The best ski resort of Almaty

Thanks to the Asian Winter Games held in Almaty in 2011, most sports facilities of the metropolis received a second life. The city took the seventh Asian Games, in which competitions were held on ski and skating, figure skating, biathlon, hockey and ski jumping.

The most cardinal and qualitative changes occurred at 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 trails and accessibility are the main advantages of "Chimbulak".

In captivity of snow-capped peaks

The most popular ski resort of Almaty "Chimbulak" is located 25 kilometers from the former capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The route of the complex is designed for both beginners and professional athletes. Offering ample opportunities for recreation and fun pastime, it is the main training base for the national team of the country.

The presence of artificial lighting on the roads of "Chimbulak" implies the possibility of round-the-clock skating. The main mountain resort of Almaty "Chimbulak" is open regardless of the season. Skiing starts here in the second half of November and ends in May. At other times it serves as an excellent place for horseback, hiking and cycling. Offers excellent conditions for practicing sports tourism, orienteering and mountaineering.

The Alps of Kazakhstan

The mountain resort of Almaty "Chimbulak" is often compared with the Austrian Alps. Indeed, the capabilities of the winter center are not inferior, and sometimes exceed the resources of European bases. On the territory of "Chimbulak" operates eight certified routes. There are also informal "black" tracks, as well as high-speed and slalom descents.

The maximum height difference at the resort is 900 meters. In addition to the ski slopes, there is a snowboard park. All the lower levels of the trails are regularly handled by powerful rockets. Each route is equipped with its own lift. Basic descents are served by a cable-chair suspension road. Visitors to the topmost position of the central station are the drag lift. Minor distance between other starting points athletes overcome on "baby-lifts."

Service and rental of equipment

Access to the ski resort of Almaty "Chimbulak" is carried out according to season tickets, which are purchased at the ticket office of the complex. There are four-hour, day and week ski passes. Children are given discounts. There is a school for snowboarding and skiing. Group and individual training is possible.

The local rental shop has everything necessary for a comfortable and safe winter holiday. Renting equipment for a teenager will cost about 3 000 tenge, an adult kit - at 5 000.

Personal belongings can be left in a dedicated storage room for this purpose. The volume of its sections is sufficient to accommodate the luggage of the whole family or group of tourists. On the territory of the base there are small snack bars and cafeterias.

In the mountains in the summer!

The best ski resort of Almaty "Chimbulak" attracts visitors not only in the winter season, but also after the snow completely melts on the slopes. His possessions are an integral part of the natural reserve Ile-Alatau. The places in these parts are fascinating with their pristine beauty. The mountain air is always fresh and cool.

The complex serves as a starting point for many excursions to the Tien Shan Pass and the Almaty Gorge. Within walking distance from the base is a park of climbers, in which lovers of extreme sports offer a lot of breathtaking entertainment. One of them is skating on the "tarzanka".

How to get there

To get to Chimbulak, you need to follow from Medeo (Almaty), the ski resort is located at several bus stops from the ice rink. From the public transport stop, which is located in front of the hotel "Kazakhstan", in the direction of the winter entertainment center, regular shuttle buses run regularly.

As soon as you find yourself in the possession of Medeo, look for a gondola lift. This is the most convenient way to "Chimbulak". The funicular works in almost any weather. Local taxi drivers offer their services, which in the summer months with a breeze drive to the highest point of the sports base.

Alternative? There is!

Despite the fact that "Chimbulak" was recognized as the best ski complex in Almaty, the city residents warmly responded to another sports center, located a few kilometers from the metropolis. This is the ski resort Akbulak (Almaty). From prying eyes it is hidden by the spurs of the Soldier Gorge.

In addition to walking on cross-country and downhill skiing, in Akbulak you can go for a long time on tubing, for which a separate route is allocated. The difference in heights in these parts is almost one thousand meters. Slopes of the sports base are subject to artificial snow making. The slope of the most difficult descent is 55 degrees. Its route runs partly through a pine forest. On weekends, mass night skiing is organized in Akbulak.

Starting from November, the rental of equipment is working. The equipment from the leading brands "Salomon", "Burton", "Rossignol" will cost in the amount of 5 000 to 10 000 tenge. The cost of the coach's services starts from 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 half an hour's drive from the southern capital. Its territory belongs to the park of Ile-Alatau. The lack of professional "black" slopes is more than offset by the abundance of family fun.

Children are expected to race on sleigh, snowball games, the construction of ice locks. For skating there is only one route, which differs in a variety of terrain. It is served by a lift. The cost of a single trip to the top is about 200 tenge. The subscription price per day is 2 000.