On November 30, the winter tourist season officially kicked off at one of the largest ski resorts in the country, located in Karakol. Representatives of the complex confirmed the readiness of the infrastructure to welcome visitors and opened the slopes for skiing.
Erdenet Kasymov, head of the Department of Tourism, emphasized that there is a misconception that only summer tourism is developed in Kyrgyzstan, concentrated around Issyk-Kul. In fact, the republic is actively developing winter tourism as well. Various projects are being implemented across the country, such as "Baytik Mountain Resort," "Ala-Tuu Resort," and "Chatkal Resort," which could become popular year-round resorts in the future.
Development of Winter Sports
According to information from the Department of Tourism, winter tourism is actively developing at the state level. The winter sports development program for 2025-2030 includes the creation of specialized infrastructure for year-round training, including modern ski roller tracks and necessary technical facilities.
On December 6, the Jaryk Fest 2025 festival will take place at the Karakol ski base, dedicated to the opening of the winter tourist season.
"By launching Jaryk Fest, the department aims to create an annual tradition for the ceremonial opening of the winter season in Kyrgyzstan, which will become a bright and atmospheric event representing the country's winter tourism," the organizers noted.
Kyrgyzstan on the Cover of Travel + Leisure Central Asia
On December 3, a presentation of the new international publication Travel + Leisure Central Asia took place in Bishkek, the first regional edition of the well-known global travel media.
"In the new issue, our country is featured on the cover with an image of 'Ala-Tuu Resort,' as well as in key materials about the mountains, routes, and people of Kyrgyzstan, including an article about the president as an ambassador of active recreation. This shapes a modern tourist image of Kyrgyzstan, and the support of a global brand with a wide audience enhances this process," he added.
To facilitate tourists, transportation connections are being expanded. The press service of "Airports of Kyrgyzstan" announced the launch of the first direct flight from Almaty to Karakol on December 5. Ticket prices start from 6,500 soms, and flights will operate on Fridays and Sundays, significantly simplifying travel for guests from Kazakhstan and creating an additional influx of tourists during the winter season.
- Flights from Bishkek to Karakol operate 4 times a week, with ticket prices starting from 3,600 soms;
- Flights from Osh to Karakol, with prices starting from 5,600 soms.
Weekdays:
- Day skiing (09:00–16:00) — 1,400 soms, children's — 1,000 soms.
- Excursion lifts — 700 soms.
- Night skiing (13:30–22:30) — 1,000 soms.
- Day skiing (09:00–16:00) — 1,700 soms, children's — 1,000 soms.
- Before noon (09:00–12:00) — 1,400 soms.
- After noon (12:00–16:00) — 1,500 soms.
The cost of two-story cottages starts from 17,500 soms per day.
Three-story cottages can be rented from 22,000 soms per day.
Thus, Kyrgyzstan offers some of the most affordable prices among ski resorts in the region. The "Karakol" ski resort confidently ranks first in terms of affordability: a day "ski pass" here costs only 13.71 euros, making it the cheapest option not only in the CIS but also in the world.
In comparison, prices at other CIS resorts are significantly higher. In Uzbekistan at Amirsoy, the cost is 28.8 euros, in Russia's Sheregesh 28.1 euros, and in Georgia's Gudauri 23.8 euros.
Kazakhstan's ski resorts are in the mid-price segment: Shymbulak and Oi-Qaragai rank 8th and 9th with a price of 31.8 euros for a day pass.
Karakol stands out as the most accessible and cost-effective resort in the region with an excellent price-quality ratio.
