Shymbulak Cableway, Aerial tramway in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Shymbulak Cableway is an aerial transport system in the Almaty mountains that connects the Medeu Valley with a ski resort higher up. The modern gondolas carry eight passengers each on a journey through mountain terrain.
The cableway system was built as part of Kazakhstan's infrastructure development for winter sports after the country gained independence in 1991. It helped establish the nation's ability to host competitive sporting events.
The cableway opens the mountains to people who might not otherwise reach them easily. It serves both competitive skiers and casual visitors seeking to experience the peaks.
The journey takes about 20 minutes from bottom to top, and tickets are sold at the station or online. Weather conditions affect operations, so visitors should check conditions before heading up.
The system runs throughout the entire year, carrying skiers up in winter and hikers up in summer. This year-round operation makes it one of the few ways to easily access these mountain areas regardless of season.
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