Shymbulak Ski Resort Tour from Almaty
Twenty-five kilometres from the city centre, a gondola carries you from the Medeu ice rink up to Shymbulak at 2,260 m and on to the Talgar Pass at 3,200 m. Skiing in winter, hiking and glacier views in summer, with hotel pickup, transfers and a local guide in English, Russian or Turkish.
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Start: 10:00 from your hotel (flexible)
- Distance: 25 km, about 40 minutes each way
- Altitude: 2,260 m base, 3,200 m top station
- Season: all year; ski season December–April
- Group tour: daily, minimum 2 people
- Private tour: any day, any group size
- Walking: as much or as little as you like
- Rated 5.0 on Google (38 reviews)
- Hotel pickup and Medeu transfer included
- Change or cancel up to 72 hours before departure
- Reply within 24 hours, usually much faster
Shymbulak tour itinerary
- 10:00 Pickup at your hotel or apartment in Almaty.
- 10:30 Medeu (1,691 m): the high-altitude outdoor skating rink and the dam above it, with a photo stop and the story of the 1966 mudflow barrier that protects the city.
- 11:00 Gondola to Shymbulak. The cable car climbs over the gorge to the resort base at 2,260 m, a 15-minute ride with views back down to Almaty (tickets paid on site).
- 11:30 Time at the resort: in winter, ski rental and the slopes; in summer, a walk in the alpine meadows, the viewing terrace and the cafés.
- 12:30 Optional second and third lifts to the Talgar Pass at 3,200 m, where the glacier field opens up and the peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau surround you.
- 14:00 Lunch at a mountain restaurant with terrace views (own expense).
- 15:00–16:00 Return by gondola and drop-off at your hotel.
Skiers usually ask for a longer day: we drop you at the base in the morning and collect you when the lifts close. Tell us your plan and we will set the timing around it.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle; 4x4 in winter conditions
- Guide at Medeu and the resort (English, Russian or Turkish)
- Bottled water
Not included
- Gondola and lift tickets (bought on site or online)
- Ski or snowboard rental and lessons
- Medeu skating rink entry and skate hire
- Lunch and personal expenses
Lift prices change by season and day of the week; your guide helps you buy the right ticket at the counter.
Winter or summer: two different days
December to April: ski season
Around 20 km of groomed pistes from 2,260 m to 3,200 m, with beginner slopes at the base and long red runs from the upper stations. Snow is usually reliable from late December to March.
- Skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and winter clothing for rent at the base
- English-speaking instructors for adults and children
- Sledging and snow play areas for families
May to November: mountains without snow
The gondola runs all year. In summer the slopes turn into alpine meadows with marked walking trails, and the Talgar Pass offers glacier views without any climbing.
- Easy walks from the top stations, 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Terrace cafés and the panorama deck
- Cooler than the city by 10–15 °C on hot days
Shymbulak in photos
The three stations
| Station | Altitude | What you find there |
|---|---|---|
| Medeu | 1,691 m | The world's highest Olympic-size outdoor skating rink, the dam viewpoint, cafés and the gondola base station |
| Shymbulak base | 2,260 m | Hotel, restaurants, ski school, rental shops, beginner slopes and the main terrace |
| Talgar Pass | 3,200 m | Upper lifts, glacier and peak panoramas, the highest café, the start of the longest runs in winter |
The ride from Medeu to the top takes about 25 minutes over three sections. You can stop at any station and continue later with the same ticket.
What to bring
Temperature drops roughly 6 °C for every 1,000 m you climb, so the Talgar Pass can be 15–20 °C colder than Almaty. Even in July the top station is fresh and windy; in January it can be −20 °C.
Sun at altitude is intense, especially over snow. Sunglasses and sunscreen matter more here than anywhere else in the region.
Bring with you
- Warm layers, gloves and a hat, whatever the season
- Sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Closed shoes with grip; paths and terraces get icy
- Card or cash for lift tickets, rental and lunch
- Water — the dry mountain air dehydrates faster than you expect
Fitness level: easy. Everything is reached by lift, with no walking required. If you arrived in Kazakhstan the same day, take the top station slowly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Shymbulak if I don't ski?
Yes, and many guests do. The gondola, the viewpoints, the alpine walks and the terrace cafés are open to everyone all year. In summer there is no snow at all at the base.
Are lift tickets included in the tour?
No. Gondola and lift tickets are bought on site, and prices change by season and day. Your guide takes you to the right counter and helps choose between a single ride, a return and a day pass.
Can I rent ski gear and clothing?
Yes. Skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and winter clothing are all available at the base. On weekends the queues build up, so arriving early is worth it.
Can beginners or children take lessons?
Yes. The resort's ski school offers private and group lessons with English-speaking instructors for adults and children. Book in advance in the high season.
How much time should I plan?
Half a day, 5 to 6 hours, is enough for Medeu, the gondola, the top station and lunch. Skiers usually want a full day, which we arrange as a private transfer with a later pickup.
What is the ski season?
Usually from mid-December to early April, with the most reliable snow in January and February. The gondola and the upper stations stay open in summer for sightseeing.
Can I combine Shymbulak with Medeu and Kok Tobe?
Yes. Medeu is on the way and is part of this tour. Adding Kok Tobe in the late afternoon makes a full and very popular day in the mountains above the city.
How do I book and pay?
Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp or through the contact form, and say whether you plan to ski. We confirm within 24 hours. Group tours usually need no deposit; private tours are confirmed with a deposit, and the balance is paid on the day.
Related tours
- Medeo tourThe ice rink alone, shorter and cheaper
- Ile-Alatau National Park tourFull day in the same mountains
- Big Almaty Lake tourTurquoise lake at 2,500 m
- Kok Tobe tourCity views, good afternoon add-on
Book your Shymbulak trip
Tell us your date, number of travellers and whether you plan to ski. We reply with availability and a price the same day.
WhatsApp +7 707 717 71 01 info@almatytourkz.comAlmaty Tour KZ · 22 Zenkov Street, Medeu District, Almaty · Local tour operator
Shymbulak · cable car & mountain slopes See the resort before you book
Filmed on one of our own departures — the gondola ride up from Medeo, the slopes and the view from the top station. No stock footage.
Get your price for this tour today
Tell us your dates and group size. We come back with availability and an exact price — usually within a couple of hours.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- Answer within 24 hours
- Free cancellation up to 72 hours
- English · Russian · Turkish
