Shymbulak, also known as Chimbulak, is a popular ski resort located close to the city of Almaty. It is known as one of the largest ski resorts in Central Asia.
Shymbulak occupies the upper part of the Medeo Valley among the peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau at an altitude of 2200 meters. It is popular for its mild climate, lots of sunny days and lots of snow in winter. The temperature here ranges from 20 ° C in summer to -7 ° C in winter, and the depth of the snow cover the slopes is from 1.5 to 1.8 meters. The duration of the ski season is from November to April.
During the Soviet period, several USSR ski championships were held in Shymbulak. It was also an Olympic ski training center for athletes from the union republics.
The resort has three cable roads. The highest of them goes up to the Talgar pass, at 3200 meters above sea level. The total length of the cable road is 3620 meters.
For snowboarding lovers there is Snow Park. The resort also has a hotel that allows to relax after skiing or snowboarding.
Shymbulak can be reached by cable car from Medeo or by car from Almaty.
