If in summer many people like to have rest on the banks of Issyk Kul Lake, then in winter they prefer going to the ski center in Karakol. The skiing season here lasts from November till April.

Karakol  is fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, near the eastern tip of Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) from the Kyrgyzstan-China border and 380 kilometres (240 miles) from the capital Bishkek.

It takes 12 hours for guests from Almaty to reach Karakol by bus or 1,5 hours by plane. The cost of the plane ticket varies from 150 to 300 US dollars.

And don’t worry if there is not much snow in the city. Karakol is never short of it.

Length of slopes: 800 m – 4,5 km. The highest skiing point – 3040 m. Vertical drop is 740 m. Minimal slope – 7%. Maximal slope – 53%.

The cable way is functioning from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The highest skiing point is located 3040 meters high and offers a nice view of the neighborhood. Issyk Kul Lake can be observed as well.

The majority of guests come from Bishkek. It takes them 6 hours to reach the place by car. They say that their city is surrounded by several ski centers but the season itself starts much later there. So,they prefer going to Karakol for a couple of days.

Karakol offers much snow, low prices and beautiful landscapes.

Inhabitants from Almaty visit the place frequently as well. They go there by bus and stay at a guest home as it is much cheaper.

The kids came here with their parents, they have been going in for skiing since they are 7 years old.

The guys came from Alaska. They plan to visit Karakol, Issyk Kul Lake, Bishkek and Almaty.

One can drink some tea and have a snack at the small cafe.

The tour operator is dealing with organizational issues and meets guests from Almaty.

Director of the place says that every new year the place sees more of tourists and is busy with construction of a new building.

Here one can hire mountain skiing suits and snowboards.

Guests can choose between modest guests houses and luxurious hotels.

This hotel is located right on the territory of the skiing center. It will cost you 110-180 US dollars to hire a double room and 190-260 US dollars to hire two-room apartment.

“No rooms!” But if you do decide to visit the place, try to reserve the rooms beforehand as the place is never short of guests.

via voxpopuli