The Too-Ashuu ski base is one of the youngest and highest-altitude resorts in Kyrgyzstan. The idea to create a resort at the Too-Ashuu Pass emerged thanks to the unique natural conditions of this place - its great elevation and abundant snow. The project was implemented in the late 2000s, and by the 2009-2010 season, a new ski base with its own trails and lifts was already in operation. Since its opening, the base quickly gained popularity among winter sports enthusiasts. Today, Too-Ashuu is positioned as a modern ski complex for active recreation, located on the southern slope of the pass of the same name, at an altitude of about 3000 meters. This advantageous location has contributed to the successful development of the resort - thanks to its early start and late finish to the ski season, it attracts more and more skiers and snowboarders every year.
Too-Ashuu is located in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains, on the border of the Chuy and Naryn regions of Kyrgyzstan. The base lies on the southern slope of the Too-Ashuu Pass, approximately 130 km south of Bishkek (about a two-hour drive along the Bishkek-Osh highway). The elevation reaches 3000 meters above sea level, making Too-Ashuu one of the highest mountain winter resorts in the region. The pass connects the Chuy Valley with the Suusamyr Valley, and the resort’s trails are arranged along the ledges descending into the Suusamyr Basin. Beyond the pass stretches the vast Suusamyr Plateau, known for its harsh climate and heavy snowfalls. The high-altitude location of the base provides abundant natural snow - in winter, the snowpack reaches 1.5-2 meters. This creates excellent conditions for a long ski season and for off-piste riding. The season here starts very early (sometimes as early as late October) and lasts until April, which gives Too-Ashuu one of the longest skiing seasons in the country.
The mountain landscape around Too-Ashuu has its own distinctive features. There is no forest cover here at all - the slopes are wide, open, covered only with mountain tundra and meadow vegetation. In winter, these smooth hills turn into endless white fields, ideal for skiing. From the panoramic summit of the resort (around 3000 m), visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Suusamyr Valley below. The nature here is both harsh and beautiful: on clear days, visitors are greeted by bright sun and dazzling snow, while in bad weather, blizzards and gusty winds are common for the pass. Nevertheless, the clean, rarefied air and striking mountain scenery make staying at Too-Ashuu truly memorable.
The Too-Ashuu ski base is equipped with everything needed for comfortable skiing. There are three main trails of varying difficulty and length. The upper slopes - wide and gentle - are ideal for beginners and those learning technique, while the lower sections are steeper (up to ~30%) and will appeal to experienced skiers. The lengths of the two main trails are approximately 2.6 km and 2.8 km, and the longest continuous route is about 5 km. The elevation difference between the start and finish reaches 700 meters, creating long and varied descents. All trails are regularly maintained by Prinoth snow groomers, ensuring smooth and safe surfaces. In addition to groomed slopes, there are large off-piste areas for freeride enthusiasts.
Two lifts transport skiers up the mountain. The main one is a long two-seat chairlift about 1.5 km in length. It takes guests from the lower slopes back to the top in about 15-17 minutes. The cableway is modern and capacious - around 60 chairs (able to transport approximately 120 people simultaneously), exceeding the base’s total visitor flow. The second lift is a T-bar (plate type), located on the lower, steeper section of the slopes. It operates to carry skiers from the valley up to the middle level of the trails and provides access to the most challenging sections. The lifts operate throughout the day, allowing for continuous skiing without long queues (since the number of visitors is relatively small).
The resort’s service infrastructure is well thought out, despite its remoteness from large settlements. Accommodation: the base offers a cozy hotel with 66 beds. Guests can choose double, quadruple, or six-bed rooms, all equipped with heating, furniture, and bathrooms with hot water. In addition to the main building, several separate cottages and cabins have been built, forming a small mountain village. The total capacity is about 100 people, so even during peak season, the atmosphere remains quiet and uncrowded. Dining: the base has a café-bar serving national and European cuisine. Right here, at 3000 meters, there is also a viewing platform where guests can enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered mountains while dining. For relaxation after skiing, there is a Russian sauna, perfect for unwinding in the evening. Equipment rental and lessons: the resort has a rental station offering a wide selection of modern skis and snowboards for both adults and children. Experienced instructors help select equipment and provide both group and individual lessons for beginners. A medical worker is on duty at the base, and there is a guarded parking lot for guests’ vehicles. Thus, even “in the mountains, far from civilization,” tourists have all basic amenities - from comfortable accommodation to quality service.
In a short time, Too-Ashuu has become a new hub for winter tourism in Kyrgyzstan. Its unique characteristics - proximity to the capital, high-altitude climate, and diverse slopes - make the base attractive to both locals and foreign visitors. The resort is relatively easy to reach: the road from Bishkek takes about 2-2.5 hours, making it ideal for weekend ski trips not far from the city. Many winter sports enthusiasts note that Too-Ashuu stands out from older resorts for its lack of crowds and pristine natural surroundings. Here, one can feel the spirit of the real mountains and enjoy nearly wild skiing conditions without sacrificing comfort. It’s no wonder that Too-Ashuu is often listed among Kyrgyzstan’s best winter resorts, especially for those who value long rides on natural snow and wish to diversify their experience beyond the popular Issyk-Kul slopes.
The resort caters to a wide range of skiing and snowboarding fans. Beginners and families will find perfect conditions for learning at Too-Ashuu: gentle training slopes at the top, professional instructors, and full equipment rental. Wide, calm trails allow novices to safely hone their skills and enjoy their first descents. Experienced riders will appreciate the long sports trails and the opportunity for true freeriding on untouched snow. Too-Ashuu is known for having the deepest snow and the longest season among all Kyrgyz ski resorts. Thanks to its altitude, snow arrives early and stays firm, while the large untouched fields between the main trails attract powder seekers. Freeriders come here to enjoy unique off-piste runs accessible by lift - many safe routes start right from the upper station and lead down into the valley along untracked slopes. At the same time, one of the trails at Too-Ashuu is intentionally kept gentler and flatter - perfect for children and those who prefer a more relaxed ride. Thus, the resort harmoniously combines opportunities for both thrill-seekers and families seeking peaceful ski recreation.
It’s also worth noting that the high Too-Ashuu Pass itself is a landmark. Many tourists combine their journey along the scenic Bishkek-Osh highway with a stop at this base. In winter, the trip over the pass becomes a true adventure: the ascent along the snowy serpentine, the passage through the legendary 2.8 km tunnel at over 3000 meters, and the reward - a cozy mountain shelter with hot tea and breathtaking views. Too-Ashuu regularly hosts festive events marking the opening and closing of the season, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the country. All these factors contribute to the resort’s growing reputation year after year. Too-Ashuu has already earned its place on the map of Central Asia’s ski routes, attracting both organized tour groups and independent travelers eager for new heights and impressions.
Origin of the name. The name “Too-Ashuu” translates from Kyrgyz as “Camel Pass.” According to one version, in ancient times, many camel caravans passed through this mountain corridor, and thus the area got its name. Another version suggests that people gave the towering, massive mountains a metaphorical name in honor of the largest animal in the region - the camel - emphasizing the grandeur of the pass. Either way, the toponym reflects the historical significance of this mountain route connecting the north and south of the country.
The highest-altitude resort. At around 3000 meters, Too-Ashuu is considered one of the highest ski resorts not only in Kyrgyzstan but in all of Central Asia. On its official website, the base proudly declares itself “The Highest Ski Resort of Central Asia” - and this is not far from the truth. The ski infrastructure here is indeed higher than at other popular resorts in the region (for comparison: Karakol base - ~2300 m, Shymbulak in Kazakhstan - ~2200 m at the foot). The thin air and high elevation pose challenges for tourists’ endurance but at the same time guarantee a unique mountain climate and excellent snow quality.
Record descent and long season. Thanks to its geography, Too-Ashuu boasts the longest ski run in Kyrgyzstan - a continuous descent of more than 5 kilometers. The total length of prepared slopes is about 7 km, which, given the low number of visitors, allows for several days of diverse skiing without repeating a single route. In addition, the altitude and climate provide the resort with the longest skiing season - on average, from late November to late March, and even longer in snowy years. No other winter resort in the country offers such an early start and late finish with comparably stable snow cover.
Unique layout. Unlike most ski resorts where hotels and bases are located at the foot of the slopes, Too-Ashuu’s accommodation buildings are constructed at the very top. This creates a unique effect: mornings at the resort begin not with an ascent, but with a descent - guests step out of their cottages, put on skis, and immediately slide down the trail. Only after reaching the lower station do skiers take the lift back up to the residential zone. This layout became possible because the main highway rises directly to the top of the pass; from it, a branch road leads straight to the highest point of the ski area. This engineering solution sets Too-Ashuu apart and gives visitors a special experience - essentially, you live “on top of the mountain,” watching clouds drift below your feet.
Historic tunnel. The Bishkek-Osh highway, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important transport arteries, passes through the Too-Ashuu Pass. In the 1960s, a 2.8 km-long road tunnel was built here at an altitude of 3120 m to make travel safer and easier. The tunnel enabled year-round connection between the north and south of the country, bypassing the most dangerous serpentine sections. Today, after passing through the tunnel, travelers can see the sign for the ski base immediately upon exit - that’s how close the resort is to the famous pass. The combination of modern recreation and historical significance makes visiting Too-Ashuu especially fascinating for mountain adventure lovers.
Too-Ashuu is a place where history meets modernity, and the raw power of nature blends with the joy of sport. Whether it’s the captivating legends of camel caravans or the record-breaking altitude and snow, this resort leaves guests with unforgettable impressions and rightfully holds a special place among Kyrgyzstan’s ski gems.
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