Medeu — Attraction in Almaty

medeu shymbulak

Medeu and Shymbulak are two of the most prominent tourist attractions near Almaty, Kazakhstan, offering a mix of sports, recreation, and natural beauty.

Medeu

Medeu is renowned for being the highest-altitude ice rink in the world, situated at 1,691 meters above sea level in the Medeu Valley. It was constructed during the Soviet era and completed in 1951. The rink is famous for its exceptional ice quality, which has enabled over 120 world records in speed skating to be set there, earning it the nickname "the factory of records"2]. Medeu is not only a sports complex but also a cultural landmark that hosts various events and offers recreational activities like hiking and nature walks[2].

Shymbulak

Located just above Medeu in the Zailiysky Alatau mountain range, Shymbulak is a premier ski resort that caters to both winter sports enthusiasts and summer visitors. The resort is situated at altitudes ranging from 2,200 to 3,200 meters and offers a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels. In winter, it provides excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding with modern facilities such as gondola lifts and chairlifts[1. During the summer months, Shymbulak transforms into a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and paragliding[3].

Activities at Shymbulak

Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are popular during the winter season. Summer Activities: Hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, while other activities include mountain biking and paragliding. Year-Round Attractions: The resort features an alpine coaster for an exhilarating ride through the scenic landscape[4].

Both Medeu and Shymbulak are easily accessible from Almaty, making them ideal destinations for tourists looking to experience Kazakhstan's natural beauty and recreational offerings. Whether visiting in winter or summer, these sites provide a unique blend of sports and scenic...

Visiting the Medeu Ice Skating Rink during winter was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the mountains just above Almaty, this open-air rink sits at an altitude of 1,691 meters, making it the highest skating rink in the world . The crisp mountain air and stunning views of the snow-covered Zailiysky Alatau range create a magical atmosphere that's perfect for skating enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The rink itself is expansive, covering 10,500 square meters, and is renowned for its high-quality ice, maintained using pure mountain water . Skating here felt smooth and exhilarating, and it's no wonder that over 200 world records have been set at this very location .

Facilities are top-notch, with convenient skate rentals, cozy cafes offering warm beverages, and even evening skating sessions accompanied by music and lights . The festive decorations during the holiday season added an extra layer of charm to the experience.

Getting to Medeu was straightforward, with regular bus services from Almaty and the option to take a cable car up to the nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort . The entire trip was seamless and well worth it.

Tips for Future Visitors:

Dress Warmly: Temperatures can be quite cold, so layering is essential.

Visit on Weekdays: To avoid crowds, consider going during the week.

Explore Beyond Skating: Take time to enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery and perhaps venture up to Shymbulak for more winter activities.

In summary, Medeu offers a unique and enchanting skating experience that combines sport, nature, and culture. It's a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Almaty during the...

Imagine blue and green mountains, their sharp peaks topped with snowy white hats, just a 20-minute drive from the city. This unique and stunning destination offers a variety of activities for the whole family: skiing, ice skating, hiking through different trails, or climbing the famous health stairs.

The mountain area is divided into several levels:

First Level - Medeu: known for its legendary high-altitude ice skating rink. Second Level - Shymbulak: A picturesque ski resort that itself is split into two main sections: Combi 1 and Combi 2. The latter one is the highest point accessible by cable car, where the sky seems to touch the land. The panoramic views from here are truly unforgettable. Even in summer, snow still lingers on the pointy peaks, creating a striking contrast against the green slopes below. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or simply a peaceful mountain escape, this place has something...