Almaty is winter tourism's quiet secret, a mountain range on the doorstep of a historic city, where hitting the slopes costs a fraction of the snowfields of Europe or North America. The multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of a vast ski resort on its doorstep will only make this destination more appealing to travelling snow bunnies.
An hour's drive from Almaty, the soaring Tian Shan mountains offer great skiing, real altitude and unparalleled value, without the queues of Park City or Courchevel. Cathay Pacific's new direct flight to Almaty is the first nonstop service connecting Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. This direct link to Almaty, Kazakhstan's winter sports capital, is well timed as Almaty enters its peak ski season from December through March.
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Why winter travellers are turning to Almaty
What's capturing the attention of snow lovers across Asia is the development of Almaty Superski, a billion-dollar project designed by Foster + Partners. Set to become one of the world's largest ski resorts, it features cableways that will connect the existing Shymbulak and Oi-Qaragai resorts into a single network spanning more than 200 kilometres of terrain served by 17 lifts. Phase one opens in December 2028, providing the perfect setting for Kazakhstan's hosting of the 2029 Asian Winter Games, when the region's winter sports communities will converge on Almaty.
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The best slopes in Kazakhstan start at Shymbulak
At 2,260 metres, the base of Shymbulak mountain resort is reached by a 20-minute cable car – one of the world's longest gondolas at 4.5 kilometres. It whisks skiers from downtown Almaty to the resort base, then ski lifts continue upward to 3,200 metres and the Talgar Pass. This 940-metre vertical drop positions Shymbulak as Central Asia's largest and most modern ski resort within the Ile-Alatau National Park.
The resort boasts 20 kilometres of pistes that operate from November to April, with terrain that suits first-timers and confident intermediates as well as experienced skiers. A round-trip cable car ticket costs around HK$196 per person and is included in day passes, but if you don't like heights, there's also an eco-bus to the resort base for HK$10.
Once your appetite for the slopes is sated, you'll find a lively après-ski scene clustered around the base station, with great restaurants and alfresco beer gardens. Full-day lift passes cost approximately HK$350, with afternoon and evening passes available at HK$285 per person.
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More ski resorts to explore near Almaty
Shymbulak isn't the city’s only winter playground. Ak-Bulak, an hour's drive east of Almaty, offers quieter red runs, a spa with thermal pools, and enough family-friendly activities to fill a whole day. Meanwhile, Tabagan, also an hour's drive away, is best for beginners, with gentle slopes and snow tubing alongside its six main runs.
For those chasing something wilder, heli-skiing operators run trips into the lesser-known Trans-Ili Alatau range from January to July at around HK$9,500 per person per day for four to six runs, a fraction of the cost in Europe or North America.
Families will also love all-year alpine resort Oi-Qaragai, an hour's drive from the city, where a growing ski area increased its runs to 50 kilometres last year, with a further 20 kilometres planned before 2028. There's also a kids' club, dedicated snow-tubing tracks with lifts, and fun electric snowmobile tours.
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Winter activities in Almaty for non-skiers
Of course, you don't need skis to enjoy the altitude. Medeu, recognised as the world's largest high-altitude ice skating rink, sits at a lofty 1,691 metres. Entry to the complex is free, but an ice-skating session will cost you approximately HK$30 per person, with skate rental between HK$35-65 depending on the day of the week. The rink operates between October and May and is especially busy on weekends.
For something quieter, try a guided snowshoe trek to Ile-Alatau National Park's Big Almaty Lake, a glacial basin 2,500 metres above sea level that often freezes into a mirror of the surrounding peaks. The lake is an hour's drive from the city centre.
Afterwards, warm up at one of the thermal springs in Alma-Arasan in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, a 30-minute drive from Almaty. You can soak away your chills with the locals in wood-lined baths while snow falls around you.
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Credit: The Ritz Carlton Almaty
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Where to stay
The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty is perched atop Almaty’s tallest tower, featuring spacious rooms with skyline views and a great range of restaurants.
Closer to the slopes, the Tenir Eco Hotel at Shymbulak's base combines proximity to the ski lifts with panoramic views of the Trans-Ili Alatau peaks.
Accor's Rixos Almaty offers modern guest rooms and suites in the city centre for travellers who don't want to maroon themselves in the mountains.
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort's treetop villas are a great option for families wanting skiing, kids' activities and forest scenery in one stay.
When to visit
The Almaty ski season runs from November to April, with January and February offering the most reliable snow and the deepest base. Book well ahead for the New Year's peak period as rooms sell out fast. All resorts offer ski and snowshoe gear rental (approximately HK$160 per person per day for skis, boots and poles), so you won't need to travel with equipment.