| Duration: | 5 Day(s) - 4 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Ski Tour |
Winter program around the most attractive ski resorts near Almaty, combined with a sightseeing tour of the main highlights of the southern capital, знакомства with the ancient culture of nomads, customs, traditions, and local cuisine—offering full immersion into the atmosphere of national character.
Tour Route: Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
Season: November – March
Best Period: December – February
Route Complexity: Suitable for beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders. The program includes both groomed slopes and off-piste riding, with optional backcountry routes near the resorts. Good physical fitness is recommended. Avalanche equipment is required for off-piste and backcountry skiing.
Height Difference: 1000–1500 meters
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty – Ethno-Village “Huns”
Meeting with the guide at your hotel or at the airport in the morning. Sightseeing tour of Almaty.
The tour begins at one of the oldest parks in Almaty—the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen—home to Zenkov Cathedral, one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world. You will also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame and the Museum of Musical Instruments. A leisurely walk under the shade of old trees will take about 40 minutes.
Next, visit the Green Bazaar (closed on Mondays), a lively local market full of colors, aromas, and bustling activity. Here you can buy oriental sweets, dried fruits, and souvenirs—don’t forget to bargain. Payments are made in tenge, and currency exchange points are available nearby.
Continue to Kok-Tobe Hill, where one of the tallest TV towers in the world (measured from sea level) is located. You will reach the hill via a scenic winding road in eco-minivans.
At Kok-Tobe Park, enjoy panoramic views of the city, stroll along walking paths, toss a coin into the “apple” fountain, and visit the monument to The Beatles (the only one in CIS countries).
The tour ends with a cable car ride back to the city center.
Lunch at a restaurant featuring national cuisine.
Transfer to the ethno-village “Huns,” located 35 km from Almaty. Traditional Kazakh welcome ceremony with demonstrations of customs and rituals.
Accommodation in modern yurts (triple/quadruple occupancy) with full amenities. Free time and rest.
Culinary master class on preparing a traditional Kazakh dish—baursak. Dinner in the best traditions of Kazakh hospitality.
Overnight at the ethno-village.
Day 2: Ethno-Village “Huns” – Ak-Bulak Ski Resort – Elik-Sai Ski Base
Breakfast at the ethno-village. Check out and transfer to Ak-Bulak Ski Resort.
Built in 2006, Ak-Bulak is a modern and popular ski resort offering excellent conditions for recreation. It has 4 ski lifts and 10 km of slopes, along with additional activities such as tubing and an ice rink.
The resort is located in the scenic Soldatskoye Gorge and benefits from stable winter weather. The ski season runs from mid-November to the end of March, with temperatures ranging from -12°C in winter to around -3°C in March.
Arrival at the resort. Equipment preparation and ascent by gondola (2351 m long) to an altitude of 2006 m, followed by a chairlift to the top slopes with black runs.
Freeride slopes range from 22° to 55°, passing through open terrain and forested areas of Tien Shan fir trees.
Guided skiing until 13:30. The guide will show hidden and exciting freeride areas.
Lunch at a scenic observation point until 14:30. Enjoy rest, sunshine, and mountain views—you may even spot a bearded vulture.
Continue skiing until 16:00. Descent to the parking area and transfer to Elik-Sai Ski Base.
Dinner at a local café in Talgar city. Arrival and accommodation in a scout camp (basic facilities).
Overnight at the ski base.
Day 3: Elik-Sai Ski Base – Shymbulak Ski Resort
Breakfast at the guest house. Equipment preparation, introduction to the local administration, and briefing on using rope drag lifts.
Elik-Sai Ski Base is a true freeride destination, located 40 km from Almaty in Ile-Alatau National Park at an altitude of 1900 m. Opened in 2003, it quickly became popular among freeride enthusiasts.
The base is known for its natural terrain, ungroomed slopes, forest runs, and abundant snow. It features 4 traditional rope drag lifts, reaching up to 2400 m. From here, it is possible to access Bukreev Peak (3010 m).
Skiing begins on the main slope, followed by runs through couloirs like “Pipe” and wide slopes such as “Vegetable Garden,” finishing on the “Bathhouse” slope.
Lunch break on a viewing deck. Relax and enjoy the scenery before continuing skiing in the upper areas.
Final descent at 17:00. Return to the base, pack equipment, and transfer to Shymbulak Ski Resort.
Dinner at a local café in Almaty. Arrival and accommodation at the resort hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Shymbulak Ski Resort
Breakfast at the hotel. Equipment preparation.
Shymbulak Ski Resort is located in the picturesque Trans-Ili Alatau mountains at 2260 m above sea level. Founded in 1954, it has hosted numerous competitions, including the Winter Asian Games and the Winter Universiade.
The resort features 25 km of slopes, modern lifts, and excellent infrastructure.
Morning skiing from lifts and exploring freeride zones such as “Dry Log” and “Cone” (weather permitting).
Lunch at a café on Talgar Pass. Relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Afternoon skiing or an optional short backcountry excursion, depending on conditions.
Return to the hotel. Free time. Optional visit to a traditional Saka bathhouse (extra charge).
Dinner at “Saray-Bar” café.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Shymbulak Ski Resort – Almaty
Breakfast at the “Saray-Bar” café. Check out and descend by cable car to Medeu. Transfer to Almaty city.
Optional: The program can be adjusted to focus only on groomed slopes, replacing Elik-Sai with another ski resort if requested.
TOUR RATES INCLUDE:
Transfers in a comfortable vehicle according to the program
Professional English-speaking ski guide
3-hour Almaty city tour
Entrance fees for sightseeing
Ski passes at resorts
Meals as per program
Accommodation at the ethno-village “Huns,” Elik-Sai Ski Base (scout camp), and Shymbulak hotel
TOUR RATES EXCLUDE:
Ski and avalanche equipment rental
Saka bathhouse fee at Shymbulak
Upgrade to the guest house at Elik-Sai
Meals not specified
Personal expenses
Additional accommodation in Almaty (if required)
Visa support and registration (if required)
Insurance
BOOKING TERMS:
Full payment is required. Accepted payment methods: cash, bank transfer, or card.
Cancellation Terms:
50% non-refundable if canceled 7 days or less before departure
100% non-refundable if canceled 72 hours or less before departure or in case of no-show
Group Size: 1–14 people
Age Restriction: 18+
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Freeride skis/snowboard, boots, poles, avalanche safety kit (airbag/ABS, shovel, probe, transceiver), backpack (20–30L), goggles, helmet, gloves, sunscreen, thermos, personal first aid kit, and proper layered clothing (thermal base layer, waterproof outerwear, insulation layers).
