Farewell to winter

It is impossible to resist the desire to go up into the mountains in Almaty and ski or ride a board down the snowy slopes. And night time is as good a time as any to enjoy the ride. Sliding on the sparkling snow in the dark engulfs you into a completely different world. The fear of cold darkness that you see outside the route and the adrenalin rush at the down slide along the illuminated slope: that's what the night riders seek at Shymbulak skiing resort up in the mountains near Almaty.

No special skills are required to ride at night. Fearlessness is the main requirement! Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The snow is a bit different from the one at day time. But you get used to it quickly. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The season at Shymbulak finishes in mid April, but everything depends on the weather. Photo by Ruslan Yamai©

Cost of the night ride: $30 for adults and $17 for students. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Cafe at the bottom of the slope. Photo by Ruslan Yamai©

Photo by Ruslan Yamai©

Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Most of the people prefer to go up in cabins. This makes the ride warm and not windy. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

This season the night rides started in December and are held every Thursday and Saturday. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The rides last from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

The slope is 1,800 meters long. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Snowpark at Shymbulak. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Young riders like to feel adrenalin and show their skills in freestyle and jumps. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

New School skier twisting 180 degrees with the grab. Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©

Photo by Vladimir Prokopenko©