Where to go skiing in Kyrgyzstan

For powder hounds, freeriders and backcountry skiers alike, there are few places left in the world where you can experience a slope that hasn’t already been conquered many times over. The Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan are one of the last remaining regions where every suitable peak, slope, and valley has not yet been developed for winter sports. In other words, if you are seeking to ski largely uncharted territory, skiing in Kyrgyzstan can deliver. For those of us with more moderate ski experience, who need managed pistes and cozy accommodation in between sessions but still feel like an adventure now and then, Kyrgyzstan ski resorts make for an equally enticing destination and experience. Plus, it works out to be excellent value for your money. It may involve a longer flight to get there than to reach the Swiss Alps, but the bed and board options are much cheaper than you’ll find in most European or US resorts.

What you get from a Kyrgyz ski trip is plenty of quiet, snow-sure slopes, basic but fully functioning infrastructure, lines that are either short or nonexistent, and a whole new mountain range to explore. From early in the season (usually late November) there is regular snowfall, and the climatic conditions ensure that much of that snow is of the perfect, powdery variety.

Granted, in Kyrgyzstan, you won’t necessarily get the kind of experience you might expect from skiing hubs that have been established for decades or more: extensive, interlinked resorts with miles upon miles of pistes to roam, and all the après-ski you desire. But a major attraction has to be the thrill of the new!

Kyrgyzstan has a rich heritage, and its distinct culture and scenery can easily be combined into a varied winter itinerary incorporating snow sports and sightseeing. Kyrgyzstan ski resorts are scattered all around the Tien Shan mountain range and there are several within reach of Bishkek, as well as a handful further afield. We’ve picked out a few of the best Kyrgyz resorts and skiing hubs to tell you about in more detail.

Karakol: the premier Kyrgyzstan ski center

In the case of Karakol Ski Base, popular consensus seems to indicate that it’s the jewel in the crown of Kyrgyz winter destinations. It boasts a higher altitude than any of its counterparts at about 9,974ft (3,040km) above sea level. Karakol also has the broadest overall facilities, with pistes totaling about 12.43 miles (20km) — the longest on offer among all Kyrgyzstan ski resorts or stations.

Located less than 4.5 mi (7km) from the city that shares its name, Karakol Ski Base is easily accessible if you’re in the vicinity of Lake Issyk Kul. (It should be around a 30-minute drive from the central hotels in Karakol; perhaps a little longer if you’re lodging elsewhere in the Issyk-Kul region.)

One major bonus of Karakol’s location is the panoramic view that greets you when you reach the mountain. A sweeping vista of the Tien Shan range stretches into the distance, while the lake fills the valley and snowy peaks fringed with fir trees occupy the foreground.

Karakol Ski Base features a good variety of slopes for skiers of all abilities. In the city, there are also numerous options for renting skis, poles, helmets, and other safety equipment. Plus, on the mountain itself, some of the lodging options are “ski-in, ski-out,” so you can head right to the slopes without needing to wait for the lift.

Read more: The cultural highlights of Kyrgyzstan

The Bishkek region: a variety of smaller Kyrgyzstan ski resorts

Among the mountain peaks on the outskirts of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city, you’ll find a cluster of around a dozen (relatively) small ski stations and resorts. If you’re new to the country, it’s likely that you’ll be flying into the capital, so these ski hubs may be ideal for first-time Kyrgyzstan visitors. Also, generally speaking, these skier-targeted hotels are all affordable and cheerful. They attract a fair number of locals on sunny weekends, but during the week, they are usually very quiet — ideal for those who like to ski in relative solitude.

The Kashka Suu area, about 14.5 miles south of Bishkek, features several quaint ski bases, which you could turn into the focus of an interesting few days of exploration. Most of these resorts have just a couple of lifts and a single accommodation option. Kashka Suu itself has the most scope in terms of pistes — just over 6 miles (10km). That said, this spot isn’t great for beginners, and the lifts are on the older side.

For the adventurous skier or rider, the most notable feature of the skiing options around Bishkek is that the various little resorts all offer something different. Many of them have great potential for off-piste action, which is ideal for expert or near-expert skiers who have all the relevant equipment and avalanche safety gear. On the other hand, some spots in the Bishkek area, like Zil Ski Base, are notable for accommodating skiers of multiple skill levels.

For beginners, it might be best to try the ski resort at Orlovka. Granted, it’s quite a bit further out from Bishkek than Kashka Suu — about 69 miles (111km) to the city’s east — than the Kasha Suu area. But it has snowmaking amenities and 3.1 miles (5km) of pistes, so it’s ideal for relative novices even though it can get fairly busy on weekends. Also, the facilities are in good shape. Overall, it’s a good bet even if the season has had poor snowfall.

Suusamyr: paradise for experts of the slopes

If you ski Suusamyr, you really can claim to be one of the trailblazing visitors to Kyrgyzstan ski resorts, as it offers an intense experience.

The appeal here is the backcountry skiing and freeriding at high altitude — along with the elusive attraction of airy “champagne powder” snow. Predominantly dry conditions coupled with extreme cold — it can get as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 Celsius) in the day — create the light and fluffy snow that is the holy grail for expert backcountry skiers. During most ski seasons at Suusamyr, there’s usually around 6.6 ft (2m) of champagne powder by midwinter.

The scenic valley itself is also a temptation, featuring towering peaks, scant evidence of human activity, and all that incredible snow. There are also lodges in the area that offer transport to the awe-inspiring powder by piste basher (or snowmobile). This makes Suusamyr a good place to aim for if you are either an expert or an entry-level backcountry skier (i.e., someone with reasonable overall skill who has just gotten into backcountry). Those who are beginners or have moderate experience but aren’t accustomed to champagne powder might want to try a different Kyrgyzstan ski hotspot first before attempting Suusamyr.

Read more: Off the beaten track in Kyrgyzstan

Trade the lift for rotors: heliskiing in Kyrgyzstan

There’s another possibility beyond what the more traditional Kyrgyzstan ski resorts can offer: heliskiing. As the name implies, you and a group — accompanied by expert pilots and guides — get in a heavy-duty helicopter, fly up the slopes of the Tien Shan, disembark, and ski. If the spot you arrive at first isn’t to most skiers’ liking, the chopper crew takes the group to another slope.

Now, we understand that heliskiing isn’t necessarily in everyone’s price range, and some simply won’t like the helicopter aspect of it. But it’s certainly a stunning way to explore the majesty of the Tien Shan in winter if you have the means and interest.

Make it happen

There’s something for every winter sports lover in the fascinating country of Kyrgyzstan, from beginners to veteran freeriders. Our local experts can help you choose from the various Kyrgyzstan ski resorts to find the region and ski base that’s perfect for your experience and comfort level. Get in touch with them today and they’ll start working on a winter getaway itinerary tailor-made for you.