How much does a vacation at winter resorts of Kazakhstan cost
Kazakhstanis have begun to spend their winter vacations at domestic resorts more often. Where exactly and for how much you can vacation in the country, the correspondent of the Kazinform News Agency found out.
Almaty and a flight over the Tien Shan
Almaty and the region, famous for their picturesque mountain landscapes and developed infrastructure, are among the most popular and at the same time expensive destinations for winter tourism in Kazakhstan. Most people go straight to Shymbulak, where the price of a season ticket has recently increased - now an adult will have to pay 17,500 tenge ($33) for one day.
Fans of active recreation can improve their skills on a variety of trails for skiers and snowboarders. For real extreme sports enthusiasts, the world of freeriding will open up - skiing outside of prepared trails. The cost of a full set of services can reach 30,000 tenge ($62).
For those who are looking for unforgettable emotions, winter paragliding is offered - a flight over the Tien Shan mountains for 55,000 tenge ($103).
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the silence of the winter forest, you can go horseback riding. The cost of one hour varies from 6,000 to 10,000 tenge ($11 – $18).
The cost of a single room starts from 16,000 tenge ($30), while for luxury options the price can reach 240,000 tenge ($452).
Ski slopes of East Kazakhstan
The East Kazakhstan region is a pearl for lovers of active winter recreation and adrenaline. This region offers ski slopes, a snowboard park and snowkiting for thrill seekers. And for those who are just starting their journey into winter sports, experienced instructors will help. A daily subscription can be purchased from 6,000 to 15,000 tenge ($11 – $28).
There is also a place for family vacation lovers - sledding and tubing are available from 3 thousand tenge ($5). A ride on a cable car costs from 1000 to 4000 tenge ($1.8 – $7.55) depending on the route, and a full-day pass will cost from 11 to 24 thousand tenge ($20 – $45), providing unlimited access to all winter activities.
Tourists are offered to stay in rooms, the cost of which varies from 18 to 30 thousand ($34 – $57) for a standard room, or pay 90 thousand tenge ($170) for a four-bed house on the shore of the lake.
From skis to huskies: winter holidays in the Akmola region
Winter holidays in the resort areas of the Akmola region offer more affordable prices compared to the summer season, and the cost depends on the length of stay and the level of comfort.
For lovers of alpine skiing and snowboarding, there are several ski resorts with slopes of varying difficulty and cable cars in the Shchuchinsk-Borovsk and Zerendinsky resort areas. The cost of skiing varies from 7,000 tenge per hour to 13,000 tenge per day ($13 – $24.5). Discounts are available for children - from 3,500 tenge per hour to 6,500 tenge per day ($6.6 – $12).
Fans of extreme sports are offered routes on ATVs and snowmobiles along picturesque routes. Families with children can enjoy riding on traditional Kazakh sleighs or husky sledding, the cost of which starts from 5,000 tenge ($9.4).
Those who prefer a more relaxing holiday can enjoy skiing and Nordic walking routes - from 6,000 tenge ($11). For lovers of ice skating, the region has prepared open skating rinks, as well as hockey on frozen lakes or equipped sites. Experienced snowboarders and skiers can test their strength on freeride routes. The price of the "full package" will be about 33,000 tenge ($62). The cost of a standard room will cost about 24 thousand tenge ($45), while renting a VIP villa can reach 430 thousand tenge per day ($811).
Alps in the heart of North Kazakhstan
The natural landscape of the Imantau-Shalkar resort area is often called the Kazakhstani Switzerland, and this is quite justified. The picturesque corner of the North Kazakhstan region attracts tourists all year round, but especially delights with its beauty in winter.
There are 10 tourist sites on the territory of the resort, offering a wide range of active and health-improving recreation. Guests can enjoy ATV riding, skiing and skating, and for lovers of extreme sensations, exciting entertainment is provided - sledding and snowboarding, starting from 15 thousand tenge ($28).
You can enjoy winter fishing on the lakes Shalkar and Imantau, starting from 6,500 tenge ($12), or improve your health by plunging into the icy water of a specially equipped font for winter swimming - from 7,000 tenge ($13).
The price per day of stay is on average about 15 thousand tenge ($28).
A resort with artificial snowmaking in the Turkistan region
The ski resort is located in the Tolebi district, an hour's drive from Shymkent. Modern snow cannons provide stable conditions for skiing even with a lack of snow.
The mountain slopes are served by lifts with a total capacity of 152 people, including a chairlift. The cost of one lift ranges from 2,500 tenge for children and from 5,000 tenge for adults ($4.7 / $9.4).
The base offers a variety of trails for freeride enthusiasts, as well as slopes for those who prefer skiing on prepared slopes. Prices range from 3 to 10 thousand tenge ($5.6 – $18.8).
Accommodation in a standard room will cost 30,000 tenge ($56). For a company of 10 people, cottages are offered at a price of 270,000 tenge ($510).
Extra charge for equipment
When planning a vacation at the ski resorts of Kazakhstan, it is necessary to take into account additional costs for equipment rental and gear.
● Ski or snowboard rental for a day: from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge ($9 - $18).
● Snowboard equipment rental (boots, board, etc.): from 6,000 to 13,000 tenge ($11 – $24.5).
● Helmets and other accessories can be rented for an additional fee: from 1,000 to 3,000 tenge ($1.8 – $5.6).
Instructor services:
● Individual ski or snowboard lessons: from 7,000 to 15,000 tenge per 1 hour ($13 – $28).
● Group lessons are cheaper - from 4,000 to 6,000 tenge per 1 hour ($7.5 – $11).
Earlier Kazinform News Agency reported that Kazakhstan named the most promising destination for Chinese tourists in 2025.
