Shymbulak, also known as Chimbulak, is a ski resort located 25 km from downtown Almaty, Kazakhstan. The resort sits in the upper reaches of the Medeu valley, within the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range, at 2,220 m above sea level.

Shymbulak is renowned for its mild and pleasant climate, featuring clear sunny days and excellent snow conditions in winter. It stands as one of Central Asia's finest winter sports destinations.

A brief history

Almaty hosted the 7th Asian Winter Games in 2011. Shymbulak resort was also shortlisted to host the Winter Olympics in 2014 and 2022, though it was not selected.

The Shymbulak ski resort

The Shymbulak ski resort is a dream destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Positioned at 2,260 meters elevation, it features three mechanical lifts that will carry you to Talgar, the resort's highest point at 3,620 meters. The first station, Intersection Station, sits at 2,260 meters, the second, 20th Prop Station, peaks at 2,630 meters, while the third, Talgar Pass Station, stands at 3,200 meters.

Snowboarding fans will discover a dedicated slope perfectly suited to this style of riding.

Shymbulak enjoys worldwide recognition for its virtually year-round sunshine and its dry, light snow—ideal for skiing. Both beginners and expert skiers will find their match with the varied slopes throughout the domain. From gentle slopes for easy runs to long steep pitches for the seasoned, everyone can enjoy the mountain at their own level. Shymbulak refreshes itself each year with new descents that are always exciting to explore during the winter season.

For those without their own ski equipment, rental shops throughout the resort offer skis and boots. Beginners and younger visitors can also engage professional instructor services.

The best way to reach Shymbulak is to take bus 6 or 12 just north of the intersection of Dostyk and Abay. The bus will take you from Almaty to Medeu. From there, you can board the Shymbulak Cable Car to the first station. The cable car costs 2,500T for a round trip and 1,500T for a single journey.