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Medeu Ice Skating Rink, Қазақстан - Things to Do in Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Things to Do in Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Medeu Ice Skating Rink, Қазақстан - Complete Travel Guide

Medeu Ice Skating Rink, located in the picturesque mountains above Almaty, Kazakhstan, is one of the world's highest altitude outdoor ice skating rinks at 1,691 meters above sea level. This legendary venue has hosted numerous international speed skating competitions and world records, earning its reputation as the 'highest mountainous sports complex in the world.' The facility is renowned for its pristine ice conditions, created by the unique mountain climate and advanced refrigeration systems. Surrounded by the stunning Ile-Alatau mountains and accessible via a scenic mountain road or cable car, Medeu offers visitors not just world-class skating but also breathtaking alpine scenery. The complex serves as a gateway to the nearby Shymbulak ski resort and provides year-round recreational opportunities. Whether you're a professional athlete, recreational skater, or simply seeking mountain adventure, Medeu combines Soviet-era sporting heritage with natural beauty in an unforgettable high-altitude setting.

Top Things to Do in Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Ice Skating at Medeu Rink

Experience skating on the world's highest outdoor ice rink, where Olympic records have been set. The 10,500 square meter rink offers perfect ice conditions and stunning mountain views. Public skating sessions allow visitors to glide across the same ice where world champions have competed.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 1,000-2,000 KZT ($2-4 USD). Visit early morning or late afternoon for best ice conditions and fewer crowds. Skate rental available on-site for 500-800 KZT. Check weather conditions as the rink may close during severe weather.

Hiking the Medeu Steps

Challenge yourself with the famous 842-step staircase that leads from the parking area to the rink. This steep climb offers excellent exercise and increasingly spectacular views of the Almaty valley below. The steps are a popular training ground for local athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Free activity, but wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. Best attempted in morning or evening to avoid midday heat. Allow 30-45 minutes for the climb. Consider taking the cable car down if you're tired after the ascent.

Cable Car to Shymbulak

Take the scenic cable car journey from Medeu to Shymbulak ski resort, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys. The ride provides access to higher mountain trails, skiing in winter, and mountain restaurants. Multiple cable car stages lead to different elevations and viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 2,000-4,000 KZT ($4-8 USD) depending on destination. Operating hours vary by season, typically 9 AM-6 PM. Buy return tickets together for discounts. Check weather conditions as service may be suspended during storms.

Mountain Photography and Sightseeing

Capture stunning photographs of the Tian Shan mountain range, alpine meadows, and the impressive Medeu dam. The area offers numerous scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities throughout the day. Golden hour lighting creates particularly dramatic mountain silhouettes and valley views.

Booking Tip: Free activity, but bring appropriate camera equipment and extra batteries (cold weather drains them quickly). Best lighting occurs during sunrise (6-8 AM) and sunset (6-8 PM). Dress warmly as mountain weather changes rapidly.

Winter Sports and Skiing

During winter months, enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby Shymbulak resort or try cross-country skiing around Medeu. The area transforms into a winter wonderland with excellent powder snow and varied terrain for all skill levels. Equipment rental and lessons are available at multiple locations.

Booking Tip: Ski passes cost 8,000-15,000 KZT ($15-30 USD) per day. Equipment rental adds 3,000-5,000 KZT. Book lessons in advance during peak season (December-March). Check snow conditions and weather forecasts before visiting.

Getting There

Medeu is located about 25 kilometers southeast of Almaty city center and is accessible by several transportation options. The most convenient way is by taxi or private car, which takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and costs around 3,000-5,000 KZT ($6-10 USD). Public bus route #12 runs from Almaty to Medeu several times daily for about 200 KZT, though the journey takes longer. Many visitors combine the trip with organized tours that include transportation, or rent a car for more flexibility in exploring the mountain area.

Getting Around

Once at Medeu, the complex is easily walkable, though the famous 842 steps provide a significant climb to reach the rink level. A cable car system connects Medeu to higher elevations including Shymbulak ski resort, offering scenic transportation up the mountain. During peak seasons, shuttle buses operate between different levels of the complex. Most visitors explore on foot, as the main attractions are within walking distance, though proper footwear is essential due to potentially icy conditions and mountain terrain.

Where to Stay

Almaty City Center
Kok-Tobe Area
Al-Farabi Avenue
Dostyk Avenue
Furmanov Street District
Republic Square Area

Food & Dining

Dining options at Medeu include several mountain cafes and restaurants offering traditional Kazakhstani cuisine alongside international dishes, with most featuring warming soups, grilled meats, and hot beverages perfect for the mountain climate. The main restaurant complex serves hearty meals like beshbarmak, plov, and shashlik, while smaller cafeterias offer quick snacks and hot drinks. Prices are reasonable considering the mountain location, ranging from 1,500-4,000 KZT ($3-8 USD) for main dishes. For more diverse dining options, visitors can return to Almaty city center where numerous restaurants serve everything from traditional Central Asian cuisine to international fare, with many establishments offering spectacular mountain views.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Almaty

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Medeu depends on your preferred activities, with winter months (December through March) offering optimal ice skating conditions and access to winter sports, while summer months (June through September) provide excellent hiking weather and mountain scenery. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, though ice skating may be limited. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so visitors should be prepared for temperature variations and possible afternoon thunderstorms during summer months.

Insider Tips

Visit early morning (8-10 AM) for the best ice conditions and fewer crowds, plus stunning sunrise views over the mountains
Bring warm clothing even in summer as mountain temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the evening
Combine your visit with a trip to Shymbulak resort via cable car for a full mountain experience and better value for transportation costs

Explore Activities in Medeu Ice Skating Rink