Some Ski Resorts
Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country –and where there are mountains, there is almost inevitably snow. Snow attracts more for all sorts of reasons. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, and offering opportunities for taking beautiful photographs, snow attracts skiers, snowboards and the like.
The 87 ridges of the Tien Shan range and 6582 glaciers, with a total area 8047 square kilometers, provide ample opportunities for skiers to indulge their passion in Kyrgyzstan. To be fair, the facilities are fairly basic compared to European resorts or places like Aspen, Colorado, but the opportunity for Heli-skiing – especially being able to ski on virgin slopes – can far outweigh the limited amenities for après-ski and the like.
Most people skiing in Kyrgyzstan are locals, expats, or come from neighbouring republics, or perhaps from as far afield as Siberia. There are very few skiers from Europe, the Americas or Australasia, probably because of the distances involved in getting to the ski fields from home.
There are ski-bases in various places around the country – for example, near to Bishkek, Tokmok, and Karakol. Heliskiing opens a greater variety of locations.
Ski centers within easy reach of Bishkek include:
KASHKA-SUU
| Elevation | 2000 – 3166 m |
| Lifts | 2 (1 chair, 1 surface) |
| Routes | |
| Longest run | |
| Distance from Bishkek | 35 km |
| Snowboarding | Available |
Kashka-Suu is located 35km (about 1.5 hours) from Bishkek, on the slopes of the Kyrgyz Krebet. Kashka Suu was popular in the Soviet period, and with good panoramic views. There are 2 lifts (1 chairlift – 1250m, 1rope tow – 650m). There used to be more lifts in the neghbouring valleys which went to different altitudes and although they have been out of use for some time, some have been renovated and are in use again. The slopes are different but pretty steep, and sometimes with stones on the surface. The base offers comfortable accommodation in cottages, and a bar and sauna are also available. You can bring your own ski or snowboard equipment or rent some from the base. They own around 25 sets, (large sizes – and perhaps a little old). It is not recommended for beginners. The number of people skiing can vary, and the resort is popular for other activities – such as walking or simply relaxing. It is also used, from time to time, for holding seminars and small conferences.
KOLGOOKAR
| Elevation | 2040 – 2500 m |
| Lifts | 4 (surface rope tow lifts) |
| Routes | 4 |
| Longest run | 450 m |
| Distance from Bishkek | 30 km |
| Snowboarding | Available |
Kolgookar is located 30km (1.5 hours) from Bishkek, on the slope of the Kyrgyz Krebet. A small family run base with beautiful landscapes. There are 4 surface lifts (rope tow). The routes are different but there are not really any long ones. The fir trees can make skiing add to the atmosphere and make the skiing more cheerful. Lamps on the slopes make it possible to ski after dark. Kolgookar can be recommended for either beginners or more experienced skiers.
NORUS
| Elevation | 2000 – 3166 m |
| Lifts | 3 surface lifts |
| Routes | |
| Longest run | |
| Distance from Bishkek | 35 km |
| Snowboarding | Available |
Noorus is located 35km (about 1.5 hours) from Bishkek, on the slopes of the Kyrgyz Alatay range. Norus is often cited as the best ski base in the country. There are two ropeways – 600m and 1600m – for runs aimed at experienced skiers and a new one – 650m – for beginners. It is possible to hire both skis and snowboards, and instructors are available. There is also a hotel with rooms for two or three people sharing.
POLITEK
| Elevation | 1500 – 3166 m |
| Lifts | 6 (surface rope tow lifts) |
| Routes | |
| Longest run | |
| Distance from Bishkek | 30 km |
| Snowboarding | Available |
Politek (the ski base of the Politechnical University) is located 30km (about 1.5 hours) from Bishkek, on the slopes of the Kyrgyz Krebet. It is said to be one of the most popular ski bases on the outskirts of Bishkek. There are 3 surface lifts (rope tow). There are slopes which vary from “easy” to “long” for beginners, to very steep routes for the more experienced skier. The facilities where you can have a lunch and change wet clothes are about 1 km away from the base, in a very cosy house. You can bring your own equipment or rent some from the base. They own around 50 used sets of different sizes. As the lowest base in outskirts of Bishkek, snow conditions are not the same all the time, and the season might be shorter then in the other places. Normally the base is overcrowded on weekends. Politek can be recommended for either beginners or experienced skiers.
TOGUZ BULAK
| Elevation | 1900 – 2300 m |
| Lifts | |
| Routes | 7 |
| Longest run | |
| Distance from Bishkek | 42 km |
| Snowboarding | Available |
Open all year round. The lifts rises 400m over 1740m. There is a small hotel with place for 18 people, satellite TV, a sauna, and a cafe/bar which can cater for up to 60 people. It is possible to hire ski-equipment, snowboards and snow-buggies and to arrange instruction.
In addition there are the following:
- CHONG TASH – infamous as the site of a KGB camp which saw the massacre of the entire politburo during Stalin’s regime. The slopes are gentle although there is the possibility of cross country skiing. The resort is one of the favourite spots for the local people for a day out, so it can be crowded.
- EDELWEISS -
- ORUU-SAI – near the Kashka Suu base.
- SULUU TOR
There are other possibilities as well. For example: the ski base at Orlovka, not far from Tokmok, has good slopes for the more experienced and demanding skier – but the accommodation is small. In some places, for example in Naryn) there are some ski lifts (drag lifts) available for short downhill runs, which are popular with the locals – especially local children.
Bishkek