The Polytechnic Ski Base is the birthplace of skiing in Kyrgyzstan.
At an altitude of 1640 meters above sea level, nestled in the heart of the Kashka-Suu gorge, lies the Polytechnic Ski Base. The gorge is located 27 km from the city of Bishkek. The year 1976 marks the founding of the Polytechnic base. Its founders were a small group of enthusiastic students from the Frunze Polytechnic Institute. The students independently built a lift, which they installed right at the entrance to the Kashka-Suu gorge, and they also prepared a ski run that was 800 meters long and 25 meters wide.
By 1980, their efforts were continued, and a second cable car with significantly higher lift speed was introduced in this area. Subsequently, the first cable car was shortened to 400 meters due to its slow speed. The second cable car remained at a length of 800 meters and takes tourists to the start of the ski run.
In 1983, construction began on another lift, which is 1500 meters long. The construction was organized with the support of the administration of the V.I. Lenin factory. The lift carried skiers from an altitude of 1700 m to 2200 m, significantly increasing the descent speed and adding excitement. Ultimately, the length of the third run reached 2 km, and many noted that the beautiful panorama from the top closely resembles the Caucasus Mountains. That same year, an electrical substation was installed at the base.
Currently, Polytechnic has a forty-year history, during which the base's runs have been constantly redesigned and subjected to various innovations, making them better and better. Today, they are modern, well-maintained mountain descents with excellent coverage and increased safety requirements.
For winter recreation enthusiasts, Polytechnic offers 3 runs of varying lengths and difficulty levels:
• “Favorite Run” is suitable for beginner skiers. It is a fairly wide run on relatively steep sections and narrow on flat areas. Its length is 600 m, with a height difference of 150 m. It is mainly used for training, as it is a gentle slope with a constantly changing gradient, but even where the run takes on fairly steep contours, it remains safe due to its wide surface for skiing. The descent ends on a flat section of the run and leads directly to the lift.
• “Main Run.” This is the most popular run among skiers and snowboarders. It begins with a steep, prolonged descent. The lower part is gentle and smoothly descends to the foot of the mountain. Its length is 900 m, with a height difference of 240 m.
• “Kandagar.” It is close to the category of “black” runs due to the complexity of the terrain and its narrow width. It is suitable for well-prepared skiers and snowboarders. Its length is 3500 m, with a height difference.
The base has 2 button lifts and one stationary “sweeper” type lift. The lift run lengths are 500 m, 1200 m, and 2800 m.
A little below the base is a high-altitude ice rink, which operates in the evening as well. There is also a skate rental available here.
The Polytechnic Ski Base does not have a hotel. However, a little above Polytechnic is the Oruu-Sai base, which has both a hotel and runs. Also near Oruu-Sai is the Ak-Tash base, which also has a hotel and ski runs.
Lift prices:
• For children under 12 years - Pass for all types of lifts, with no limit on the number of ascents - 50% discount;
• One-time pass or hourly pass - 200 soms.
• Ski equipment rental: 500 soms (Sat, Sun)
• Ski equipment rental: 350 soms (Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri). On weekdays: pensioners, students, groups (over 5 people) – discount of 50 soms per ticket.
Button lift rental – 50 soms – no time limit. Button lifts are issued only against a deposit of identification documents. Loss of a button lift is considered its purchase.
Cost of a button lift – 500 soms.
Season ski passes — 7500 soms until the end of November.
Lift operating hours: from 10:00 to 16:30, daily. Monday is a day off.
Ice rink cost — 200 soms per hour.
Photos of the base can be viewed in our photo gallery
Video of the Polytechnic Ski Base
