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

Things to Do in Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Medeu Ice Skating Rink, Kazakhstan - Complete Travel Guide

The world's highest skating rink sits at 1,691 meters above sea level—where over 200 world records fell on ice surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Medeu Ice Skating Rink has operated in Kazakhstan's Tian Shan mountains since 1972, drawing Olympic athletes and weekend warriors to the same frozen surface. Total athletic history. The facility runs year-round thanks to altitude and modern refrigeration, creating an almost surreal experience of gliding across record-breaking ice while mountain air fills your lungs. Modern tech meets ancient peaks.

Top Things to Do in Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Ice Skating on the Olympic Rink

Public skating sessions happen on the same ice where world records were broken decades ago. The 10,500 square meter rink provides plenty of space even during busy periods, and skating here feels like stepping into Olympic history. Same ice, same records. Mountain views while gliding across the surface create an experience that combines sport with natural beauty in ways most rinks can't touch.

Booking Tip: Public skating sessions typically cost around 2,000-3,000 KZT and run several times daily. Early morning sessions (9-11 AM) tend to be less crowded and offer the best ice conditions. Skate rentals are available on-site for about 1,000 KZT.

Hiking to Shymbulak Ski Resort

A scenic trail connects Medeu to nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort, winding through alpine meadows with panoramic valley views below. The moderate 3-kilometer hike takes about an hour and provides excellent photo opportunities along the way. Easy walk, great shots. During winter, the gondola lift offers more comfortable transport with equally spectacular views for those who'd rather ride than walk.

Booking Tip: The trail is free and accessible year-round, though winter hiking requires proper gear. Gondola tickets cost around 3,000-4,000 KZT one way. Start early in summer to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the mountains.

Climbing the Medeu Dam Steps

The famous staircase leading up the Medeu dam consists of 842 steps and draws fitness ensoiasts plus tourists like a magnet. The climb challenges most people due to altitude, but views from the top encompass the entire skating complex and Almaty cityscape in the distance. Brutal but worth it. Local legend suggests climbing all steps brings good luck—though most visitors settle for better cardiovascular health.

Booking Tip: The steps are free to climb and accessible during daylight hours. Bring water and take your time - the altitude makes this more challenging than it appears. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photos from the top.

Photography at the Mountain Viewpoints

Several designated viewpoints around the complex offer impressive photo opportunities with the rink, mountains, and valley as backdrops. The contrast between modern skating facility and ancient mountain peaks creates compelling compositions that look fake but aren't. Golden hour lighting works magic here. Sunset transforms the entire scene into something that makes your phone camera work overtime.

Booking Tip: Access to viewpoints is included with rink admission. The best shots are typically from the upper terraces during late afternoon when the mountains catch the golden light. Bring a tripod for low-light conditions if visiting during winter months.

Winter Sports Equipment Rental and Lessons

Beyond skating, the facility rents various winter sports equipment and provides instruction for visitors wanting to try different activities. Professional instructors offer skating lessons for all skill levels, while surrounding areas provide opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Plenty of winter options. The high-altitude environment helps improve technique since thinner air requires more precise movements from your body.

Booking Tip: Skating lessons start around 8,000-12,000 KZT per hour for private instruction. Group lessons are more affordable at about 4,000-6,000 KZT per person. Book lessons in advance during peak winter months (December-February) when demand is highest.

Getting There

Most visitors drive 30 minutes from Almaty, though traffic and road conditions can stretch that time considerably. Bus route 12 costs around 150 KZT and takes about 45 minutes from the city center. Taxis run 3,000-5,000 KZT each way. Many drivers wait for return trips for a small extra fee, which beats hunting for transport down the mountain later. Winter driving gets tricky. Check road conditions before heading up, especially in rental cars without proper winter gear.

Getting Around

The complex clusters most facilities around the main rink, making everything walkable for most visitors. Shuttle services connect different levels during peak seasons, though the distances won't challenge anyone reasonably fit. Simple layout, manageable walks. The gondola system links to Shymbulak and provides scenic transport up the mountain, while marked hiking trails offer more adventurous routes between locations. Winter conditions demand proper footwear—ice and snow make some paths treacherous.

Where to Stay

Almaty City Center
Kok-Tobe Hill Area
Dostyk Avenue District
Al-Farabi Avenue
Medeu Valley Guesthouses
Shymbulak Resort Hotels

Food & Dining

Food options stay basic at Medeu itself—a café and snack bar serve hot drinks, simple meals, and traditional Kazakh snacks. Perfect for warming up between skating sessions, nothing more. The real eating happens back in Almaty. You'll find everything from traditional Kazakh cuisine featuring horse meat and fermented mare's milk to modern international restaurants down in the city. Try local favorites like beshbarmak (boiled meat with pasta) and plov (pilaf)—hearty food that makes sense after mountain air burns through your energy. Many visitors pack picnic lunches for the scenic viewpoints.

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When to Visit

Medeu operates year-round, but each season delivers a completely different experience that changes how you'll remember the place. Winter months (December through March) offer authentic mountain atmosphere with natural snow and crisp air, though temperatures drop well below freezing regularly. Perfect conditions, brutal cold. Summer visits (June through August) provide surprisingly good skating thanks to artificial refrigeration, plus easier access and warmer weather for hiking activities. Spring and fall stay less crowded with moderate temperatures—ideal for combining skating and outdoor exploration. Weather changes fast here. Layer your clothing regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—altitude, snow reflection, and thin mountain air create intense UV exposure even on cloudy days
The facility gets extremely busy weekends and holidays, so weekday visits offer more peaceful experiences with better ice conditions
Altitude sickness can affect some visitors at 1,691 meters—take it easy on your first visit and stay hydrated throughout the day

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Itineraries

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Getting Around

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Where to Stay

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