Winter is here in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and the capital city is transforming into a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. With its snow-capped mountains and rugged landscape, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities among locals and tourists. Especially if you don't own your equipment, finding the right equipment for you can be quite difficult to find if you are new to the city. In this article, I'll guide you through the best places to rent ski and snowboard equipment in Bishkek.
WHY GO SKIING IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
Bishkek is a great destination for any ski and snowboard enthusiasts. I've just spent the last year and a half in Seoul, South Korea, and had the chance to go skiing at the Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort. Surprisingly, Korea doesn't get much snowfall so the hill was covered in artificial and technical snow. However, if you drive less than an hour away from Bishkek towards the mountains and at higher elevations, you'll see no shortage of fluffy and fresh snow, making it the optimal environment for skiing and snowboarding.
Wide Range of Equipment Available
There are several ski and snowboard rental shops in Bishkek, offering a wide range of equipment to suit different needs and skill levels. So if you're a beginner skier or advanced, there is something for everyone. Rental shops offer a variety of different equipment sizes and styles, allowing you to choose the equipment that best suits your needs.
Convenient Locations
There are many rental shops conveniently located throughout Bishkek, making it easy for you to visit the shop to pick up and drop off your equipment.
WHERE TO RENT SKI AND BOARD EQUIPMENT IN BISHKEK
1. Gergert Sport
Location: 182 Gorky St, Bishkek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gergertsport/
Website: https://gergert.kg/
The staff is extremely helpful and supportive, I suggest you come to the store as soon as it opens to beat the rush for rentals, especially on weekends. There is a good variety of products, ski, and snowboard gear that is available to rent. The approximate cost to rent a complete set is 1000 soms.
2. Sport Expert
Location: Chingiz Aitmatov Av. 73/1, 720044
Website: http://sportexpert.kg/
SportExpert has a great selection of ski and snowboard equipment for rent. They also have a reputation for having mountaineering and hiking equipment from well-known brands such as boots, eye protection, headlamps, ropes, and more. The prices may be on the higher end but the quality is worth it.
3. Ski House
Location: 162 Shabdan Baatyr St, Bishkek
Website: http://skihouse.business.site/
On the way towards Chunkurchak, Ski House is conveniently located where you can rent clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Due to its convenient location, this shop is popular so you should go early if you want to avoid any queues. Based on their Instagram account, they even offer transportation to Chunkurchak so I highly suggest you message them on WhatsApp to learn more.
TIPS WHEN RENTING SKI EQUIPMENT
Rental Policies
I highly recommend you understand the shop's rental policies regarding equipment damage, returns, and refunds. I've seen many expats suggest that you take pictures of the equipment before you rent because you may face any unexpected issues. Always check the quality and condition of the equipment. Make sure the gear is in good condition, free from any significant wear and tear, and properly maintained.
Safety Equipment
Don't forget to rent or bring safety equipment such as gloves, helmets, goggles, and wrist guards, Safety should always be a top priority.
Keeping this information in mind, I hope you can make the most of your ski and snowboard experience in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Have a great time on the slopes and if you have any suggestions on more shops to add to this guide, comment below.
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