Case Study - Field study at Chatkal valley
Field study at Chatkal Valley (2 April 2026) assessed the potential for a new four-season ski resort, confirming three interconnected ski zones with favourable north-west exposure and prolonged snow cover. The site outperforms the abandoned Ak-Tash location, warranting further master plan and feasibility studies.
- Client
- National Agency for Tourism Development
- Year
Overview
On 2 April 2026, a field study was conducted in the Chatkal Valley at the request of the Director of the National Agency for Tourism Development of Kyrgyzstan, as part of the Chatkal Resort project – a planned four-season mountain resort with a focus on skiing and winter tourism. The mission included a meeting at the Chatkal District Administration (Akimiat) in Kanysh Kya, followed by an on-site inspection of the mountain slopes on the left bank of the Chatkal River, between Korgon Say (1,845 m) and Bashik Terek (2,000 m), over a 12 km stretch with peaks reaching 4,000–4,200 m.
The study assessed the potential for developing three interconnected ski areas, noting the favourable north-western exposure, prolonged snow cover (30–60 cm still present in early April), and the valley's strategic position near protected areas (Besh-Aral UNESCO reserve) and emerging infrastructure (planned airport, hydropower dams, road reconstructions). Preliminary SWOT analysis highlighted strong natural assets (diverse landscapes, hot springs, technical workforce) alongside challenges such as avalanche risks, extreme winter temperatures (-30°C), and limited current hotel capacity.
The visit confirmed the site's superior potential over the previously abandoned Ak-Tash location, recommending further detailed studies (master plan, market analysis, environmental and socio-economic assessments) to validate feasibility for a 50–70 million euro resort development.