Things to Do in Medeu Ice Skating Rink, Қазақстан

Medeu Ice Skating Rink, located in the stunning Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains just outside Almaty, Kazakhstan, is one of the world's most famous outdoor ice skating venues. Situated at an altitude of 1,691 meters (5,548 feet) above sea level, this legendary rink has been the birthplace of numerous world records in speed skating and figure skating since its opening in 1972. The facility's unique high-altitude location and pristine mountain air create optimal conditions for athletic performance, making it a pilgrimage site for winter sports enthusiasts. Beyond its sporting significance, Medeu serves as a year-round recreational destination that attracts both locals and international visitors. During winter months, the rink transforms into a magical ice skating paradise surrounded by snow-capped peaks, while summer offers hiking trails and stunning alpine scenery. The venue is seamlessly connected to the nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort via cable car, creating an integrated mountain recreation complex that showcases Kazakhstan's natural beauty and commitment to winter sports excellence.

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 over 200 world records have been set. The massive 10,500 square meter rink offers perfect ice conditions and breathtaking mountain views. Whether you're a beginner or experienced skater, gliding across this legendary surface is an unforgettable experience.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 1,000-2,000 KZT ($2-4 USD). Skate rental available on-site for 500-800 KZT. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best ice conditions and fewer crowds. The rink typically operates from November to March, weather permitting.

Cable Car to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take the scenic cable car journey from Medeu to Shymbulak Ski Resort, ascending through pristine mountain landscapes. The ride offers spectacular panoramic views of the Tian Shan mountains and Almaty valley below. During winter, continue to world-class skiing slopes, while summer provides access to hiking trails and mountain restaurants.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 2,500-4,000 KZT ($5-8 USD) one way. Purchase combo tickets with ski passes for better value during winter season. Operate year-round but check weather conditions. Best views are on clear days, typically in the morning.

Mountain Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore numerous hiking trails around the Medeu area, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain treks. The high-altitude location offers pristine air, diverse flora, and stunning vistas of the Zailiyskiy Alatau range. Popular routes include trails to Kok-Zhailau plateau and various alpine lakes.

Booking Tip: Hiking is free, but consider hiring local guides for longer treks (3,000-8,000 KZT per day). Best hiking season is May through October. Bring warm clothing as temperatures drop quickly at altitude. Start early to avoid afternoon weather changes.

Photography and Sightseeing

Capture stunning photographs of the iconic Medeu dam, mountain scenery, and the rink itself against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The area offers countless photo opportunities, from architectural shots of the Soviet-era facilities to panoramic mountain vistas. Golden hour provides particularly spectacular lighting conditions.

Booking Tip: Photography is free, but consider joining organized photo tours for best locations (5,000-12,000 KZT). Bring extra batteries as cold weather drains them quickly. Drone photography requires special permits. Best lighting occurs during sunrise and sunset.

Visit Medeu Dam and Museum

Explore the impressive Medeu dam, built to protect Almaty from mudflows, and learn about the rink's history at the small on-site museum. The dam itself is an engineering marvel, while the museum showcases the venue's role in international skating and the numerous world records set here. Historical exhibits detail the construction and significance of this unique facility.

Booking Tip: Dam visit is free, museum entry around 500-1,000 KZT. Open daily but hours vary seasonally. Guided tours available in Russian and Kazakh, limited English options. Combine with rink visit for full experience. Allow 1-2 hours for complete exploration.

Getting There

Medeu is located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Almaty city center and is easily accessible by various transportation options. The most convenient way is by taxi or private car, taking about 45 minutes via the scenic mountain road through Medeu Gorge. Public buses (routes 6, 12, and 28) run regularly from Almaty to the Medeu stop, costing around 150-200 KZT, though the journey takes longer due to multiple stops. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation, or rent a car for more flexibility to explore the surrounding mountain areas at their own pace.

Getting Around

Once at Medeu, the compact area is easily navigable on foot, with well-maintained paths connecting the rink, cable car station, and various facilities. The cable car system provides access to higher elevations and Shymbulak Resort. Local shuttle services operate between different points during peak seasons. For exploring wider areas, hiking is the primary means of transportation, with clearly marked trails of varying difficulty levels. During winter, some paths may require appropriate footwear due to ice and snow conditions.

Where to Stay

Almaty City Center

Kok-Tobe Area

Dostyk Avenue

Almaty Resort Hotels

Shymbulak Resort Area

Medeu Guesthouse

Food & Dining

Dining options at Medeu itself are limited to a few cafes and snack bars serving basic meals, hot drinks, and traditional Kazakh snacks like baursaks and tea. The mountain cafes offer warming soups, grilled meats, and hot beverages perfect for cold weather. For more extensive dining, visitors typically eat in Almaty before or after their visit, where the city offers excellent Kazakh cuisine including beshbarmak, plov, and fresh dairy products. The cable car restaurant at Shymbulak provides mid-range dining with mountain views, serving both international and local dishes in a cozy alpine setting.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Medeu depends on your interests, but the peak season runs from December through February when the ice rink is in full operation and the surrounding mountains are blanketed in snow. January offers the most reliable ice conditions and the most magical winter atmosphere, though temperatures can drop to -20°C. For hiking and sightseeing, May through September provides pleasant weather and accessible trails, with July and August being warmest. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors, though ice skating may not be available.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing even in summer as temperatures drop significantly at the 1,691-meter altitude, and weather can change rapidly in the mountains

Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during winter when locals flock here for weekend skating sessions

The 842-step staircase from the parking area to the rink is a workout itself - pace yourself and take breaks to enjoy the scenery and acclimatize to the altitude

Things to Do in Medeu Ice Skating Rink