The Norus ski area has two drag lifts serving a short but enjoyable run down through open terrain. The slopes are best suited to beginners and lower-intermediates — the vertical drop is modest and there are no black runs or mogul fields. What it lacks in challenge it makes up for in ease: the lifts are short, queues are rare on weekdays, and the mountains visible from the top are genuinely impressive.
Lift passes are cheap by any international standard. There is no rental equipment at the resort, so you need to bring your own or hire skis and boots in Bishkek the day before. A handful of local instructors are usually available on weekends.