Located just 25 minutes from Almaty, Shymbulak Ski Resort is the crown jewel of Kazakhstan’s winter tourism. With slopes for beginners and professionals alike, modern lifts, and stunning views of the Tian Shan mountains, Shymbulak rivals European resorts at a fraction of the price. Visitors can ski, snowboard, or simply enjoy the alpine atmosphere in cozy cafés. Nearby, the Medeu skating rink—one of the highest outdoor rinks in the world—adds to the magic.

In winter, Burabay National Park turns into a realm of stillness and quiet beauty. The pine forests, normally vibrant with shades of green, become dusted with snow, their branches heavy and shimmering in the sunlight. Frozen lakes stretch across the valleys, their smooth, glassy surfaces mirroring the pale sky. The granite outcrops that rise from the shoreline stand even more dramatic in the cold season, resembling ancient guardians of the landscape. Wrapped in snow and silence, Burabay feels like a fairytale world, where every rock, tree, and frozen ripple tells a story of timeless nature.

In winter, the Charyn Canyon transforms into a landscape of breathtaking contrasts. The crimson cliffs, usually glowing under the summer sun, are softened by layers of snow that cling to their rugged edges. White frost spreads across the canyon floor, while icy winds carve patterns in the drifts, adding to the sense of timeless wilderness. The silence here is profound, broken only by the whisper of the wind as it weaves through the towering rock formations. Covered in snow, the canyon feels surreal and untouched, as if nature itself has paused to admire its frozen masterpiece.

High in the Tian Shan mountains, the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes take on an almost mystical charm in winter. The peaks surrounding the valleys are cloaked in deep snow, while the forests of spruce trees stand like watchful sentinels along the shores. The frozen waters of Kolsai shimmer in shades of pale blue, smooth and pristine under the low winter sun. At Kaindy, the submerged forest is locked in ice, its ghostly tree trunks rising from the surface like a natural monument preserved by frost. These lakes, quiet and untouched during the cold months, offer a rare glimpse into nature’s artistry — wild, surreal, and unforgettable.