Medeu and the Shymbulak gondola
A comfortable car to the lower gondola station, with no parking search or taxi queue on a weekend.
Winter transfers from Almaty and the airport
Transfer to Almaty ski resorts
from 12,000 KZT
Why a ski transfer beats a regular taxi
Private transfers to Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai and Ak-Bulak with a driver: pickup from your home, hotel or the airport, room for skis and snowboards, and arrival in time for the first lifts. The price is fixed before pickup.
Your gear fits
Ski and board bags are longer than a suitcase. We choose a sedan, minivan or minibus so nobody rides with skis on their lap.
Make the first lift
Early pickup from your home, hotel or the airport exit. The time is agreed the day before, with no last-minute search for a car.
No wait for a ride back
No need to hunt for a taxi at the gondola after skiing: the driver waits or returns at the agreed time.
Almaty ski resorts: where to go and how long it takes
Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai and Ak-Bulak are the main slopes near the city. Journey times are approximate and depend on traffic, snowfall and road conditions.
Medeu
Ice rink and gondola · about 25–30 minutes from the centre
A Medeu taxi is the first step to Shymbulak: here you find the lower station of the Medeu–Shymbulak gondola and the high-altitude ice rink. The ride up takes about 15 minutes.
Shymbulak
Base 2,260 m · season from late November to April
Almaty’s best-known ski resort. A Shymbulak transfer goes via Medeu: the road above is closed to combustion-engine cars, so we drop you at the gondola.
Oi-Qaragai
About 35 km, Talgar District · December to April
A resort in a spruce forest with slopes, cottages and glamping. We take you to the entrance, hotel or cottage and collect you on departure day.
Ak-Bulak
About 50 km, beyond Talgar · December to early April
A ski base at 1,640 m with a gondola and a hotel. Good for a day trip or a weekend stay.
How to get to Shymbulak in winter 2026/27
Since 28 September 2026 combustion-engine cars may not use the road above Medeu, and on weekends and public holidays the restriction applies to all vehicles except service transport and local residents. Taxis and private cars can no longer drive all the way to Shymbulak.
The quickest route is to drive to Medeu and take the Medeu–Shymbulak gondola: about 4.5 km and roughly 15 minutes in the cabin. We drop passengers at the lower station and pick them up there in the evening at the agreed time.
The city is discussing electric shuttles between Medeu and Shymbulak. For now the gondola is the main way up, so book your Medeu transfer early for weekends and the New Year holidays.
Oi-Qaragai and Ak-Bulak lie in the Talgar direction, outside the Medeu–Shymbulak restricted zone. The driver takes you straight to the resort, hotel or cottage.
Sedan, minivan or minibus for your ski day
The right vehicle depends on your equipment as well as your group size. Tell us how many ski bags and boot bags you have and we will choose the car.
Minivan for skis and snowboards
Hyundai Staria or a similar-class vehicle with room for a family or group, ski bags and boot bags.
How much is a transfer to Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai and Ak-Bulak
Medeu by Toyota Camry
from 12,000 KZT
One way, to the lower station of the Shymbulak gondola.
CalculateMedeu by Hyundai Staria minivan
from 20,000 KZT
One way, with room for skis, snowboards and boots.
CalculateSki day with a driver
from 60,000 KZT
Toyota Camry, package of up to 10 hours: Medeu in the morning, back in the evening.
CalculateOi-Qaragai day trip
70,000–250,000 KZT
The price depends on the vehicle and the itinerary.
CalculatePrices are per vehicle, not per passenger. Pickup address, resort, date, time, passenger count and amount of equipment are agreed before booking is confirmed. Ak-Bulak and overnight trips are quoted on request.
How to book a ski resort taxi
Booking takes a few minutes on WhatsApp, and the price is fixed before the car arrives.
1. Send the route
Share your pickup address or flight number and the resort: Medeu, Oi-Qaragai or Ak-Bulak.
2. Describe your group
Tell us the number of passengers, children, ski or snowboard sets and your return time.
3. Receive confirmation
We confirm the vehicle, pickup time and price on WhatsApp.
Book your weekend transfer early
In season, Saturday and Sunday morning slots go first. Send the date, address, resort, passenger count and equipment and we will confirm the car and price.
Questions about transfers to Shymbulak and other resorts
Answers to the questions guests ask most often before a mountain trip.
Can a car drive all the way to Shymbulak?
Since 28 September 2026 combustion-engine cars are restricted on the road to Shymbulak. We drop you at Medeu, the lower gondola station, and confirm the current drop-off point before the trip.
Will our skis and snowboards fit?
Yes, if you tell us the amount of equipment in advance. For several sets we suggest a minivan or minibus.
Can the driver wait while we ski?
Yes. The package of up to 10 hours covers this: the driver takes you in the morning, waits and brings you back to the city.
Can we go to the resort straight from the airport?
Yes. Send your flight number, resort or hotel and luggage details, and the driver will meet you after landing.
Can you take us to an overnight stay at Oi-Qaragai or Ak-Bulak?
Yes. We drive you to the hotel or cottage on arrival day and collect you on departure day; each trip is priced separately.
What is not included in the transfer price?
Gondola tickets, ski passes, equipment rental and accommodation are paid separately at the resort.
Price before pickupWe confirm the final amount in writing before the booking.
Vehicle confirmedThe class and available vehicle are agreed in advance.
Requests 24/7Send your request on WhatsApp at any time.
Clear conditionsWaiting, cancellation and payment method are agreed before the trip.