View from Shymbulak (Photo: Jan Gruber).
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Shymbulak: Kazakhstan's alpine pearl between nature and tourism

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Shymbulak Mountain, a jewel in the Tian Shan Mountains, is located not far from the Kazakh metropolis of Almaty. While it is primarily characterized by its impressive nature reserve, the mountain also attracts tourists from all over the world year after year thanks to its modern and growing ski resort. With a height of 3.200 meters, Shymbulak is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also a popular place for winter sports enthusiasts.

Shymbulak is accessible by cable cars and combined lifts, which were purchased from Doppelmayr (Austria) and Leitner (South Tyrol). These are not used lifts, but were purchased directly from the factory. There are three sections up to 3.200 meters. In the cold season, it is a popular winter sports area, but it is more expensive than the local competition. In summer, several cable cars are in operation to take visitors and hikers up the mountain.

The Nature Reserve – A Treasure of Nature

Shymbulak is located in the Ile Alatau National Park, which is considered one of the most important nature reserves in Kazakhstan. This park is home to a rich flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the snow leopard. Hikers, nature lovers and photographers will find alpine meadows, dense coniferous forests and clear mountain streams that bloom in spring and summer. The stunning views and the tranquility of the mountains make Shymbulak an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ile Alatau National Park is strictly protected to preserve the fragile balance of flora and fauna. Hiking trails are clearly marked and visitors are encouraged to follow strict rules to protect the environment.

Tourist facilities and the Shymbulak ski resort

For winter sports enthusiasts, the Shymbulak ski resort is the real highlight. It is located at an altitude of between 2.200 and 3.200 meters and offers a wide range of downhill options for both beginners and experienced skiers. The ski resort, which was originally opened in the 1950s, has gained a lot of infrastructure in recent decades. Today it is equipped with modern ski lifts, including gondolas, and offers well-groomed slopes with a total length of around 20 kilometers. The longest downhill run is around 3,5 kilometers and stretches from the highest mountain station down to the valley.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, activities such as ice climbing and freeride skiing are also possible in the region. For advanced skiers, Shymbulak offers off-piste areas that promise the highest level of challenge and adventure. Those who need a break from winter sports will find cozy retreats in the surrounding mountain huts and restaurants, which offer local cuisine with traditional Kazakh dishes such as "beshbarmak" or "kumis" (fermented mare's milk).

A particular advantage of the ski resort is the long ski season, which runs from November to April. The high altitude and dry air ensure ideal snow conditions, while sunny days make the experience even more pleasant for skiers and snowboarders.

Comparison of prices with Austria and Switzerland

Compared to European ski hotspots such as Austria or Switzerland, prices in Shymbulak are significantly cheaper. A day ski pass in Shymbulak costs around 35 euros, while prices in Austria and Switzerland are often between 50 and 70 euros per day. The costs for accommodation and meals are also more moderate in Kazakhstan. While a hotel room in Shymbulak costs around 60 to 100 euros per night, comparable rooms in the Alps are often twice as expensive. These price advantages make Shymbulak an attractive alternative for winter sports enthusiasts who are looking for a special price-performance ratio.

However, Europeans must also take into account that Almaty can currently only be reached from Frankfurt am Main with at least one transfer, for example in Astana. Air Astana has already announced that it will soon be flying from London Heathrow and Frankfurt to Almaty with Airbus A321LRs. The carrier is also equipping some of this type of aircraft with additional tanks.

history of the ski area

The history of Shymbulak as a ski resort began in the Soviet era. In the 1950s, a small ski club was founded here, which was mainly used by Soviet skiers. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, the area initially lost importance before experiencing a renaissance in the 2000s. Today, Shymbulak is one of the most modern and popular ski resorts in Central Asia, attracting not only local skiers but also international guests.

The opening of a cable car that takes visitors from Almaty directly to the ski resort has significantly improved accessibility and contributed to the area's popularity. In recent years, there has been a lot of investment in infrastructure to compete with the best ski resorts in Europe. The cable cars are European and were supplied by both Doppelmayr and Leitner. This means that the company is relying on state-of-the-art products from the two world-leading manufacturers. Doppelmayr is based in Vorarlberg (Austria) and its competitor Leitner is based in South Tyrol.

The Shymbulak mountain and the ski resort of the same name are a must for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts who want to experience the magic of the Kazakhstani high mountains. The low prices, the modern infrastructure and the incomparable nature of the Ile Alatau National Park make Shymbulak an attractive alternative to the more expensive European ski resorts. However, the operators could have saved themselves the trouble of putting up oversized advertising boards for a smartphone manufacturer, Chinese cars and a luxury watch manufacturer. That doesn't fit in with the landscape at all.

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