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 area. With a height of 3,200 meters, Shymbulak is not a paradise for nature, but for the first time also for winter sports.
The Shymbulak is served by gondola and combination lifts purchased from Doppelmayr (Austria) and Leitner (South Tyrol). These are not used systems, but were purchased ex works. There are a total of three sections up to 3,200 meters. In the cold season it is a popular winter sports area, but is more expensive than the local competition. In the summer without some cable cars operating 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 breathtaking 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 heavily protected to preserve the fragile balance of wildlife. Hiking trails are clearly marked and visitors are encouraged to adhere to strict rules to protect the environment.
Tourist and facilities the Shymbulak ski resort
For winter sports enthusiasts, the Shymbulak ski area is the real highlight. It lies at an altitude of between 2,200 and 3,200 meters and therefore offers beginners and experienced skiers a wide range of downhill options. The ski area, which was originally opened in the 1950s, has significantly expanded its infrastructure in recent decades. Today it is equipped with modern ski lifts, including gondola lifts, and offers well-groomed slopes with a total length of around 20 kilometers. The longest run measures 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 strong skiers, Shymbulak offers off-piste areas that promise the highest level of challenge and adventure. If you need a break from winter sports, you 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 special advantage of the ski area is the long ski season, which runs from November to April. The high elevation and dry air provide ideal snow conditions, while sunny days make the experience even more enjoyable for skiers and snowboarders.
Comparison of prices with Austria and Switzerland
Compared to European ski hotspots such as Austria or Switzerland, the prices in Shymbulak are significantly cheaper. A day ski pass costs around 35 euros in Shymbulak, while prices in Austria and Switzerland are often between 50 and 70 euros per day. The costs for accommodation and meals are also a moderator 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 also have to take into account that Almaty can currently only be reached from Frankfurt am Main with a change, for example in Astana. Air Astana has already announced that it will soon fly from London Heathrow and Frankfurt to Almaty with Airbus A321LR. To this end, the carrier upgraded some machines of this type with additional tanks.
History of the ski area
The history of Shymbulak as a ski resort began in the Soviet era. In the 1950s, the smallest ski club grew and the youngest skiers were used. 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 popularity of the area. In recent years there has been heavy investment in infrastructure in order to compete with the best ski resorts in Europe. The cable cars come from Europe and were supplied by both Doppelmayr and Leitner. This means we rely on state-of-the-art products from the world’s two leading manufacturers. Doppelmayr comes from Vorarlberg (Austria) and its competitor Leitner is based in South Tyrol.
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 Kazakh high mountains. The affordable price level, modern infrastructure and 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 having to put up oversized billboards for a smartphone manufacturer, Chinese cars and a luxury watch manufacturer. That doesn’t fit into the landscape at all.
L’objectif de central-intelligence-of-aviation.com étant de trier en ligne des articles autour de Aviation du futur pour ensuite les diffuser en essayant de répondre au mieux aux interrogations du public. Cette chronique est reproduite de la manière la plus juste que possible. Dans l’hypothèse où vous décidez d’apporter quelques notes autour du sujet « Aviation du futur », vous pouvez discuter avec notre équipe. Vous pouvez tirer profit de ce papier développant le sujet « Aviation du futur ». Il est concocté par l’équipe central-intelligence-of-aviation.com. Il y a de prévu de multiples articles autour du sujet « Aviation du futur » sous peu, nous vous incitons à consulter notre site internet à plusieurs reprises.