Ski Resorts Guide in Eastern Kazakhstan
Traveler and outdoor blogger gabchenko.kz, Alexander Gabchenko, talks about the skiing gem of Kazakhstan.
Why East Kazakhstan?
The Rudny Altai Range with its picturesque low mountains and abundant snow cover is located in Eastern Kazakhstan. From November to April, there is as much snow there as in the Zailiysky Alatau, which is extremely rare, almost never. Already in November, the snow cover reaches half a meter. The snow is good for skiing, allowing for high-speed rides. Skiing on the slopes of Eastern Kazakhstan is a pleasure.
The mountains in the vicinity of Ust-Kamenogorsk partly resemble the Alps, partly the Mountain Shoria located in Siberia. Similarity to the Alps is observed in the rich vegetation of the region: birches, aspens grow here. In the popular skiing and snowboarding resort of Sheregesh in Mountain Shoria, the slopes in Eastern Kazakhstan resemble them in relief and abundance of snow.
Tourism is well developed in the region. There are about 5 ski resorts around Ust-Kamenogorsk. Some of them, for example, the comfortable ski resorts "Altai Alps" and "Nurtau," are located in close proximity to the city, at a distance of 30-40 km. There are also more distant bases in nearby cities such as Ridder and Zyryanovsk. These places are suitable for backcountry and ski touring.
Getting to the Ski Resorts
East Kazakhstan is quite accessible. From Almaty, you can get there by train on the route "Almaty - Zaschita" or by plane on the Almaty-Ust-Kamenogorsk route. From Astana, there are also trains in the direction of "Astana-Zaschita," and several flights by airlines Air Astana, Bek Air, SCAT Airlines. In summer, good bus services are added from all major cities of Kazakhstan.
The roads leading to the snowy resorts of East Kazakhstan, although mountainous, are quite decent. For example, the road to the "Altai Alps" ski resort is regularly cleared and well maintained.
SKI RESORTS
The slopes of the ski resorts of Eastern Kazakhstan are suitable for both beginners who want to get acquainted with skiing and advanced riders looking for new slopes and thrilling experiences. Some of the mountain resorts of East Kazakhstan are not inferior in terms of skiing and service to popular ones in Almaty.
"Altai Alps" - one of the most popular ski resorts in East Kazakhstan. On ten different-level slopes, it is pleasant to ride for both a novice and an experienced rider. The ski complex has 2 button lifts and 2 chairlifts. The maximum length of the slope is 2500 meters. The complex includes a hotel, a cafe, and a ski school.
The cost of a day pass on weekends is 5,000 KZT, on weekdays - 4,000 KZT.
The all-inclusive package, including accommodation in a hotel, three meals a day, skiing on the slopes, and equipment rental, is 20,000 KZT per person per day.
"Nurtau" (formerly known as "Knyazhye Gory") - the second most popular resort near Ust-Kamenogorsk. Among the picturesque mountain landscapes, there is a ski area and cozy cottages for guests. The slopes of the mountain resort are also designed for different levels of skiing. The length of the main slope is 2000 meters.
Among skiers in East Kazakhstan, "Nurtau" is considered a premium resort, justified by the high level of service. Night skiing is available here during the dark hours.
A day of skiing on weekends costs 8,000 KZT per person, on weekdays - 5,500 KZT.
More budget-friendly skiing options can be found in the vicinity of the town of Ridder. Here, there is a sports school with its own ski slope, as well as the "Stardust Camp" resort with quite decent conditions for skiing and accommodation.
The "Stardust Camp" is located just 6 km from the town of Ridder. It is more compact than the complexes of Ust-Kamenogorsk. The length of the main descent is only 1300 meters. However, the richness and beauty of the surrounding forest make skiing on the resort's territory aesthetically pleasing.
The price of a pass for daytime skiing on weekends is 3,000 KZT.
"Edelweiss" - another budget resort in Ridder. Three ski slopes have gentle slopes and are more suitable for beginner skiers than for extreme riders.
The cost of 1 cable car ride is 300 tenge.
Accommodation in East Kazakhstan
Tourists can stay directly at the hotel of the ski resort or in a hotel or rented apartment within the city limits of Ust-Kamenogorsk. In both cases, it is possible to find an option that suits your budget. However, it should be noted that public transport from the city to the ski resorts is not provided. You can only reach the mountain resorts by your own or rented car.
The cost of accommodation in a mountain hotel is 13,000 - 20,000 per day with three meals a day.
Alternative Entertainment
In ski culture, additional entertainment at ski resorts is called "après-ski," which translates from French as "after skiing." Après-ski, apart from drinking in bars, in East Kazakhstan includes spa treatments, visiting saunas, pantotherapy, and excursions to the beauties of nearby forests. Discos are held at the resorts on Fridays and Saturdays.
Additional entertainment in East Kazakhstan includes night and evening skiing on illuminated slopes at "Nurtau" and "Altai Alps." At night, the relief looks completely different, giving skiing a new feeling.