Under the slogan “Keeping it Real,” Almaty had emphasized their traditional winter setting with tall mountains and plenty of natural snow coverage as well as compactness — most venues are within half an hour’s travel through Alpine scenery.

The city also co-hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games with the capital, Astana.

It can be seen as preparation for hosting the Winter Olympic Games in the future.

[4][5] Almaty bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics but failed to become a candidate city.

Sochi was ultimately elected as the host city on July 4, 2007.