Medeu Ice Rink Almaty
Skate at the world's highest outdoor ice rink, nestled in the stunning Tian Shan Mountains near Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ice rink is open for skating
Medeu Ice Rink Almaty
Best Time
Ice rink is open for skating
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Skate at the world's highest outdoor ice rink, nestled in the stunning Tian Shan Mountains near Almaty, Kazakhstan.
"Medeu: The highest mountain skating rink in the world, where the air is as pure as ice."
Check Ice Rink Season
The ice rink is seasonal, typically open Nov-Mar. Confirm dates before you go!
Cable Car for Views
Take the cable car for incredible mountain panoramas. Worth the ride!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Highest Ice Rink
Medeu
Experience skating at an altitude of 1,691 meters, surrounded by the majestic Tian Shan Mountains.
+1Cable Car to Shymbulak
Medeu
Ascend via cable car for unparalleled panoramic views of the mountains and the ice rink below.
Mountain Scenery
Surrounding Medeu
Breathtaking natural beauty with snow-capped peaks, especially stunning during winter months.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Ice Skating
Getting to Medeu: Views & Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Ice Rink Season
The ice rink is seasonal, typically open Nov-Mar. Confirm dates before you go!
Cable Car for Views
Take the cable car for incredible mountain panoramas. Worth the ride!
Dress Warmly
It's high altitude! Layers are essential, even on sunny days.
Bring Snacks
Food options are available, but packing your own snacks is a good idea.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ice Rink Season
The ice rink is seasonal, typically open Nov-Mar. Confirm dates before you go!
Cable Car for Views
Take the cable car for incredible mountain panoramas. Worth the ride!
Dress Warmly
It's high altitude! Layers are essential, even on sunny days.
Bring Snacks
Food options are available, but packing your own snacks is a good idea.
Payment Options
Various payment methods are accepted, making transactions easy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Medeu Ice Rink is celebrated for its high-quality ice and stunning mountain setting, offering a unique skating experience at the world's highest altitude. Visitors appreciate the easy accessibility and the option for overnight stays, though the seasonal nature of the rink means it's not always open for skating.
"Great skating rink with high quality ice and amenities. Food court is available with some snacks and some hot dishes. Photo service available. You can stay here overnight in the hotel. Plus there is evening skating available. Really good place and easy to get here. Range of payment options available. A+"
Nurseit Niyazbekov
"Perfect ice skating rank"
Magzhan Tursunbayev
"The Ledovoye Pole "Medeu" complex, located in Almaty, is the highest outdoor speed skating rink in the world, perched at an altitude of 1,691 meters. Built in 1972, it quickly became a symbol of sport in Kazakhstan and the former USSR. Thanks to its unique location in the Tian Shan Mountains, it offers an ideal climate for speed skating and other winter competitions.
This rink is renowned for its high-quality ice, made possible by pure water from mountain springs. It has hosted numerous international events, breaking several world speed records. Today, it continues to be a training center for athletes and a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists.
Its appeal extends beyond its sporting competitions. In winter, the site is popular with skating enthusiasts, while the surrounding trails attract hikers year-round. Its proximity to the Shymbulak ski resort further enhances its tourist appeal. Due to its popularity and exceptional setting, Medeu remains an emblematic place in Kazakhstan, combining sport, nature and history."
Tom Emma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Medeu Ice Rink from Almaty city by taking bus #12 or a taxi. The journey offers scenic views as you ascend into the mountains.
Yes, bus #12 is a popular and convenient public transport option to get to Medeu.
Taxis are readily available in Almaty and can take you directly to Medeu Ice Rink.
Medeu Ice Rink is situated at a high altitude of 1,691 meters (approximately 5,548 feet) above sea level.
While the ice rink is seasonal and typically operates in winter, the surrounding area and cable car to Shymbulak are accessible year-round for hiking and enjoying mountain views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ice rink is primarily a winter attraction, usually open from November to March. It's best to check the official operating dates as they can vary each year.
Advance ticket purchase is generally not required for entry to the Medeu complex, but it's advisable to check for specific event ticketing or during peak season.
Operating hours for ice skating can vary, especially for evening sessions. It's recommended to check the latest schedule upon arrival or online.
Information on specific pricing tiers for different age groups is best confirmed on-site or through official channels, though general admission is usually straightforward.
Yes, skate rentals are typically available at Medeu Ice Rink, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the skating experience.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
Beyond ice skating, Medeu offers stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and the cable car to Shymbulak ski resort for more adventurous exploration.
Yes, there is a food court with snacks and hot dishes available at Medeu.
There is a hotel at Medeu where visitors can stay overnight.
Medeu is suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can rent skates and take it easy on the ice, while experienced skaters can enjoy the vast rink.
Medeu is renowned for its high-quality ice, made from pure mountain spring water, which has hosted numerous world records.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the ice rink itself, the cable car journey, and various viewpoints offering panoramic mountain vistas.
Absolutely! Medeu is incredibly photogenic year-round, from its snowy winter wonderland to its lush green summer slopes.
Yes, the cable car ride offers fantastic opportunities for aerial photography of the mountains and the Medeu complex.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of any specific event rules or private areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress warmly, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Packing snacks is also a good idea to keep energy levels up. The surrounding natural beauty provides opportunities for gentle walks and enjoying the fresh mountain air, making it a well-rounded family outing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1The cable car journey to Shymbulak provides a unique aerial perspective, perfect for sweeping landscape photography. Don't forget to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the Tian Shan range. Even outside the winter season, the dramatic mountain scenery is a photographer's dream.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Medeu Ice Rink
+1Its unique location and the pure mountain spring water used to create its ice made it a legendary training ground and competition venue. Numerous world records in speed skating were set here, cementing its place in sports history. Even today, it remains a vital training center for athletes and a beloved recreational spot for locals and tourists alike.
The rink's appeal extends beyond its sporting legacy. The surrounding natural beauty draws visitors for hiking and enjoying the crisp mountain air year-round. Its proximity to the popular Shymbulak ski resort further enhances its status as a must-visit destination in Almaty.
+1Experiencing Medeu: Beyond the Ice
For those visiting outside the skating season or seeking different adventures, the journey to Medeu itself is an experience. The cable car ride up to the Shymbulak ski resort provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This ascent is a highlight for many, offering incredible photo opportunities and a sense of adventure.
The natural landscape around Medeu is a significant draw. Whether you're hiking in the summer or enjoying the snowy vistas in winter, the pristine mountain environment is a refreshing escape. The combination of sporting heritage and natural splendor makes Medeu a unique destination.
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