Status page · updated 12 October 2026
Ala-Too Resort, Jyrgalan: status and how to get there
Ala-Too Resort is the ski cluster the Kyrgyz state is building in the Ak-Suu district east of Karakol — Jyrgalan first, then Ak-Bulak and Boz-Uchuk. It is the biggest ski project in Central Asia on paper, and its first winter is this one.
What is known
| Where | Jyrgalan valley, Ak-Suu district, Issyk-Kul region — about 60–65 km east of Karakol |
| Who | OJSC Ala-Too Resort, 100% state-owned |
| Lifts | Doppelmayr B-1 (1.7 km) and B-2 (2.3 km), technical launch July 2026; four more lines contracted in February 2026 for the end of 2026 |
| Opening | Announced for December 2026 (first phase, Jyrgalan); Ak-Bulak planned for 2027, Boz-Uchuk 2028 |
| Ski pass | Not announced yet |
| Hotels | Plots auctioned to private investors in 2025–26 with a two-year build deadline — almost no beds on site this winter; stay in Karakol or Jyrgalan guesthouses |
| Access | Karakol → Jyrgalan road being widened and paved; 4,000-place car park planned; Karakol airport (IKG) runway extended |
Sources: economist.kg, 24.kg, Times of Central Asia (2025–2026). We will update this page when the opening date and prices are confirmed.
How to get there
From Manas airport: 7.5 hours to Karakol, then 1.5 hours to Jyrgalan. Most visitors will sleep in Karakol in the first season and drive out every morning.
From Karakol: our daily return — the driver brings you at opening time and waits until the last lift — is $150 per 4x4 for up to 4 people with skis. One way is $85.
From Almaty: via the Kegen crossing it is the shortest way to the resort when the crossing is open; otherwise via Bishkek.
Cat-skiing and ski touring in Jyrgalan
Jyrgalan already had the country's best-known cat-skiing before the lifts: local operators run a Pistenbully for groups of 6 (around 5,000 som a day per person), and international operators sell week-long cat and touring packages. We drive you to the cat base and back and can help put a group of 6 together.
Transfers
Questions
When does Ala-Too Resort open?
The opening is announced for December 2026. We confirm the date here as soon as it is official.
How far is Ala-Too Resort from Karakol?
About 60–65 km, 1.25–1.5 hours by car in winter.
Is there a shuttle?
The resort has not announced its own shuttle. We run transfers from Karakol and from the airports; ask about shared seats.
Where should I stay?
In Karakol (most choice) or in a Jyrgalan guesthouse if you want to be first on the lift.