Shymbulak mountain resort is Kazakhstan’s ‘trademark’ for every skiing enthusiast. And it holds many surprises even the locals may not be aware of.
Everybody knows that the picturesque gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau is a point of attraction for Kazakhstani and international visitors. QazMonitor presents three facts about Shymbulak that make the ski resort a unique travel destination.
1. Skiing until May
Many European resorts have shorter and earlier times for night skiing. The same limit doesn’t apply to Shymbulak.
Typically, night skiing in Europe starts at 6 p.m. and ends as early as 9 p.m. The season ends in March when the snow is all but gone. Meanwhile, the Shymbulak resort will still be running night skiing sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 19:00 to 23:00, which continue until May.
And if you are lucky enough to get there during the New Year holidays, night skiing is available every day. Guests will also get to enjoy an entertainment program with special guest DJs and musical performances of popular bands, as well as a variety of contests.
2. Highest track in the world
Night skiing from Talgar Pass in Shymbulak is the highest illuminated track for night skiing in the world. Skiers start their descent as high as 3,200 meters above sea level. And the trail is long too – 3,640 meters should suffice for any adventure-lover.
The record-breaking Talgar Pass night trails were opened in November 2021, and have garnered immense popularity in just over a year.
3. Million skiers in just a year
The skiing season at Shymbulak is six months, and in ‘21-’22 year alone the resort attracted over 1 million people. The key to such acclaim is 21 FIS-certified tracks with a length of 16.5 km combined. Not to mention the crisp mountain air.