Top 5 Places for Skiing in Kyrgyzstan in 2023
Kyrgyzstan, located in Central Asia is known for its natural beauty and history and has plenty of activities that can be done year-round. So whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, there is so much for you to see and do. For instance, summertime activities, include relaxing by the lakes, going trekking in the mountains and riding horses. In the winter, you can visit skiing retreats and enjoy the snow. So here are the top 5 places for skiing in Kyrgyzstan in 2023!
Places to Go:
1. Karakol Ski Resort
Karakol is known as a major tourist destination and is known for its impressive hiking and trekking sights. Moreover, when visiting Karakol, you can learn about some of the different ethnic groups that live there, such as Dungan and Uyghur.
In fact, in between nature and venturing to the cityside, you can visit the Dungan Mosque, which was built without any nails.
But let’s go back to skiing and winter activities. The ski resort is luckily only a 25-minute drive from the city and is a great place for snowboarders and skiers alike.
The trees are offset and wide as well as great running steeps, which makes it a safe place for snowboarders not to land in any flat spots.
And if you’re into views, then you’re in luck, the Tian Shan mountain range is just a ski lift in sight.
2. Chunkurchak Ski Base
Known as the newest ski base from the capital and holds an altitude of 2,060 meters. There are five modern chair lifts and one of them is a four-seater that goes 10,000 meters. There is also a special lift for children under 12 years old.
With its proximity to the capital, this is a great place for anyone who may be starting off as a beginner, intermediate or advanced since there is something for everyone.
There are free-ride and ski tours as well, for you to enjoy!
Afterward, you can head back to the capital, since it is about a 45-minute drive.
3. Kashka-Suu Ski Base
The Kashka-Suu Ski Base is located only an hour away from Kyrgyzstan’s capital. This is the ideal place to go and is considered family-friendly as well.
With a well-laid-out plan, while the ski base is small and quaint, it is a great place to just venture around and look at the great views.
The views themselves make the trip worthwhile and there is an opportunity to stop at the Ala-Archa National Park. The Ala-Archa National Park is a beautiful place to see snow-capped mountains and walk under the sun. It is known as a fairytale naturescape for anyone looking to rejuvenate and relax.
4. Zil Ski Resort
Also located near the capital, this ski resort is about 1850 meters above sea level and on a clear day, you might be able to see all the way to the neighboring country, Kazakhstan.
It is another family-friendly resort that has many slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Also, another enticing factor for kids is that there is a zipline and children’s playground, so everything for anyone to enjoy!
5. Suusamyr (Too Ashu Pass)
This resort is where the snow can reach up to 2 meters and it’s a great place to explore the possibility of helicopter skiing or heli-skiing for short. This type of backcountry skiing allows you to enjoy some fresh covered powder!
And the helicopter gives you access to places that you may have never been able to access previously! Win-win!
Safety Tips for Skiing in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is known mostly for its backcountry skiing scene. Meaning that you are bound to ski in between trees and alpine land. Therefore, for beginner skiers and winter enthusiasts, you should consider getting a guide to help you navigate this terrain. For the more advanced or adventurous skiers, just be aware of weather conditions before going out and don’t be afraid to ask locals if they have any recommendations before hitting the powder.
As far as transportation, Kyrgyzstan during the winter time has risks of avalanches and slippery roads, meaning that not every car will be able to work, so, consider renting an SUV or hiring a driver who can take you to some of the resorts without the risk of getting caught in weather-related accidents.
Food to Eat in Kyrgyzstan in the Winter
After a day of hitting the slopes, you might be super hungry and need to refuel. Luckily, Kyrgyzstan has some amazing winter dishes that you don’t want to miss. With carb-heavy options, you will be sure to feel full and also enjoy some warm delights.
In Karakol, you can enjoy a traditional Dungan dinner, which consists of different types of noodles and broth. Moreover, traditionally Kyrgyz food focuses on meat, bread and different types of n
In Karakol, you can enjoy a traditional Dungan dinner. Winter dishes mostly consist of different types of noodles, meat and bread. Traditionally, during the winter, you can also enjoy winter jams like blackberries, raspberries and apricots.
How to Book
We have trips for every season and every reason, including the wintertime, so don’t forget to shoop shoop shoop your way to our website and check out what we have to offer! Let us do the planning for you! Led by locals, experienced globally!
Shoop, shoop, shoop your way through white powder in Kyrgyzstan! Here are the top 5 places for skiing in Kyrgyzstan in 2023 and between nature, history and its people, Kyrgyzstan should be on your list for a winter alternative destination.
