The Shymbulak ski resort is situated in an attractive gorge of the Zaili Al-atau at a height of 2,200 metres above sea level (25 km outside the city). It enjoys a remarkably mild climate with a large number of sunny days, consistent snow covering from November to May, and stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks and ridges.
    The pistes are served by three chairlifts which can take you to the Talgar Pass (3,200 metres) in just 20 minutes. The first section as far as Peresech-enie station (from 2,260 to 2,630 m) is 1,243 m long and takes 9 minutes. The second, to Dvatsataya Opora (from 2,630 to 2,930 m), is 948 m long and takes 7Vi minutes, while the third, to the Talgar Pass (from 2,930 to 3,163 m), is 860 m long and takes 8 minutes. The whole route is 3,620 m long. There are snowboarding facilities, and children will enjoy the multi-lift for tubing.
    Novices will find instructors on hand to teach skiing and snowboarding. Ski equipment, snowboards, sledges and tubes are available for hire. For those who wish to spend the night in the mountains, there is the Hotel Shymbulak. The average air temperature is +20"C in summer and -7°C in winter, and the snow is 1.5-1.8 metres thick. You can get to Shymbulak by hiring a jeep at the car park outside Medeu (4 km from the base) or from the bus stop in the city (on Dostyk, corner of Kurmangazy).