Almaty in winter: the Medeu rink, skiing and what to do when the mountains are in cloud
Winter is the best season for Almaty if you like snow: a rink at 1,691 m, three ski resorts within an hour of the centre, bathhouses and warm restaurants. How to plan a winter trip.
By Super Admin2 min read
In winter Almaty turns into a ski resort with a million residents: snow falls and melts in the city, while half an hour away a solid cover lasts from December to April. There are many sunny days, the frosts are milder than in the capital, and −5 °C on the slope can feel hot.
The Medeu rink
Medeu is the city's best-known winter address. The rink at 1,691 m is usually open from November to March or April, with skate hire and floodlit evening sessions. Weekends mean queues; on a weekday morning you have it almost to yourself. Bus no. 12 from Dostyk Avenue.
Skiing and snowboarding
Shymbulak is the main resort: about 20 km of pistes between 2,260 and 3,200 m, gondolas from Medeu, hire shops, instructors and restaurants at the top. The season runs December to April; March brings spring snow and sun. Ski passes are cheaper online.
Oi-Qaragai near Talgar is calmer and cheaper: wide beginner runs, tubing for children, an hour from the city.
Ak-Bulak in the Talgar gorge is for longer pistes and fewer people. Between the Talgar resorts there is a walking route for snowless days.
When the mountains are in cloud
During an inversion the city sits under smog while the sun shines at 2,000 m, a reason to go up. If the cloud is higher, spend the day in town: museums, long lunches, a spa. ParHouse is the bathhouse people recommend after skiing; Kedma is a spa in the centre.
What to pack
- Layers: +2 °C in the city, −10 °C at Shymbulak, wind on the pass.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: snow at altitude is blinding.
- Shoes with grip: pavements in the centre can be icy.
- You need not bring gear; every resort has hire.
A two-day plan is in the collection “Winter Shymbulak and the Medeu rink”.