Winter Kazakhstan is a contrast of majestic mountains and calm snow—capped forests, bright skating rinks of megacities and quiet natural parks. This season, the country combines the best for winter holidays – from relaxing ecotourism to dynamic ski adventures.
SkyWay offers a selection of the best winter destinations in the Almaty and Akmola regions, so you can easily find the perfect route for your holiday. These regions annually attract thousands of travelers with their modern resorts, national parks, and variety of entertainment.
Almaty is traditionally considered the main winter destination in Kazakhstan. Here you will find the best ski resorts in Central Asia, unique natural locations, and outdoor skating rinks.
Shymbulak is the most famous resort in Central Asia with slopes of all difficulty levels, freeride zones, modern lifts, and panoramic views. It is ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Akbulak is a cozy high-altitude resort with an intimate atmosphere. It is great for family trips and first steps in skiing.
Tabagan combines ski slopes, tubing, and photo spots. It is popular for large groups and corporate trips.
Oi Qaragai – cottages in a pine forest, SPA, banya, hiking trails. An ideal place for tranquility and family relaxation surrounded by nature.
Kok-Zhaylau is a popular route for winter hikes with snowy glades and panoramas of the city.
Kolsai and Kaindy – one of the most beautiful winter routes with snow-covered forests and turquoise lakes.
Turgen Gorge – comfortable trails, frozen waterfalls, and winter silence.
The Ice Volcano and Butakovka Waterfall – spectacular natural phenomena. The waterfall turns into an icy wall, and the "volcano" near Kapchagay becomes a natural ice tower.
Kapchagay Reservoir – vast steppe panoramas, bright sunsets, offering atmospheric photo sessions.
In winter, Almaty has many skating rinks – from free open-air venues to indoor and seasonal rentals.
Free skating rinks: Abay Square, Halyk Arena, Almaty Arena, Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and the First President's Park, Gulder Park, and other locations throughout the city.
Indoor skating rinks: Olimpic Arena, MegaIce, Sunkar, Dimash Arena, Alem Park.
Tubing: professional slopes Gorki.kz and Gorky.Almaty for tubing.
The Astana region offers a completely different winter aesthetic: pine forests, crisp frost, lakes, well-trodden trails, and a true New Year's atmosphere.
Burabay National Park (Borovoe) is the main winter destination near Astana. Here you can enjoy skiing, skating rinks, hiking trails, and photo walks through the snow-covered forest. Nearby is the residence of the Kazakh Ded Moroz — Ayaz Ata, which is especially popular with families with children.
Kokshetau National Park (Lakes Shalkar and Imantau) – a peaceful, eco-friendly holiday with walks through the winter forest, ice fishing, and cozy cottages by the lakes. The region is quieter, more spacious, and more intimate than Burabay — ideal for a reset.
In Astana, winter turns into a real city celebration — ice skating rinks, snow slides, and bright winter installations operate in many locations throughout the city.
Presidential Park – the longest slide in the city (Baitursynov St., 1v).
Zhashtar Palace – a slide and skating rink for active recreation.
The Embankment by the Yesil River – a skating rink with New Year's installations.
Qazaq Eli Square – ice areas for family recreation.
Triathlon Park and the Park behind the Pyramid – ice zones outside the city center.
We create custom winter holiday programs — from family trips and corporate events to exciting mountain adventures.
With us, you can:
Winter in Kazakhstan is not only about world-class ski resorts but also an opportunity to discover unique nature, experience the hospitality of the locals, and gain impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Contact SkyWay today, and we will organize the perfect winter getaway for you in the heart of Central Asia!
Morning excursion to the medieval mausoleum, and in the evening — rocket launch at Baikonur. This is only possible in Kazakhstan! It is a land of majestic mountains, emerald lakes, ancient legends and the most sincere hospitality. Discover the land of endless steppes, rich culture and space technology. Kazakhstan is waiting to surprise you.
When exactly is the best time to visit Kazakhstan and how to get the most out of your stay in this country?
Kazakhstan cordially invites you! And it offers the best places and locations in Almaty that will appeal to lovers of history and modernity, adults and children, youth and mature travelers.
