The Best Ski Resort in the CIS

The Tourstat ratings agency has ranked ski resorts in the CIS this winter, and found that the best are located in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia and Uzbekistan. Shymbulak heads the top 10 skiing and snowboarding lodges, followed by Shahdag (Azerbaijan), Silichi (Belarus), Tsaghkadzor (Armenia), Chimgan (Uzbekistan), Karakol (Kyrgyzstan), Logoisk (Belarus), Tufandag (Azerbaijan), the Altai Mountains (Kazakhstan) and Yakut Mountains (Belarus). The rating is based on an analysis of data taken from online booking and tourist accommodation systems from 1 December 2017 to 28 February 2018. Shymbulak is easily accessible from Almaty, just take the city bus №12 to Medeu and then either the gondala, a minivan or ecotaxi.

When & Where: The alpine resort of Shymbulak in Almaty is open every day, all year round. For ski lift opening hours, visit shymbulak.com.