The Shymbulak ski resort (sometimes spelled as Chimbulak) is located 15 km from the center of Almaty, in the picturesque gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2,200 to 3,050 meters above sea level. It is one of the most accessible high-altitude resorts in the world — the journey from the city to the slopes takes about 20–30 minutes. Its proximity to the metropolis and natural conditions have made Shymbulak the main ski base of Kazakhstan and a popular year-round destination.
The name "Shymbulak" translates from Kazakh as "spring on the slope" or "source» and indeed, numerous crystal-clear mountain springs flow in the gorge.
History of Shymbulak Resort
The history of Shymbulak as a ski resort began in the 1950s, when mountaineers and skiers started exploring the slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau. However, the official birth year of the resort is considered to be 1983, when the first cable car was built and the first ski runs were put into operation. In Soviet times, Shymbulak was one of the main training bases for the USSR national ski team — Olympic champions and multiple world champions trained here.
In the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the resort went through difficult times — funding was cut, and infrastructure deteriorated. However, in the 2000s, a new stage of development began. The resort was reconstructed, new slopes and modern lifts appeared, and hotels, restaurants, and spas were built. In the 2010s, Shymbulak began to actively develop as a year-round resort: trekking and mountain biking routes opened here in summer, and a new cable car was built connecting the resort with Medeu and the city.
Today, Shymbulak is a modern high-altitude resort that meets international standards and attracts tourists from Kazakhstan, the CIS countries, and beyond.
Winter Season Infrastructure at Shymbulak Resort
In winter, Shymbulak is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers:
Ski Slopes at Shymbulak Resort
Shymbulak has over 15 slopes of varying difficulty levels, with a total length of more than 20 kilometers. The slopes are certified for international FIS competitions.
• Green slopes — for beginners: gentle slopes in the lower sections.
• Blue slopes — for intermediate skiers: moderate incline, good width.
• Red slopes — for advanced skiers: steep slopes, complex terrain.
• Black slopes — for professionals: extreme sections with elevation changes and natural obstacles.
The longest run at Shymbulak is "Chimbulak-2," which is about 3.5 kilometers long with an elevation drop of more than 600 meters. It is suitable for experienced skiers.
The total elevation difference at the resort reaches 850 meters — from the lower station (2,200 m) to the highest point (3,050 m).
Lifts at Shymbulak
The lift system at Shymbulak includes 13 lines, which can be divided into two groups: those that operate year-round and those designed exclusively for the ski season. The year-round cable cars are the two main lifts available to tourists at any time of the year — both winter and summer.
Gondola Cable Car "Medeu – Shymbulak"
This is the longest cable car in Kazakhstan. It connects the Medeu high-altitude skating rink (1,690 m) with the Shymbulak resort (2,260 m).
Old Chairlift
This is one of Shymbulak`s first lifts, built back in Soviet times and preserved to this day. It consists of open two- or four-seat chairs and operates both in summer and winter. In summer, it is used to take tourists to upper viewpoints and the start of trekking routes. In winter, it is used for access to intermediate slopes.
Ski Lifts
The remaining 11 lifts operate during the winter season and are used exclusively for skiing and snowboarding. These include 5 chairlifts — open four- or six-seat chairs that take skiers to intermediate and upper sections of slopes of varying difficulty levels (from blue to black), distributed across the central, eastern, and western slopes for even flow distribution. The resort also has 6 surface (T-bar) lifts, located on the gentle slopes of the lower part of the resort and designed for beginners, children, and training slopes.
Summer Season Infrastructure at Shymbulak Resort
Shymbulak is not just a winter resort. In summer, entirely different opportunities open up here:
Trekking Routes at Shymbulak Resort
• "To Kumbel Peak" — ascent to an altitude of 3,240 m (duration — about 3–4 hours one way). Offers views of the Korzhenevsky Glacier and the gorge.
• "Following the Tracks of Mountain Tours" — a circular route through alpine meadows with views of the Shymbulak Pass and the Alatau Range.
• "To the Shymbulak Spring" — a short (2-hour) walk to the springs where the gorge begins.
The routes vary in difficulty: there are both easy 2–3 hour walks and multi-day treks with overnight stays.
Mountain Biking (Downhill): In summer, Shymbulak`s slopes are used for downhill mountain biking. Routes of varying difficulty have been developed, including extreme downhill with steep slopes and natural obstacles. Bikes and protective gear are available for rent.
Zip-line: In summer, an extreme attraction operates — a high-speed descent along a cable over the gorge.
Picnics and Leisure at Shymbulak Resort
The resort has specially equipped picnic areas — with gazebos, barbecues, and benches. You can rent a tent or simply spread a blanket on the grass. In summer, families often spend entire weekends here.
Cable Car "Medeu – Shymbulak"
One of the main tourist attractions is the cable car connecting Medeu and Shymbulak. It was opened in 2020 and became the longest gondola cable car in Kazakhstan.
• Length: about 4.5 kilometers.
• Travel time: about 20 minutes one way.
• Cabins: enclosed, with panoramic windows, designed for 8–10 people.
• Altitude: from 1,690 m (Medeu) to 2,260 m (Shymbulak).
The route passes over the gorge and pine forests, offering fantastic views of the mountains, glaciers, and the city. This is not just transportation — it is a full-fledged excursion.
How to Get to Shymbulak
• By private car or taxi. From the center of Almaty to the lower Medeu station — about 20–30 minutes. From there — by cable car or by car along the serpentine road to Shymbulak (about 8 km). The road is paved, but in winter it requires winter tires.
• By public transport. Regular buses and minibuses run from the city to Medeu (stop "Medeu"). Then — ascend by cable car.
• By cable car from Medeu. The easiest and most scenic way is to take the gondola cable car from Medeu to Shymbulak.
• By taxi. The fare from the city center is about 3,000–5,000 tenge depending on the time and weather.
• Parking: at the lower station (Medeu), there is a large paid parking lot (capacity — about 1,000 cars).
Practical Information
• Opening hours: The resort operates around the clock during the season. Cable cars — from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (times may vary).
• Cost: Ski pass (lift ticket) — from 10,000 to 20,000 tenge depending on the season, day, and number of rides. Equipment rental — from 5,000 tenge. Medeu–Shymbulak cable car — about 3,000–5,000 tenge round trip.
• Season: Winter — from December to April. Summer — from May to October.
• Hotels: there are several hotels and guesthouses at the resort. It is better to book in advance — especially during the high season (January–February).
What Else Makes Shymbulak Interesting
• Medeu High-Altitude Skating Rink — located on the way to Shymbulak. It is the world`s largest high-altitude skating rink with artificial ice, where you can skate even in summer.
• Eco-trails — in summer, ecological routes with information boards about the region`s flora and fauna are laid out.
• Festivals and competitions — in winter, World Cup ski events, snowboarding competitions, and freeride events are held. In summer — races, cycling competitions, and mountain culture festivals.
• Cuisine — Shymbulak`s restaurants serve Kazakh cuisine (beshbarmak, kumis, shubat), as well as European dishes.
The Shymbulak ski resort in the suburbs of Almaty is a place where there is always something to do all year round. In winter — skiing, snowboarding, freeride, and bright snowy landscapes. In summer — trekking, biking, picnics, and fresh mountain air. And all year round — stunning views that leave no one indifferent. All this — just half an hour from the center of Almaty.
