Shymbulak is a ski resort located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, sitting at an elevation range of 7,546ft (2300m) to 10,663ft (3250m). With a vertical drop of 3,117ft (950m), the resort offers 20 trails served by 6 lifts across 350 skiable acres. The nearest airport is Almaty International (ALA), approximately 40 minutes by car. The resort receives an average of 120 inches of snowfall annually. Snowmaking covers 50% of the terrain, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.
Mid November to Late April
Groomed, consistent surface. Good skiing.
30cm
Snow Depth
(12")
-5°C
-13°C to -5°C
(9°F / 23°F)
120"
Annual Snowfall
(305cm)
50%
Snowmaking
coverage
120"
annual avg
20
Total Trails
6
Lifts
350
Skiable Acres
3,117ft
Vertical Drop
Shymbulak offers a balanced mix of terrain with 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 10% expert-only runs. The well-rounded terrain distribution accommodates skiers of all ability levels.
6
Total Lifts
3,117ft
Vertical Drop
950m
(3,117ft)
10,663ft
Peak
7,546ft
Base
Day pass pricing across the season
$25
avg/day
January offers the best overall balance of snow quality, crowd levels, and pricing at Shymbulak. The snowpack is generally well-established with consistent groomed conditions. Lines are short and the mountain feels spacious.
February
35cm snow, moderate crowds, $29/day
November
$22/day, 15cm snow, very low crowds
30cm
snowfall
-5°/-13°
high/low °C
crowds
$28
day pass
35cm
snowfall
-3°/-11°
high/low °C
crowds
$29
day pass
25cm
snowfall
2°/-6°
high/low °C
crowds
$25
day pass
10cm
snowfall
8°/0°
high/low °C
crowds
$22
day pass
15cm
snowfall
2°/-5°
high/low °C
crowds
$22
day pass
25cm
snowfall
-3°/-11°
high/low °C
crowds
$25
day pass
Monthly conditions are based on historical averages. Actual conditions vary year to year. Click on any month for detailed weather forecasts, crowd analysis, and packing tips for Shymbulak.
Adult Day Pass
$25
per day
Season Pass
$300
full season
Day pass pricing at Shymbulak varies by date. Peak periods (holidays and weekends) may cost 10-15% more. Purchasing lift tickets online in advance typically saves $10-20 per ticket. Shymbulak is not currently part of a major multi-resort pass. Check the resort website for group rates and multi-day ticket bundles.
Almaty International (ALA)
Approx. 40 min drive
Almaty, Kazakhstan
43.1534°N, 77.0781°E
Shymbulak is conveniently located within an hour's drive of Almaty International. Most rental car agencies operate at the airport, and shuttle services are often available during peak season.
Shymbulak offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. On-mountain lodging provides ski-in/ski-out convenience but typically costs 30-50% more than staying in the nearest town. Budget travelers can find hostel-style accommodations starting around $40 per night, while mid-range hotels and condos average $100-180 per night. Luxury ski-in/ski-out properties can exceed $250 per night during peak periods.
Booking 2-3 months in advance secures better rates, especially for holiday periods. Many resorts offer lift-and-lodging packages that bundle accommodation with multi-day tickets at a discount.