Skiing in Uzbekistan this winter: Amirsoy, Chimgan and Beldersay are 1.5–2 hours from Tashkent. Compare the resorts, season and slopes, and pair the mountains with Samarkand.
Uzbekistan does not go to sleep in winter. While Samarkand and Bukhara are quiet and almost free of crowds, snow falls in the Western Tian Shan and ski slopes open close to the capital. You can ski with views of the ridges in the morning and have plov for dinner in Tashkent the same evening. At OKS Tours / OKS DMC we have put together what you need to know about a winter mountain break in Uzbekistan.
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When there is snow in Uzbekistan
The ski resorts of Tashkent Region sit in the foothills of the Chatkal Range, roughly 65–85 km northeast of the capital. The season usually runs from December to March; Amirsoy has snowmaking, so its slopes are often ready earlier and last longer. Exact dates depend on snowfall each year, so we check current conditions before your trip.
January and February are the best months for skiing. Holidays, New Year and weekends are noticeably busier, so pick weekdays for a calmer experience.
Amirsoy: the modern resort
Amirsoy is the country's most modern ski resort, with a gondola, chairlifts and magic carpets for beginners. According to the resort, it has 11 runs of different levels with more than 15 km in total. The top gondola station is at about 2,290 m, with a panorama of snowy ridges.
It also works for first-timers: there is a ski school with instructors, equipment rental, tubing, snowmobiles, a spa and restaurants. You can stay in the chalets on site or come for a day from Tashkent.
Chimgan: the classic
Chimgan has been a favourite getaway for Tashkent locals since Soviet times. Big Chimgan (3,309 m) rises above the village, which sits at about 1,600 m. It is simpler and more laid-back than Amirsoy: chairlifts and drag lifts, runs from gentle to steep, guesthouses and cafés serving shashlik and hot tea.
People love Chimgan for its atmosphere and views. Even if you don't ski, it is worth coming for a walk in the snow and photos from the viewpoints.
Beldersay: big views
Beldersay is just a few kilometres from Chimgan. Its highlight is a long cable car (about 2.5 km) up to Kumbel Peak at around 2,200 m, with views of the Charvak Reservoir and the peaks of the Chatkal Range.
There are only a few runs, better suited to confident skiers. Weekends can bring queues at the cable car, so come early in the morning or on a weekday.
Which resort to choose
- First time on skis or with kids: Amirsoy — ski school, gentle runs, comfort.
- Atmosphere on a budget: Chimgan — simple lifts and guesthouses.
- Confident skiers and view lovers: Beldersay — a long ride up and open space.
- A bit of everything: stay in one place and visit the neighbouring resorts for a day.
If you don't ski
The winter mountains are great without skis too: a gondola or cable car ride, tubing, snowmobile trips, a sauna or spa after a frosty day. On the way, stop at the Charvak Reservoir — in winter its turquoise water looks especially striking against the white slopes.
Mountains + Samarkand: a winter route
Winter is when you can see Samarkand and Bukhara with hardly any crowds. Sometimes snow settles on the domes and courtyards, and familiar monuments look completely different. The high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand makes it easy to combine the mountains with the Silk Road cities.
Sample 5–6 day programme
- Day 1: arrive in Tashkent, city walk, plov dinner.
- Days 2–3: mountains — Amirsoy or Chimgan, skiing or relaxing, a night in the mountains.
- Day 4: back to Tashkent, evening train to Samarkand.
- Days 5–6: Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir, then depart or continue to Bukhara.
We will tailor the programme to your dates: transfers, guide, accommodation and train tickets. Ski passes, equipment rental and museum entrance tickets are not included in the package and are paid on site.
Practical tips
- Clothing: the mountains are cold and windy, while the cities are usually around freezing or a little above during the day. Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and sunglasses.
- Sun: at 2,000 m the sun is strong even in winter — pack SPF cream.
- Roads: after heavy snow the mountain road may close for clearing; it is easier to travel with a driver who knows the conditions.
- Money: carry some cash in sum: cards do not always work at small mountain cafés and rental shops.
- Holidays: slopes and accommodation fill up over New Year, so book early.
Oks DMC Team | Oks Tours
