Almaty SuperSki Project to Develop Inclusive Infrastructure at Future Mountain Resort Near Almaty

The mountains surrounding Almaty will become accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. To turn this principle into reality, Kazakh Tourism Development Ltd., the company implementing the Almaty SuperSki project on the Kok-Zhailau plateau, has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Ulan Inkarbekov, Chairman of the Almaty City Society of Persons with Disabilities.

The document formalises the parties' commitment to creating inclusive infrastructure at the future mountain resort. On behalf of Kazakh Tourism Development Ltd., the memorandum was signed by Chairman of the Management Board Yerzhan Yerkinbayev. The framework agreement has been concluded for a period of five years, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent.

Under the memorandum, Ulan Inkarbekov will provide expert and advisory support to ensure that the resort is accessible to persons with disabilities and other groups with limited mobility. Areas of cooperation will include the development of standards and requirements for inclusive infrastructure, covering accommodation facilities, pedestrian routes, food and beverage outlets, and service areas, in line with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and internationally recognised accessibility standards.

«Almaty SuperSki is a project we are creating for all residents of Almaty. Accessibility cannot simply be another item on a technical checklist; it must be embedded in the very philosophy of the resort from the earliest stages of decision-making. Our cooperation with the Almaty City Society of Persons with Disabilities enables us to evaluate every step of the project alongside those who understand the needs of visitors with limited mobility better than anyone else», - said Yerzhan Yerkinbayev.«Almaty SuperSki is a project we are creating for all residents of Almaty. Accessibility cannot simply be another item on a technical checklist; it must be embedded in the very philosophy of the resort from the earliest stages of decision-making. Our cooperation with the Almaty City Society of Persons with Disabilities enables us to evaluate every step of the project alongside those who understand the needs of visitors with limited mobility better than anyone else», - said Yerzhan Yerkinbayev.

The parties also agreed to jointly develop adaptive sports and recreational programmes tailored to people with disabilities. Representatives of the organisation will participate in public events, project presentations, and professional discussions related to inclusive tourism and the accessibility of the visitor environment.

«For many years, the mountains remained an unattainable dream for people with disabilities. Today, for the first time in Kazakhstan, we are seeing a project in which inclusion is not treated as an afterthought but incorporated from the very beginning. For our community, this is an opportunity not only to gain equal access to nature, but also to help shape an environment that truly works for everyone», - emphasised Ulan Inkarbekov.

As part of the cooperation, the organisation's representative will receive organisational and informational support, as well as access to project documentation and materials related to the resort's concept. The parties also intend to jointly promote Almaty SuperSki as an inclusive tourism destination open and welcoming to visitors of all backgrounds and abilities.

The signing of the memorandum continues the project's efforts to build a broad network of partners among Kazakhstan's representatives of science, culture, sports, and civil society organisations. Previously, Almaty SuperSki signed similar agreements with a number of domestic experts in the fields of environmental protection, safety, cultural heritage preservation, and mountain area development.