Almaty's Mountain Resorts: Overcrowding Spurs Plans for Expansion

Almaty's Mountain Cluster: Overcrowding and Future Growth Almaty, Kazakhstan – May 23, 2025 – The development of Almaty's mountain cluster is poised for significant growth, according to Andrey Kukushkin, Secretary General of the Eurasian Alliance of Mountain Resorts. Currently, popular resorts such as Shymbulak and Oi-Karagay are experiencing overcrowding, leading to long lift lines and discomfort for visitors. Kukushkin's vision involves expanding the region to accommodate new resorts, thereby alleviating congestion and providing more options for both local and international tourists. "The development of a large region will give the opportunity for new resorts to develop," Kukushkin stated in a recent interview. "This will create a choice for Kazakhstanis based on their financial means and preferences, and for foreign guests, it will offer a wide range of skiing options." This expansion is expected to not only improve the tourist experience but also boost the local economy and create new jobs. The plan is to attract investment and develop new infrastructure to support the growing number of visitors. The initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to managing tourism growth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Almaty's mountain resorts. The future looks bright for Almaty's mountain tourism sector.