Skiing and snowboarding in Uzbekistan. Ski slopes, ski lifts and options for snowboarding and skiing in Uzbekistan. Backcountry in Chimgan (original) (raw)

Description of the slopes, rope-ways and ski routes of Chimgan:

When you are in Tashkent, before the sunrise, in the East, against the background of the blue sky you can see the light blue silhouette. In clear winter days, at the same direction you can see the snow-white wall with blue shadows. This wall, surrounding Tashkent from the East are the Western Tyan-Shan Mountains. Rising higher then to 3000 meters above the sea level, they have the eternal blanket of snow that comes down to the mountain foot in winter. In 85 km from the capital of Uzbekistan, in the spurs of Chatkal ridge on the height of 1600 meters, the large tourist skiing complex "Chimgan" is located. The main peak of the entire mountain area - Big Chimgan ( 3309 m) looks like a peak of giant star from which, the rays of slopes, adorned by cliffy peaks disperse in all directions. Chimgan is a "green" mountainside, wonderful place for skiing, travels of just relaxation.

Climate conditions of Chimgan tract are so wonderful that even at the end of 19th century the General-governor (during Russian tsars) built a house for himself in this area. Following his example, the elite had started constructions of summer houses and cottages, and later on the construction of sanatoriums and resorts.

There are two existing roads, leading from Tashkent to Chimgan: one lies on the Valley of Galvasay River with its picturesque steep slopes. This road is considered to be the shortest one to Chimgan tract, and the second one passes through Chirchik River and Khodjikent village - famous for its ancient tea-house located in the shade of giant old platan trees that keep centuries-old secrets of this area and petroglyphs of ancient people. Nowadays, the youth competitions on rock-climbing are being held. Then, the road rises above the dam of Charvak water reservoir where you'll have marvelous view of highland water reservoir.

Mountain skiing season here is not so long, it starts in December and lasts until mid of March. In the second half of March the descent becomes more difficult due to viscous and damp snow. The routes of Chimgan are equipped with the chair-lift, rope tow and several ski-tows, located on the different slopes of Chimgan. "Black" and "red" slopes are located on the basic slope (there are 4-5 of them) which is being served by chair-lift. "Red" and "blue" routes are located on the slopes of the main peak's spur which is equipped by the rope-tow. Extension of the routs is from 700 to 1000 m. There are also the routes for beginners that are supplied with the ski-tows around the entire ski resort.

In Chimgan there are several hotel complexes and cottages at your service, also the station for rent of skies, snowboards and sledges. In winter, inhabitants of Tashkent, tourists from other cities of Uzbekistan and foreign tourists come to Chimgan for skiing, snowboarding and sledding. Near the hotel complex "Chimgan" there is a restaurant, bar, several dance clubs, billiard, tennis, and sauna. National cuisine restaurants and cafe, shashlik-cafe and small shops are available not far from the slopes. Local inhabitants invite for horse riding and visiting to national homes in the village Chimgan.

Chimgan, Information:

The Peak "Big Chimgan": 3309 m
Extension of the chair-lift: 800 m
Overfall of heights: 385 m
Duration of elevation: 10 min
Extension of the rope-tow: 570 m
Overfall of heights: 250 m
Duration of elevation: about 10 min

The routes of "Chimgan" complex