Kyrgyzstan will build Ala-Too, the largest ski resort in Central Asia, with 250 km of slopes and European technology in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains.
In a still largely unexplored corner of the heart of Asia, between majestic mountains and valleys dotted with yurts, Kyrgyzstan is preparing to write a new chapter in the history of winter tourism. It is not a country one easily associates with ski lifts or après-ski, but that is about to change. On the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the legendary Tian Shan mountains, construction has begun on Ala-Too Resort: an unprecedented megaproject that aims to become the largest ski resort in Central Asia. With a planned 250 kilometres of slopes, cutting-edge European technology and strong inspiration from Kyrgyz nomadic culture, this resort aims not only to attract two million visitors a year, but also to transform the region into a global benchmark for snow, sustainable development and high-altitude tourism.
The Ala-Too Resort will be located in the mountains of the Ak-Suu district in the Issyk-Kul region (eastern Kyrgyzstan).
The project encompasses three main peaks in the Tian Shan mountain range: Jyrgalan, Ak-Bulak and Boz-Uchuk, located south of Lake Issyk-Kul and near the city of Karakol. This high mountain area (approx. 2,000–3,300 m above sea level) enjoys reliable snowfall from November to April and offers landscapes comparable to the Alps. In addition, Issyk-Kul is an established summer tourist destination with around 2 million seasonal visitors, providing a favourable context for the development of large-scale winter tourism in the region.
Although remote, the location has existing access routes (road and power lines inherited from a former mine in Jyrgalan) and is about 5–6 hours by road from the international airports of Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan). In short, Ala-Too Resort will take advantage of the unspoilt mountainous environment of the Tian Shan, combining abundant snow, high altitudes and proximity to existing tourist centres such as Karakol and Issyk-Kul.
Phased development schedule: Jyrgalan, Ak-Bulak and Boz-Uchuk
The development has been planned in three phases, corresponding to each of the project’s peaks. Phase 1 (Jyrgalan sector) began in the first quarter of 2025 and involves the construction of the first infrastructure and slopes. The first cable car in Jyrgalan is due to be completed in July 2026, and the partial opening of the resort (with the first slopes operational) is scheduled for December 2026. In this initial phase, around 60 km of slopes and 6 ski lifts will be made available.
Phase 2 (Ak-Bulak sector) will continue in 2027, expanding the skiable area and connections between valleys. Phase 3 (Boz-Uchuk sector) will be completed in 2028, when the three mountain sectors are expected to be interconnected. Once the three areas are linked, Ala-Too Resort will operate at full capacity with a total of ~250 km of skiable slopes.
Official projections estimate that complete construction will take approximately another decade to consolidate the entire project; in fact, 2035 is being considered as the date when the resort will be fully developed. However, the government’s priority is to move forward quickly:
‘The president of Kyrgyzstan wants a Courchevel in his country and is determined to move quickly,’
said Pascal de Thiersant (director of S3V), recalling that Sadyr Japarov presented the project to him in 2023. Thanks to this momentum, work began in May 2025 and is progressing according to the phased schedule to open the ‘Kyrgyz Courchevel’ in stages starting in 2026.
Public and private investment: amounts, financing and conditions
The project combines direct state investment in infrastructure with the attraction of private capital for commercial developments. In the first phase, the Kyrgyz government is fully financing the basic construction, allocating around £165 million (approx. £150 million) through the public company created for this purpose. This state investment covers the installation of ski lifts, the preparation of slopes and access works (roads, energy, water, sanitation), ensuring the resort’s foundations.
To finance the subsequent phases, the state has adopted an innovative scheme: auctioning land within the project area to private developers. President Sadyr Japarov announced that plots of land for hotels, restaurants and other services will be sold through online auctions in early June 2025. The funds raised from these land sales will be reinvested in the construction of the second and third phases.
Conditions for investors: The plots come with strict obligations: the successful bidders must build and start operating their facilities within a maximum period of two years to avoid speculation or delays. The government will expedite all necessary permits but will revoke rights if a buyer attempts to hoard undeveloped land. The auctions are open to foreign investors, state-owned companies and local citizens, ensuring international competition and transparency in the process. As a preliminary step, the government has already transferred 1,624 hectares of public mountain land to the state-owned company ‘Kyrgyz Courchevel’ (in charge of the project) for permanent use. In this way, the state provides the land and legal coverage, hoping that the private sector will contribute capital for tourist infrastructure (particularly 4- and 5-star hotels in advanced stages). In addition to the land auction, Kyrgyzstan is exploring financial cooperation with international partners: in March 2025, the project was presented to Austrian companies and possible state guarantees for foreign investors are being negotiated. The public-private model is complemented by the Tourism Development Support Fund (a state agency) which participates in planning and could co-finance mid-range hotels. In summary, the government assumes the initial infrastructure costs (phase 1), while domestic and foreign private capital will finance a large part of the tourist facilities in the following stages, under conditions designed to ensure the rapid and successful development of the resort.
International players and companies involved
The Ala-Too Resort project involves the active participation of international companies and experts in the design, construction and operation of ski resorts. Of particular note is the collaboration with the Société des Trois Vallées (S3V) of France – operator of the Courchevel and Méribel ski areas in the Three Valleys of the Alps – which is acting as lead consultant. It was President Japarov himself who requested advice from S3V during a trip to Courchevel in January 2023, with the vision of ‘building a Courchevel in Kyrgyzstan’. Since then, S3V has contributed its expertise: it designed the master plan for the ‘Three Peaks’ ski area (presented in April 2024) and is advising on its implementation, including the planning of slopes, ski lifts and tourist activities. ‘The French company S3V, operator of the famous Courchevel, is implementing the Tres Picos cluster in Kyrgyzstan,’ confirmed Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov. S3V will accompany the project during the initial phase and in the training of local staff, although it will not be responsible for day-to-day operations, which will remain the responsibility of the Kyrgyz state-owned company created for the resort. This model allows for the transfer of knowledge (lift management, safety, maintenance) while preserving local ownership.
Another key partner is the Austrian firm Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, a world leader in cable cars, which has been contracted as the main lift supplier. In April 2025, the Kyrgyz government officially appointed Doppelmayr to design, supply and install the first gondola lifts and chairlifts in Jyrgalan (Phase 1). The choice of Doppelmayr guarantees state-of-the-art cable transport technology in line with international standards. Specialised engineering companies are also collaborating on technical aspects: for example, France’s MDP Consulting (slope design) and Switzerland’s Sintegra (topography) participated alongside S3V in field assessments in Issyk-Kul.
At the institutional level, Kyrgyzstan created the public company ‘Kyrgyz Courchevel’ (under the Presidency) to manage the project. This entity, headed by Zharkynbek Maksutov, acts as a local counterpart coordinating contractors and financing. Maksutov has been the voice of the project in the national media, emphasising that ‘this resort will create unique conditions and will be the largest ski cluster in Central Asia’.
Regional cooperation has not been neglected: Kyrgyzstan has shared the initiative with neighbouring countries and partners. Kazakhstan (through its agency Kazinform) and Uzbekistan have highlighted the project as a driver of regional tourism. On the other hand, international benchmarks have been sought: President Japarov visited leading resorts such as Yabuli in China (the largest in that country) to observe winter resort models, and met with authorities from Austria, France and other countries in search of support and investors. Even multilateral financial organisations (World Bank, EBRD) have shown interest in sustainable tourism development in Kyrgyzstan. This combination of French collaboration (S3V), Austrian technology (Doppelmayr) and local management reflects the international dimension of the Ala-Too Resort, which is positioned to achieve global standards with its own identity.
Technical characteristics: slopes, lifts and infrastructure
Ala-Too Resort aims to position itself among the world’s largest ski resorts in terms of skiable area. Once completed, the resort will offer approximately
‘250 kilometres of connected alpine ski slopes, spread over the three main valleys’.
In the Jyrgalan sector (first phase) alone, some 120 km of slopes were laid out, demonstrating the scale of the project. To serve this vast terrain, around 30 ski lifts (gondola lifts, chairlifts and drag lifts) will be installed. The first stage will include four large cable cars (in addition to some secondary ones), opening up more than 60 km of initial slopes, while in later phases dozens of lifts will be added to cover all the peaks. The cable transport infrastructure will be on a par with that of the major Alpine resorts: Doppelmayr will supply modern, high-performance gondola lifts, and a comprehensive artificial snowmaking and mountain rescue system in line with international standards is planned.
In terms of tourist capacity, the master plan envisages the construction of numerous accommodation facilities and complementary services. In the initial phase (Jyrgalan), 49 hotels and accommodation facilities of different categories will be built, integrated into a single urban base complex. Adding the three planned bases, the resort will offer around 7,000 hotel beds when fully developed. Accommodation ranges from international 5- and 4-star hotels to 3-star establishments and budget options, to attract luxury tourists as well as families and locals. In total, the areas designated for tourist villages cover ~58 ha in Jyrgalan, 24 ha in Ak-Bulak and 40 ha in Boz-Uchuk, where hotels, chalets, apartments and commercial areas will be concentrated. The government itself will build several three-star hotels (8 buildings) as part of the first phase, while higher-category hotels will be offered to private investors under concession.
Image: Panel from the master plan for the ‘Three Peaks’ cluster presented by the Kyrgyz Tourism Development Fund, illustrating the project’s mountains and their cultural integration (yurts, horses) with ski facilities.
The supporting infrastructure will be in keeping with a world-class resort. The plan includes the construction of spa and wellness centres, restaurants, shops, nightlife venues and a convention centre to ensure year-round activity. There will also be ski schools, snow kindergartens for children, mountain medical services and first-class rental equipment. In the summer season, the resort will offer hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and other attractions, as the plan has been redesigned by 30-40% to encourage four-season tourist use. The topography of the terrain allows 80% of the slopes to be built with minimal earthworks or forest clearing, preserving the natural environment. In fact, the chosen mountains (between ~2,000 and 3,350 m altitude) have ideal conditions: favourable orientation, wide natural slopes and abundant snow and water for the next 50 years. In terms of connections, in addition to the existing road to Karakol, local roads are being improved and internal transport in the valley (possibly a shuttle or funicular system) is being considered to move visitors between the different bases. All this will make Ala-Too Resort a modern, spacious and well-equipped complex, capable of rivalling Alpine destinations.
Cultural architectural design and local identity
One of the distinctive features of Ala-Too Resort is its emphasis on cultural and landscape integration with the local Kyrgyz identity. Far from building a generic replica of a Western resort, the planners have incorporated elements of nomadic tradition and regional aesthetics into the design. For example, the master plan envisages the creation of an ‘ethno-town’ at each base, where hotels and buildings will recreate typical Kyrgyz forms and motifs. ‘The hotel complexes will be linked together in a single ethno-town,’ explained the project director, indicating that the architecture will use national ornaments, local materials and vernacular styles in facades and decorations. An important symbol will be the construction of a mosque in Jyrgalan adorned with traditional Kyrgyz patterns, emphasising respect for local culture and spirituality within the resort. Structures inspired by nomadic dwellings will also be incorporated: there are plans to install traditional yurts adapted as glamping accommodation and dining areas, offering visitors an authentic experience.
The urban planning also seeks to minimise visual impact and respect the environment: no building will exceed six storeys in height, so that the skyline maintains a human scale in keeping with the mountainous landscape. Luxury hotels will be built in a staggered manner on the hillside or on discreet terraces, avoiding large volumes that break the visual harmony. Materials such as wood and local stone will predominate, and roofs could incorporate designs inspired by yurts or earthy colours to blend in with the surroundings. Public areas and theme parks will highlight the nomadic heritage: exhibitions of archery, traditional Kyrgyz art, local cuisine and folklore events are planned so that the resort offers not only sport but also cultural content to its guests.
In addition, the project includes an important social component for the local community, which is reflected in the design. For example, the construction of the station will lead to infrastructure improvements in nearby villages such as Karakol (which lacks some facilities, such as a specialised hospital). Markets will also be set up so that local artisans and farmers can sell their products within the resort, promoting the regional economy and showcasing Kyrgyz culture to foreign visitors. In this way, Ala-Too Resort aims to be a culturally sustainable project, where modern tourism coexists with local roots. ‘The complex will have all the necessary services – spa, shops, restaurants – and ethnic villages,’ reaffirmed Zh. Maksutov, emphasising that authenticity will be an added value of the resort. In short, from the mosque to the yurts, every architectural and functional element has been designed to ensure that Ala-Too Resort reflects the Kyrgyz identity, creating a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from any other ski resort in the world.
Economic and tourism projections
The Kyrgyz authorities have high economic and tourism expectations for Ala-Too Resort. Once fully operational, the resort could welcome between 850,000 and 2,000,000 visitors per year, according to various estimates. International consultants project around 850,000 skiers and tourists per year in sustainable demand, which in itself would double Kyrgyzstan’s current winter tourist flow. However, President Sadyr Japarov has predicted that it will exceed 2 million visitors per year, aspiring to become a leading destination in Asia. In any case, even the conservative figure of 850,000 would make Ala-Too Resort the busiest tourist hub in the region. It is expected to attract a mix of markets: from local skiers and those from neighbouring countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan) to long-haul tourists, including Russians, Chinese, Europeans and even those from the Middle East and South Asia, given the growing interest in new snow destinations.
The direct economic impact will also be considerable. The resort will create thousands of jobs in a rural high mountain area. Between 4,600 and 4,800 permanent jobs will be created after the project is implemented, absorbing local labour in sectors such as hospitality, guiding, ski instruction, maintenance and transport. This employment opportunity will slow the migration of young people out of the region and revitalise the communities of Ak-Suu and Karakol. In terms of public coffers, 146 million euros in tax revenue to the state is estimated during the first years of operation (taxes on tourist activities, income and property). In addition, the resort will boost indirect sectors: local food producers will supply hotels and restaurants (generating a multiplier effect in agriculture), and an increase in investment in infrastructure (roads, airports) is expected in the Issyk-Kul region. ‘This complex will become a new economic engine for the country, comparable to the Kumtor project,’ said President Japarov, equating the importance of the resort to that of the country’s largest gold mine (Kumtor), which has traditionally been a pillar of Kyrgyz GDP. In other words, Ala-Too Resort could become Kyrgyzstan’s ‘second Kumtor’ in terms of economic contribution.
In terms of tourism, Kyrgyzstan aims to establish itself as a winter tourism destination in Central Asia. The country is currently known for mountaineering and summer adventures; with Ala-Too, the tourist season will be extended to almost 10 months a year, taking advantage of both winter (skiing) and summer (ecotourism in the mountains and on the lake). The resort will complement the existing offer in Issyk-Kul (sun and beach in summer) by adding high-quality snow sports in winter, achieving an annualised tourist economy. Synergy is also planned with the nearby city of Karakol, which has a refurbished airport for international flights, facilitating the arrival of foreign skiers. Tourism revenues could increase exponentially; in fact, the government has set a target of attracting up to $20 billion in tourism investment over the next decade, largely thanks to projects such as Ala-Too.
Finally, the project represents a demonstration effect for the entire region. Neighbouring countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have modernised their ski resorts in recent years (e.g. Amirsoy in Uzbekistan, opened in 2019), but none match the size and capacity of Ala-Too. The success of Ala-Too Resort could trigger a Central Asian tourist corridor, attracting international travellers who combine multiple destinations. In short, expectations for Ala-Too are high: it is expected to transform the local economy of Issyk-Kul, diversify the national GDP, and put Kyrgyzstan on the map of the world’s great mountain tourism destinations.
Comparison with other resorts in Central Asia and around the world
Once completed, Ala-Too Resort will have no rival in Central Asia in terms of size and capacity. Currently, the largest resorts in the region are only a fraction of what is planned in Kyrgyzstan.
For example, Shymbulak (Kazakhstan) – Central Asia’s most renowned ski resort to date – offers around 20 km of slopes and 8 ski lifts. In Kyrgyzstan, the existing resort of Karakol (the largest in the country) also has 20 km of skiable terrain and just 4 old ski lifts. Even the new Amirsoy resort in Uzbekistan, which opened with international aspirations, has a total of 15–16 km of slopes. In contrast, Ala-Too Resort plans to have 250 km of slopes and around 30 lifts, multiplying the scale of any regional competitor by 10.
‘There are no comparable projects in the whole of Central Asia,’
says the Kabar agency. In fact, when it becomes operational, Ala-Too will position itself as the largest ski resort in Central Asia, a title endorsed by the Kazakh and Kyrgyz authorities in their statements.
Internationally, Ala-Too Resort will also rank among the elite. With 250 km of slopes, it would be on the list of the 30 largest ski areas in the world. Although it will not surpass Alpine giants such as Les 3 Vallées in France (the largest in the world, with ~600 km of interconnected slopes) or Paradiski (~425 km in France), it will enter the same league as world-class resorts such as Zermatt-Cervinia in the Alps (~360 km) or Whistler Blackcomb in Canada (~200 km). In fact, comparisons with Courchevel have been constant: the Kyrgyz project seeks to replicate the successful model of Les Trois Vallées, adapted to Central Asia. That is why S3V was invited and the initiative was colloquially christened ‘Kyrgyz Courchevel’. In terms of altitude, Ala-Too will have similar heights to many European resorts (base around 2,200 m and peaks up to ~3,300 m), ensuring good snow quality.
Another relevant comparison is with ski resorts in the Caucasus and Russia. For example, Rosa Khutor (Sochi, Russia) – host of the 2014 Winter Olympics – has ~102 km of slopes, less than half of what Ala-Too will offer. Even adding up several resorts in the Russian Caucasus, the length planned in Kyrgyzstan is not reached. China has also invested in large ski centres (e.g. Genting Snow Park, the 2022 Olympic venue), but none exceed 100 km of slopes. Thus, Ala-Too Resort could become the second largest ski area in Eurasia outside the Alps, behind only the European conglomerates. Kyrgyzstan would go from not featuring in global winter tourism to being a prominent destination in international ski guides.
Finally, beyond the figures, Ala-Too will seek to compete on the quality of experience. Its aim is to match the sophistication of services in the Alps (ski schools, gastronomy, luxury après-ski) but with the added value of its unique culture and unspoilt nature. This will allow it to compete with emerging ski destinations in other parts of the world (e.g. Gulmarg in India or Nevados de Chillán in Chile), standing out for the size of the domain and the comprehensive investment made. If the project meets its goals, Central Asia will cease to be a ‘blind spot’ on the international ski map and become a new frontier for winter sports, with Ala-Too Resort at the forefront. In the words of Pascal de Thiersant (S3V), the challenge is to ‘create an environmentally friendly resort with a positive social impact, demonstrating that economic development and cultural preservation can go hand in hand’. Ala-Too Resort aims to do just that: to combine the grandeur of the world’s great ski areas with the soul of Kyrgyzstan, opening a new chapter in the history of mountain tourism.
