Ski jumping hill in Almaty -
Ski jumping complex in Kazakhstan -
The Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex is one of the most impressive sports facilities in Almaty and throughout Central Asia. It is located in a picturesque location on the southern outskirts of the city, at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau, at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level. This place offers spectacular views of the mountains and the city, which makes Sunkar not only a competition arena, but also a popular viewing platform. The complex is the pride of Kazakhstan and an important winter sports center, where international tournaments, national championships and training of the best ski jumpers in the world take place.
History
Construction of the complex began in 2008 and became part of Almaty's extensive preparations for future international competitions, including the 2011 Asian Winter Games and the 2017 Universiade. Prior to that, Kazakhstan's skiers trained on an old ski jump that eventually fell into disrepair and which did not meet modern standards. The new complex was supposed to be not just a replacement, but a real step into the future – a world-class arena.
In 2010, Sunkar was officially opened. His appearance was an event for the entire sports community of the country. Shortly after the opening, the first international competitions were held here, and in 2011, competitions within the framework of the VII Asian Winter Games.
Architecture and features of the complex
The Sunkar complex consists of six jumps of various categories: K125, K95, K60, K40, K20 and K10, which allows holding competitions among athletes of all ages and training levels. The K125 main springboard is considered one of the most modern and technically advanced in the world. All ski jumps are equipped with artificial snowmaking systems, elevators for athletes, electronic refereeing and modern security systems.
Architecturally, the complex impresses with its scale. The metal structures of the trampolines are aimed at the sky, like the wings of the legendary Sunkar bird (falcon), a symbol of strength, freedom and striving for heights. The terraces of the spectator stands and observation platforms allow you to watch the jumps with a spectacular panorama of the city and the mountains of Almaty.
How to get there and visit -
The Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex is located in the foothills of Almaty at 167 Karpova Street, 128/8 Al-Farabi Avenue, Bostandyk district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°12'35"N 76°56'03"E
There is no direct public transport to the jumps, but it is easy to get there. The most convenient way is by private car or taxi.
If you are traveling by bus, there are two main routes:
Take buses through the Esentai Mall shopping center № 38, 63, 68, 86, 127, 211 to the Esentai Mall shopping center bus stop. Then about 1 km (10-15 minutes) on foot towards the mountains along Kapparova Street.
Across Remizovka street: take bus No. 101 to the stop "Remizovka St." or "Al-Farabi Ave." Turn onto Kapparova Street and climb up to the complex.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday are closed)
Contacts: +7 727 396 92 35
Role in the development of sports
"Sunkar" became the base for the training of the national team of Kazakhstan in ski jumping and biathlon. International training camps, World Cup stages and youth championships are held here. The complex is also actively used for mass sports — in winter, skiing, competitions for amateurs, excursions and sports festivals take place here. Thanks to Sunkar, Almaty has consolidated its status as a winter sports center and confirmed its readiness to host world-class competitions.
Legend and symbolism
The name of the complex "Sunkar" (translated from Kazakh as "falcon") was not chosen by chance. In Kazakh culture, this predator symbolizes strength, agility, pride and aspiration to the sky. Similarly, an athlete taking off from a ski jump seems to turn into a bird soaring above the ground. This image perfectly reflects the spirit of the complex – a place where a person overcomes the limits of what is possible and strives for heights, inspiring others with his flight.
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