Kazakhstan is set to develop a world-class high-altitude resort just outside Almaty, aiming to transform the city into a year-round tourist destination. The ambitious master plan for the Almaty Mountain Cluster was recently presented to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, promising to boost tourism.
The project will feature up to 700 kilometers of ski trails and is expected to welcome up to 34 000 visitors daily. It will also generate around 10 000 new jobs, making it a major economic driver for the region.
“We plan to take significant steps over the next few years to build a high-mountain resort that meets international standards,” Bektenov said. “Almaty should compete with the world’s leading ski destinations.”
The central development area covers popular ski spots including Shymbulak, Oi-Karagai, Pioneer, Kimasar, and Butakovka. The number of ski lifts will increase from 16 to 58, linking these areas into the new Almaty Superski project. This will also include Kumbel Peak and the Kok-Zhailau region, adding over 65 kilometers of ski slopes.
Half of the new trails will be designed for beginners, making the resort accessible for everyone and promoting winter sports across the region. The plan emphasizes inclusive facilities and careful preservation of the natural landscape.
The resort won’t be just for winter. The development will include hiking and biking trails, adventure parks, glamping sites, ethnic hotels, and eco-friendly transportation to make it a true year-round destination. Plans also include digital monitoring of the environment and a focus on renewable energy.
International partners from France, the US, and Andorra are involved, praising the project for meeting global standards in sustainable tourism.
The government will build essential infrastructure like roads, utilities, and cable cars, paving the way for private investments in hotels and other tourist facilities. Experts say every dollar the government invests will attract two dollars from private investors.
The Almaty Mountain Cluster is expected to become Central Asia’s largest all-season tourism project by 2029.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 29th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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