulak (runs from green to black, approximately 900 m vertical drop, top cable-car station at 3,163 m), Ak-Bulak (family level, close to Almaty), Tabagan (for beginners and freeride). Backcountry gorges: Tuyuk-Su, Almaty gorge, Butakovka (guide and avalanche gear required only).

Farther afield: Burabay (Northern Kazakhstan, family level), Ak Bulak resort in Eastern Kazakhstan (Altai), freeride on Dzungarian slopes. Our winter tour covers Shymbulak with ski-in/ski-out, day trips to Ak-Bulak and Tabagan, and backcountry programs in the gorges of the Trans-Ili Alatau with a guide and avalanche equipment.

FAQ

What skill level do I need? - Any. At Ak-Bulak and Tabagan you can start from scratch: instructor and gentle slope. Shymbulak runs from green to black and suits everyone. Backcountry is for advanced and expert riders only.

Do I need my own gear? - No, all resorts have rentals: skis, boards, boots, helmets, goggles, and jackets. Bring your own only if you prefer your personal setup.

Do I need an instructor? - For beginners, 2-3 days are mandatory. For returning skiers after a break, 1 day. For confident riders, no.

How dangerous is backcountry? - It requires avalanche equipment (beacon, probe, shovel), training, and an experienced guide who knows the routes and avalanche conditions. Without all of this, we do not go into the gorges.

What about altitude sickness? - Shymbulak ranges from 2,260 to 3,200 m; some guests experience mild symptoms. We recommend no alcohol before acclimatization and plenty of water.

CTA

We assemble winter and ski packages at Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak: ski-in/ski-out, transfers, rental, ski passes, instructor, spa, and mountain restaurants. For advanced riders, backcountry tours with an IFMGA guide and avalanche equipment.

Submit a request with your skill level and trip length - we will select a hotel at Shymbulak or in the city, arrange ski passes and an instructor, and book a backcountry program for your dates.

Frequently asked questions

What skill level do I need?

Do I need an instructor?

What about altitude sickness?