FX.co ★ Most popular ski resorts in CIS in 2020

Shymbulak, Kazakhstan

Shymbulak Mountain Resort is located near Almaty on the Zailiysky Alatau ridge, a little higher than the famous high-mountain skating rink Medeo. The winter season runs here from mid-November till early April with an average daily temperature of -7°C. The snow cover reaches 1.8 m and the maximum ski slope is 45°.

The total length of all eight skiing tracks is 3,600 m, including 3 highly difficult tracks. The cable car lifts guests to the highest point of the resort - Talgar Pass. The bottom of the cabin is glassed, so tourists can truly enjoy a magnificent view of the ski area from different angles.

The Altaic Alps, Kazakhstan

Altaic Alps ski resort is located in Eastern Kazakhstan on the Ulbinsk ridge of the Mountain Ulbinka. Mountains and mixed forests serve as a natural protection for the ski resort from the winds of the harsh continental climate. The Altaic Alps is situated at an altitude of 660. Amongst the advantages of the resort, tourist note a comfortable dry frosty winter with an average daily temperature of -20°C. The ski season lasts from November till mid-late April. During this period of time, the snow cover reaches 1.5 m.

What is more, the resort is famous for its impeccable service, modern cable cars, close proximity to the city, and convenient transport links. The Altaic Alps ski resort often hosts the ski championships and competitions.

Nurtau, Kazakhstan

The picturesque Nurtau ski resort (formerly known as Knyazhye Gory) is designed for year-round recreation for guests of all ages. It is located in the mountains, 35 km from Ust-Kamenogorsk which makes it less vulnerable to strong winds. The ski resort also offers a high-security level with round-the-clock surveillance of the parking zone.

The winter season starts in December and lasts until the beginning of April. Notably, preparations for the winter season begin in the summer by cutting small shrubs and grass. Riding down from the mountains, you can easily get off before the terminal point, unhooking from the bugle.

Logoisk, Belarus

Logoisk ski resort is located not far from Minsk and in terms of service, it is as good as the best European ski resorts. Guests can rent sports equipment. What is more, there is a wide range of activities here apart from skiing, including a Russian bath, sauna, gazebo with barbecue, gym, billiards, and shooting range. What is more, visitors can enjoy skiing in the night and take part in folk festivals. Quite often the resort opens its doors to numerous sports competitions. The Logoisk ski resort stands out from others by its original design of the guest houses. They are built in the Scandinavian style and well-equipped.

All 5 tracks are well-maintained and lit around the clock. Visitors can use a cable car to get to any track. On the training slope, everyone can also practice skiing with professional instructors.

Silichi, Belarus

Silichi ski resort in Belarus is open all year round. Ten ski tracks run along the slopes among the forest thickets and have different levels of difficulty due to the different altitudes. Visitors can reach any height with the help of cable cars. Visitors who have little or no experience in skiing or snowboarding can get lessons from professional instructors.

There is a great choice of other facilities that the resort can boast of such as snow park, outdoor and indoor ice rinks, various hotels, restaurants, and the famous wood-burning baths.

Shahdag, Azerbaijan

Shahdag Mountain resort is located at an altitude of 2,500 m above sea level at the foot of Shahdag Mountain near the Shahdag national park. This is one of the most beautiful places in Azerbaijan abounding in canyons, gorges, and lakes. There are also waterfalls surrounded by high, awe-inspiring mountains covered with glaciers.

The resort is equipped with an artificial snow system that allows to maintain slopes in excellent condition and extends the skiing season considerably. The ski resort and all its facilities were put into operation in 2014.

Tufandag, Azerbaijan

Tufandag ski resort was opened in 2014 near Gabala, one of the most tourist-visited places in Azerbaijan. It has a well-developed ski infrastructure that exceeds the service of another Azerbaijan ski resort – Shahdag. Tufandag ski resort has its own ski school.

Tufandag resort is located at an altitude of 960-1,920 m above sea level. The slopes are steep and covered with forests. Therefore, the ski tracks (3 blue, 3 red, and 4 black) are quite wide.

The ski season starts in mid-December and ends at the end of March but tourists come here at any time of the year.

Tsakhkadzor, Armenia

Tsakhkadzor is the most famous ski resort in Armenia. The ski resort is located in a picturesque valley at the foot of Mount Teghenis. Thanks to the resort’s convenient location, there are no avalanches and queues for the cable car even during the New Year holidays. For this reason, this ski resort attracts many experienced and novice skiers as well as Russian Olympic medalists and sports champions from other CIS countries.

The scenic Tsakhkadzor valley is located at an altitude of about 1,800 m above sea level near the Ararat massif and lake Sevan. The ski resort is also well-known for its fresh air and pristine nature: thanks to the local environment, the level of hemoglobin in the blood surges up thereby producing a positive effect on health.

Karakol, Kyrgyz Republic

Karakol ski resort is located in the gorge at an altitude of 2,300 m above sea level on the slopes of the Tien Shan. It is surrounded by majestic 5,000-meter mountains, coniferous forest, and high-altitude lake Issyk-Kul.

The thickness of the snow cover varies from 1.5 to 2.5 m. In winter, the temperature rarely falls below -5°C. The ski season begins in November and lasts until April.

This place is loved by many sportsmen and those who prefer outdoor kinds of vacation for its mild climate and a large number of sunny days. In 2004, the ski resort, being long ago the former training ground for the Soviet Olympic team, was completely modernized.

Chimgan, Uzbekistan

The popular recreation area and ski resort Chimgan is located 60 km from Tashkent in the Chimgan mountains which are the spurs of the Tien Shan mountains. Chimgan is praised for its unique natural landscapes and pleasant environment. People call this place Uzbek Switzerland.

The ski tracks are open from December to March. They are located at an altitude of 1,200-1,600 m above sea level and surrounded by relict juniper forests. Ski fans choose this place due to its mild climate and a great variety of tracks.