Kyrgyz Ski Resorts Guide: Part II — Kyrgyz Republic's Best
This is a second part of our ski resorts guide, the first was about the closest to Bishkek. As now more people choose skiing and snowboarding as their weekend activity, we will keep introducing you to such opportunities Kyrgyz Republic has to offer. This part won't have ski resorts closest to Bishkek, however, this doesn't mean they are not worth visiting. On the contrary, and there are many reasons for that.
1. 'Karakol' Ski Resort
Karakol Ski Resort is a pearl among all other resorts in Kyrgyz Republic. And not only in Kyrgyz Republic — the resort traditionally makes it to the most popular ski resorts in CIS, according to Russian Forbes. Many guests from Russia, Kazakhstan and other countries visit Kyrgyz Republic during wintertime only because of this resort. No wonder, the resort has the best infrastructure and various most interesting runs to offer and freeride opportunities as well.
Distance from Bishkek: 403 km (6 hour drive in average)
Slope length: 400 m (kids) to 3,5 km
Max altitude: 3,040 m
Vertical drop: 740 m
Ski lifts: 2-seat and 3-seat chair lift
Working hours: Mon through Sun, 9 am to 4 pm
Lift ticket (adults): KGS 900 (Tue—Thu), KGS 1,200 (Fri—Mon and holidays)
Lift ticket (kids up to 12): KGS 700 (fixed)
Gear rental: 9 am to 4 pm, KGS 400—1,000 for a set of skis / snowboard per day
Getting there: the resort does not provide transportation services.
Meals: there is one restaurant on site
Training: KGS 1,000 per hour
Parking: available
Additional services: sauna, snowmobile tours, hotel, and skating rink
T: +996 (772) 534 081, +996 (550) 534 081
Web-camera: available
2. 'Orlovka' Ski Resort
When ski resorts around Bishkek have no snow, you still have a choice. The closest is 'Orlovka' Ski Resort, which is only 100 km away. Good both for skilled skiers and snowboarders, it also is kid-friendly and has separate slope for kids.
Distance from Bishkek: 100 km (2 hour drive in average)
Slope length: 150 m (kids) to 2,9 km
Max altitude: 1,860 m
Vertical drop: 590 m
Ski lifts: 2-seat chair lift
Working hours: Mon through Sun, 10 am to 4 pm
Lift ticket (adults): KGS 700 (Mon—Fri), KGS 1,000 (Fri—Sun and holidays)
Lift ticket (kids up to 12): KGS 600 (fixed)
Gear rental: 10 am to 4 pm, KGS 400—600 for a set of skis / snowboard per day
Getting there: the resort does not provide transportation services.
Meals: there is a small restaurant on site
Training: KGS 800 per hour, KGS 4,000 per day
Parking: available
Additional services: sauna, hotel, kebab grill
T: +996 (312) 937 873, +996 (701) 787 828, +996 (701) 787 815
Web-camera: available
3. 'Too-Ashuu' Ski Resort
A perfect fit for beginners, luckily starts season earlier than those close to Bishkek as it traditionally has more snow — probably the longest season in Kyrgyz Republic. While the road takes longer than to ski resorts next to the capital, it is worth that. And a perfect fit for beginners doesn't mean skilled skiers and snowboarders will get bored — no, there are even freeride options 'Too-Ashuu' has to offer.
Distance from Bishkek: 135 km (3 hour drive in average)
Slope length: up to 3 km
Max altitude: 3,000 m
Vertical drop: 1,500 m
Ski lifts: 2-seat chair lift, T-bar
Working hours: Sat—Sun, 10 am to 4 pm
Lift ticket (adults): KGS 800
Lift ticket (kids up to 12): KGS 600
Gear rental: 10 am to 4 pm, KGS 600—700 for a set of skis / snowboard per day
Getting there: the resort provides transportation services — buses and vans pick up from one location on weekends — 'Dordoi Plaza' store — 7:00 am. Price is KGS 500, mandatory registration in advance. T: +996 (772) 511 198 (Vladimir).
Meals: there is one small restaurant on site
Training: KGS 700 per hour
Parking: available
Additional services: skating rink
T: +996 (777) 900 874, +996 (770) 797 480, +996 (770) 797 370
Web-camera: not available
