The Kashka-Suu ski base is one of the oldest and most famous in Kyrgyzstan. Located only about 35 km from the capital, in the picturesque Alamudun Gorge on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Range, it attracts lovers of outdoor recreation with its unique combination of history, natural beauty, and modern facilities. Here, at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level, the air is crystal clear, and panoramic views open up over the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Kyrgyz Ala-Too and the Chuy Valley. Kashka-Suu is rightfully considered an excellent place to spend a winter vacation in Kyrgyzstan, go skiing near Bishkek, and enjoy the majesty of local nature.
The history of the Kashka-Suu base dates back to the Soviet era. In 1976, when alpine skiing was just beginning to develop in the Kirghiz SSR, ski enthusiasts from the Kyrgyz Electric Motor Plant organized the Mountain Ski Lovers Club. The club included not only factory workers - among the founders were employees of the Kyrgyzsantekhmontazh trust, the Geological Department, architects, economists, and scientists. They were united by a love of mountains and skiing, thanks to which, by the winter of 1977, they had built and launched the first 870-meter-long ski tow with a gasoline engine by their own efforts. This was the beginning of the skiing history of Kashka-Suu.
In the following years, the base developed thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the club members. Each off-season, participants volunteered for 15–20 workdays, and industrial support from the factory and partners made it possible to gradually expand the infrastructure. In 1985, a development project for the complex was drafted and approved - plans included a hotel, a two-seat chairlift, and other technical facilities. However, these ideas could not be immediately implemented: in 1991, after the collapse of the USSR and economic difficulties at the supervising enterprise, it was decided to establish an independent company, “Kashka-Suu Tourist Center,” to save the base. This allowed construction to be completed, and soon the complex officially opened.
Since then, the Kashka-Suu ski base has been modernized more than once but carefully preserves the spirit of its time. Many call it a “Soviet-style resort” - the architecture and atmosphere retain the heritage of the 1970s–1980s, giving the place a special charm. Over the decades, more than one generation of skiers has grown up here. In Soviet times, the base was a center of winter leisure: old-timers recall mass celebrations and snow carnivals, torchlight descents on March 8, and fun competitions during the New Year holidays. For example, male skiers held nighttime torch descents in honor of International Women’s Day, while women staged humorous performances on February 23 - these traditions united ski lovers and created a legendary festive atmosphere. Today, Kashka-Suu honors its past and continues its proud traditions, remaining a landmark place for all who appreciate the history of Kyrgyz sports and mountains.
The ski base is located in one of the most beautiful places in the Chuy region - the Alamudun Gorge, known for its picturesque landscapes. The name “Kashka-Suu” translates from Kyrgyz as “clear, transparent water.” Indeed, a fast mountain river with crystal-clear glacial water flows through the gorge. Near the base is a 15-meter waterfall on the Ak-Suu River (at about 2000 m a.s.l.), and higher in the mountains lies the moraine-glacial Kashka-Suu Lake - a popular summer hiking destination. Slightly below the base stretch spruce forests and the hot radon springs of the Arashan sanatorium, whose healing waters have long been used for therapeutic purposes. Thus, the Kashka-Suu area combines several natural wonders - from healing springs to alpine meadows and rocky peaks.
The complex itself is located on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz Range at an altitude of about 1870–2000 m, with the upper point of the slopes reaching around 2270 m. This ensures a stable snow cover during the season and magnificent views. From the top station of the chairlift, there is a panorama of the snowy peaks of the ridge and distant Bishkek lying on the plain - on clear days, the entire Chuy Valley can be seen at a glance. The area around the base is known as “Kumys Meadow” - even before the resort appeared, herders grazed horses here in summer and made kumys, prized by city dwellers. Today, “Kumys Meadow” is the name of the lower station - a tribute to the rich pastoral culture of the region.
The gorge is given special color by its crimson-red rocks, for which it is sometimes called the “Red Canyon” of Kashka-Suu. The contrast between the reddish cliffs, sparkling snow, and dark-green conifers makes the landscape truly magical. The local flora includes Tien Shan spruce, juniper (archa), and subalpine meadows; mountain goats and foxes can be seen nearby, while eagles and golden eagles soar in the sky. Nature here has largely preserved its pristine state - it’s no wonder that a guest who comes skiing in the Alamudun Gorge may forget about city life, enjoying the silence of the mountains and the crystal air.
Today, the Kashka-Suu Tourist Center is a modern mountain-climatic complex with developed infrastructure. The base offers everything necessary for the comfortable recreation of skiers and snowboarders. There are 7 slopes of varying difficulty and length (from training to rather steep), with a total length of about 10 km. The longest descent is about 2 km with a height difference of ~380 m, and all main slopes start from the top point of 2270 m and lead down to the base. The slopes are divided into several sectors: there are gentle areas for beginners and steeper sections (red-level slopes) for experienced athletes. The trails are interconnected, allowing for route combinations. By purchasing a single-day lift pass, guests can choose a new descent each time, exploring all parts of the slope.
Two lifts serve to take visitors to the top - a chairlift and a drag lift. The chairlift (a two-seat lift) is about 1365 m long and carries guests from about 1890 m to the summit (2270 m) in 10–12 minutes. The ascent on open two-seat chairs is pleasant in itself: sitting above snowy slopes, you can enjoy the view of the surroundings and even take beautiful photos. The drag lift (T-bar type) is about 861 m long with an elevation difference of ~260 m and is mainly intended for training and access to the middle sections of the slopes. It runs parallel to the lower part of the slope: its first half passes over a gentle section, the second - over a steeper one, which is convenient for both beginners and advanced skiers. Both lifts undergo annual technical inspections, are equipped with emergency stop systems and safety devices, making skiing safe and comfortable. During regular winter months, the lifts operate on weekends and holidays from about 10:00 to 16:00, and group bookings are available on weekdays (the base adapts to guest flow). In the evenings, when the slopes empty, the lights come on - illuminating an open skating rink arranged on the complex’s sports field. Skating in the quiet mountain evening, with snowflakes swirling and soft music playing among the snowy spruces, is a particularly magical experience.
For guests staying several days, Kashka-Suu offers cozy hotels. The main “Kashka-Suu” hotel accommodates about 65 people and offers rooms of various comfort levels - from standard to luxury. About 300 meters away is the additional guesthouse “Kashkulak” with ~22 beds - a small guarded cottage complex located right next to the drag lift. Rooms are equipped with everything necessary; there are shared lounges with fireplaces for groups and even conference halls (1–2 halls in the main building) for seminars or corporate events. The base also has a restaurant and café where guests can try both European and the best national dishes - shashlik, pilaf, lagman, beshbarmak - and, of course, enjoy a cup of hot tea or mulled wine after skiing. In winter, a warm café operates at the foot of the chairlift with a view of the slope, and in the warm season, an open terrace and stage host events.
Those without their own equipment need not worry - Kashka-Suu offers rentals of skis, snowboards, sleds, and skates. The rental station provides equipment for all heights and ages, so you can gear up right on-site. For those wishing to improve their skills, instructors are available (individual lessons are usually available by prior appointment on weekends). If necessary, lockers can be rented, and a small service center is available for ski maintenance or repair. The complex has a spacious parking area for about 100 cars, but many prefer organized transport: every weekend morning, a Mercedes Sprinter minibus (17 seats) departs from Bishkek directly to the base. So reaching the slopes of the Alamudun Gorge is easy even for those without their own transport.
It is also worth mentioning the leisure opportunities beyond the ski slopes. In addition to the skating rink, the base has a sauna (Finnish steam bath with a spring-water pool) - an excellent way to relax after a day in the cold. Those who enjoy quiet evenings can gather in a rented fireplace lounge, grill shashlik, or simply sit with a cup of aromatic tea, gazing at the starry mountain sky. Overall, Kashka-Suu’s infrastructure today is in no way inferior to other popular resorts in the region. All this makes the base attractive both for experienced athletes and for families with children dreaming of a true winter fairy tale.
Kashka-Suu is a place where you can find a wide range of activities for every taste. The main one, of course, is alpine skiing and snowboarding. In winter, both beginners and professionals come here. Instructors are available for beginners, with gentle training slopes; for experienced riders, there are more challenging descents to hone technique. Sometimes the base hosts training camps for young skiers or local-level competitions. The slopes of Kashka-Suu have often become the venue for contests: back in Soviet times, city slalom championships were held here, and nowadays, amateur snowboarding tournaments are also organized.
Besides classic skiing, winter recreation in Kashka-Suu includes sledding and tubing (available for rent for children), snowball fights, and hiking along nearby trails. Many residents of Bishkek come here with their families on weekends: while parents carve the slopes, children ride small sleds near the hotel or learn to skate on the local rink. The base strives to create a festive atmosphere: during peak season, winter festivals and celebrations take place. For example, in January, New Year performances with animators and fairy-tale characters are organized for children - with contests, music, dances, and, of course, Father Frost. The tradition of cheerful ski carnivals, born back in the 1980s, is gradually being revived.
Interestingly, Kashka-Suu is not only a winter but also an all-season tourist center. When the snow melts, the mountain slopes turn into meadows and trails for other types of active recreation. In warm months, hiking and horseback riding through the Alamudun Gorge are popular - trails to the Kashka-Suu Lake, high mountain pastures, and mountain passes begin right from the base. Special emphasis is placed on the development of mountain biking: in recent years, the slopes have been opened for extreme downhill riding. In July 2025, Kashka-Suu hosted for the first time a large two-day event - the Kashka-Suu Downhill Weekend, which included the open Kyrgyzstan Championship in the downhill discipline. On the challenging red-level track, riders competed for the title of best, while spectators watched spectacular races against the backdrop of summer mountains. The festival gathered dozens of athletes and confirmed Kashka-Suu’s status as a center of year-round extreme tourism. In addition, during summer, the base organizes open-air music evenings, corporate retreats, and youth camps. Tennis and volleyball courts located near the hotel allow for active recreation even in the off-season.
Another important aspect is ecological and sustainable tourism. The management of the “Kashka-Suu Tourist Center” strives to treat the environment and the local community with care. All income is reinvested in the further development of the base and improving conditions for guests. For example, in the 2023/24 season, a major project was implemented to introduce an artificial snowmaking system: over 2 km of pipes were laid, and powerful pumps and snow cannons were installed to extend the ski season and ensure high-quality snow on the slopes. Even if nature is sometimes capricious with precipitation, the resort can now delight skiers with a more stable snow cover. Future plans include further modernization - from lift upgrades to expanded services - while preserving the unique atmosphere and purity of the mountains.
Kashka-Suu possesses not only sporting but also cultural and historical significance for Kyrgyzstan. This toponym is mentioned in the epic “Manas” - according to legend, in ancient times, messengers of the legendary Orgo Khan passed through these places, and the gorge itself remembers the echoes of battles sung by the manaschi. Perhaps it is thanks to the crystal-clear waters of the mountain rivers that the area received its name (“Kashka-Suu” - “clear water”), emphasizing its natural purity and value for people. Local old-timers tell how the first skiers once rode here almost “wild”: they climbed the slope on foot and raced down through untouched snow, dodging fir trees. Even before the lifts were built, a popular winter destination was the Chon-Tash ski base (near the entrance to the Alamudun Gorge) - from there, according to sports veterans, many came to Kashka-Suu when they heard about the new club and its drag lift. One can say that Kashka-Suu became the cradle of alpine skiing in the region - the careers of many well-known athletes began here. For example, members of the national alpine skiing team who brought fame to Kyrgyzstan on the international stage trained on these very slopes.
The base itself is rich in curious stories. It is said that in the early years of the club’s existence, participants transported the drag-lift mechanism by a ZIL truck directly from the factory and assembled it on-site, starting the gasoline engine by hand in freezing cold - such was their passion for skiing! And once, in spring, enthusiasts even chipped in to hire a helicopter to drop several barrels of fuel on the ridge to extend the season - the snowy fields on the pass then turned into an improvised snow camp. Today these stories bring smiles, but they reflect the incredible enthusiasm of the people who stood at the origins of the base.
Equally interesting is the multiethnic, multiconfessional atmosphere of recreation in Kashka-Suu. Being close to Bishkek, the base has always gathered a diverse audience - Kyrgyz, Russians, Germans, Uighurs, and others living in the capital. Different languages were heard here, but on the slopes everyone was equal, united by their love for the mountains. This friendly international spirit has been preserved to this day. Guests are always warmly welcomed: the local staff are known for their hospitality and friendliness - hallmarks of the Kyrgyz people. Coming here, tourists not only get an adrenaline rush on the slopes but also get acquainted with the local culture - whether tasting hot kurut in a café or listening to guides’ stories about local customs and holidays.
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the symbolic significance of the resort for the region. The Kashka-Suu ski base is not just a place for sports but a point of attraction for all who love the mountains. It embodies the dream of city dwellers for “their own Alps” close to home. Every opening of the season is eagerly awaited: fresh snow, the first lift launch - almost an official holiday for ski lovers near Bishkek. In summer, the base is not deserted - it reminds everyone that the mountains are beautiful at any time of the year. Kashka-Suu teaches respect for nature and history, showing an example of harmonious tourism development. It’s no coincidence that the resort’s motto could be: “Develop while preserving.” Visiting Kashka-Suu today, you not only get wonderful impressions of skiing in the Alamudun Gorge but also touch a living legend of the Kyrgyz mountains.
The Kashka-Suu ski base is a symbiosis of rich history, magnificent nature, and high-quality service. It is suitable both for a one-day getaway from Bishkek and for a full-fledged mountain vacation. Enjoy first-class slopes, feel the spirit of the Soviet era in the old photographs on the hotel walls, and see for yourself why this place is called the pearl of the mountains near Bishkek. Unforgettable emotions, strong health from mountain air, and the warmth of Kyrgyz hospitality - that’s what every guest takes away after visiting the slopes of Kashka-Suu. May your winter holiday in Kyrgyzstan become a bright page of your life, and Kashka-Suu - the very place you will want to return to again and again!
If you want not only to ski on the slopes of Kashka-Suu but also to discover other ski resorts of Kyrgyzstan - check out the section of winter tours by AsiaMixTravel. We offer tailor-made 1–3 day programs with transfer from Bishkek, accommodation, photoshoots, and skiing at the best bases in the country: Kashka-Suu, Chunkurchak, Too-Ashuu, Orlovka, and Karakol. It’s the perfect way to combine sports, nature, and relaxation in the mountains.
Up-to-date information about lift operations and weather conditions can be found on the official website of the Kashka-Suu ski base.
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