Ski Resorts in Kyrgyzstan: Complete Guide for the 2024 Season

Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country in the heart of Central Asia, offers some of the best opportunities for skiing in a stunning natural setting. With its snowy peaks, cold climate, and unique hospitality, it has become an emerging destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Below, we present a tour of the country’s main ski resorts, detailing everything you need to know: slopes, lifts, services, access points, and more.

1. Karakol Ski Base

Location: Near the city of Karakol, on the shores of the beautiful Issyk-Kul Lake, 400 km from the capital Bishkek.
Opening of the 2024 season: December 15, 2023, depending on weather conditions.
Key features:

• Slopes: 20 km in total, divided by levels:
  • Beginners: 4 slopes
  • Intermediate: 6 slopes
  • Experts: 4 slopes
• Lifts: 4 (including chairlifts and ski tows).
• Services:
  • Restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
  • Ski and snowboard school.
  • Equipment rental.
  • Spa and sauna in some nearby locations.

Accommodation options:
The city of Karakol offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to boutique stays.

2. Chunkurchak Ski Resort

Location: Just 30 km from Bishkek, in the Ala-Too Valley.
Opening of the 2024 season: December 10, 2023.
Key features:

• Slopes: 9 km in total:
  • Beginners: 3 slopes
  • Intermediate: 3 slopes
  • Experts: 2 slopes
  • Children’s area: 1 slope
• Lifts: 3 modern chairlifts.
• Services:
  • Restaurants with panoramic valley views.
  • Equipment rental.
  • Additional activities: tubing and snowmobiling.

Accommodation options:
While Chunkurchak does not have hotels directly at the resort, its proximity to Bishkek allows visitors to stay in the capital.

3. Too Ashuu Ski Resort

Location: 120 km south of Bishkek, in the Too Ashuu mountain pass.
Opening of the 2024 season: December 12, 2023.
Key features:

• Slopes: 12 km:
  • Beginners: 2 slopes
  • Intermediate: 5 slopes
  • Experts: 3 slopes
• Lifts: 4 (including chairlifts and ski tows).
• Services:
  • Mountain refuge offering fast food options.
  • Ski and snowboard repair shop.
  • Premium equipment rental.

Accommodation options:
Too Ashuu offers a lodge at the slopes, but visitors also stay in Bishkek or in small rural accommodations along the way.

4. Orlovka Ski Resort

Location: 90 km east of Bishkek, near the town of Kant.
Opening of the 2024 season: December 17, 2023.
Key features:

• Slopes: 8 km in total:
  • Beginners: 3 slopes
  • Intermediate: 2 slopes
  • Experts: 3 slopes
• Lifts: 3 (including chairlifts and ski tows).
• Services:
  • Cafeterias with mountain views.
  • Equipment rental.
  • Children’s winter activity center.

Accommodation options:
Orlovka offers small resorts with cabins at the slopes, as well as boutique stays nearby.

5. Ak-Tash Ski Base

Location: In the Jalal-Abad district, in the southwest of the country.
Opening of the 2024 season: December 20, 2023.
Key features:

• Slopes: 10 km:
  • Beginners: 2 slopes
  • Intermediate: 4 slopes
  • Experts: 4 slopes
• Lifts: 3.
• Services:
  • Restaurant specializing in Kyrgyz cuisine.
  • Shops selling local souvenirs.
  • Guided mountain tours.

Accommodation options:
The city of Jalal-Abad, a few kilometers away, offers various choices for lodging.