Medeu: The Highest Skating Rink in the World

The legendary high-altitude ice rink. Home to hundreds of world records and the 'Stairway of Health'.

Almaty City

Essential Profile

The Medeu (also spelled Medeo) ice rink is an open-air high-altitude ice skating facility located in the Malaya Almatinka valley, approximately 15 kilometres south of central Almaty, at an elevation of 1,691 metres above sea level. It is generally described as the highest altitude natural ice rink in the world.

The rink was built during the Soviet period, with the original facility constructed in the 1950s and subsequently developed into of the primary speed skating venues in the USSR. The ice sheet covers approximately 10,500 square metres and is maintained year-round using artificial refrigeration. The high altitude and specific microclimate of the Malaya Almatinka valley contribute to ice conditions that have been associated with numerous world records in speed skating set at the facility since the 1960s.

The Medeu rink sits within a broader mountain complex that includes the Medeu dam, an earth-fill dam built in the 1960s to protect Almaty from mudslide and flood hazards originating from the upper valley. The Shymbulak ski resort is located further up the valley above the ice rink and is connected to the Medeu area by road. Together, the Medeu rink and Shymbulak form the main mountain recreation zone accessible from Almaty by road.

The ‘Wow-Factor’

The combination of an open-air ice sheet at altitude with the Zailisky Alatau mountain range directly behind it gives Medeu a distinctive visual character among sports venues. The rink sits in the narrow Malaya Almatinka valley, with the spruce-covered slopes rising steeply on both sides and the high peaks visible above. The backdrop to skating at Medeu differs markedly from enclosed arena facilities.

The ice surface itself is notable for its size: at over 10,000 square metres, it is of the largest natural ice sheets maintained for public skating in the region. The altitude and microclimate of the valley, which is protected from wind by the surrounding terrain, contribute to the consistent ice quality for which the rink developed its reputation in competitive skating.

The dam structure adjacent to the rink, visible from the skating area, provides a reference point for the engineering history of the site. The views from the dam walkway extend down the valley toward Almaty and up toward the ski resort above. For visitors arriving from Almaty, the combination of the short drive, the altitude gain, and the mountain setting makes Medeu of the most accessible mountain environments within easy reach of the city.

Deep History & Culture

The Medeu ice rink was constructed during the Soviet period as part of Kazakhstan's development of high-performance sports infrastructure. The site was chosen for its specific microclimate conditions, which were identified as beneficial for producing fast ice. The rink hosted major international speed skating competitions from the 1960s, and hundreds of world records were set on the ice over subsequent decades.

The dam located adjacent to the rink was constructed in the 1960s and completed in 1966-67, following devastating mudslide events that had periodically threatened Almaty from the upper Malaya Almatinka valley. The dam was designed to retain mudslide material and protect the city below. It remains an active flood and mudslide protection structure.

Following Kazakhstani independence, the Medeu complex was progressively developed for broader recreational and tourist use alongside its continued function as a skating venue. Major renovation work was undertaken in preparation for the 2011 Asian Winter Games, which were partly hosted at Medeu. The rink today functions as both a competitive sports facility and a recreational ice skating destination open to the public during the skating season, typically from October through March or April.

Practical Digital Logistics

Medeu is accessible from central Almaty by several transport options. City buses serve the route from the centre of Almaty toward the southern mountain districts, with stops in the residential areas below the rink. The journey from central Almaty takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes by bus. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available and offer a more direct connection to the Medeu site.

The Medeu rink charges an entry fee for public skating sessions, payable at the venue. Rental of skating equipment is available at the rink for visitors who do not bring their own. The rink is open to the public during the winter skating season, which typically runs from October through March or early April, subject to ice conditions and event scheduling. The rink may be closed during major competitions or preparation periods.

Warm clothing is necessary for visiting Medeu even during the daytime, as the altitude and the open-air nature of the rink mean temperatures are noticeably lower than in the city. The 842 steps from the lower entrance up to the rink level alongside the dam provide an alternative approach on foot and are used by local residents for fitness purposes. The Shymbulak ski resort above Medeu is accessible by continuing up the road from the rink and is served by a gondola cable car from the Medeu area.

Must-Do Activities

The primary activity at Medeu during the winter season is public ice skating. The rink is open to general visitors outside of competition and training periods, with skate rental available on site. The large open-air ice surface provides an unusual skating experience within a mountain valley setting.

The 842 steps running alongside the dam from the lower access level up to the rink are used by visitors and local residents for walking and fitness. The climb takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate pace and provides views down the valley toward Almaty. The steps are a recognised landmark of the Medeu complex and a popular activity independent of the skating rink.

The dam structure and its upper walkway are accessible and offer views of both the rink below and the upper valley toward Shymbulak. The road from Medeu continues up to Shymbulak ski resort, making it straightforward to combine a visit to Medeu with a trip further into the mountains. Photography is popular at both the rink and the dam, with the mountain backdrop and the industrial scale of the dam providing contrasting subjects. Visitors who prefer not to skate can walk around the rink area and the dam on foot as a standalone visit.

Local Flavors & Amenities

The Medeu rink complex has a cafe and food concessions on site that operate during the public skating season. These provide hot drinks, snacks, and basic meals suitable for visitors spending time at the rink. The on-site food options are limited, and visitors wanting a wider range of restaurants should expect to return to central Almaty.

The Malaya Almatinka valley road between central Almaty and the Medeu and Shymbulak area has several cafes and small restaurants along its route, particularly in the lower mountain residential districts. These provide options for visitors travelling by private vehicle.

Almaty itself has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and accommodation at all price levels. Most visitors to Medeu stay in Almaty and make a half-day or day trip to the rink. There is no significant accommodation directly at the Medeu rink itself. For visitors wishing to stay in the mountain area, some guesthouses are available in the residential districts along the mountain approach road, though the main accommodation hub for the area is the city.

Essential Insider Tips

The Medeu rink is at its busiest during weekends and public holidays during the winter skating season. Visiting on a weekday morning generally means a less crowded ice surface. The rink schedule can be affected by scheduled competitive events, training sessions, and maintenance periods, so checking the current opening times and availability before travelling is advisable.

Skate rental is available at the rink but availability of sizes can be limited during peak periods. Visitors with their own skates who wish to skate competitively or intensively may prefer to bring their equipment. The ice surface quality varies across different zones of the rink, with the inner portion typically better maintained for recreational skating.

The temperature at Medeu is noticeably lower than in central Almaty. Warm gloves, a hat, and additional layers are recommended even if the weather in the city appears mild. The open-air setting means wind can increase the perceived cold significantly. The 842 steps climb alongside the dam is a popular fitness activity that can be done year-round independently of the skating season. Sensible footwear with grip is advisable on the steps, which can be icy in winter months.

Sustainability & Community

Medeu operates within the administrative jurisdiction of Almaty city and is subject to national environmental and cultural heritage regulations. The complex sits at the lower edge of Ile-Alatau National Park, which extends across the Zailiysky Alatau range above the rink. This proximity to a protected area creates an balance between the facility's role as a high-capacity recreational venue and the preservation demands of the mountain environment immediately beyond its boundaries.

The management of visitor numbers, waste handling, and infrastructure development at Medeu is governed by city and national park authorities. Visitors are expected to use designated waste facilities within the complex. The surrounding slopes and streams fall within the national park's protected zones, where environmental regulations restrict development and extraction activities.

Revenue generated by the complex contributes to the local economy through employment and services. The rink employs staff year-round for ice maintenance, administration, security, and visitor services. Local vendors and transport operators in the Malaya Almatinka valley also benefit from the consistent flow of visitors to the site. Medeu's continued function as a venue for national and international sports events brings periodic economic activity to the city and supports the local hospitality and transport sectors.

Essentials

Key Facts

World Record Hub: Medeu is the world's highest high-altitude skating rink, where over 170 world records have been set in speed skating.
Mountain Purity: The ice is prepared using pure glacial water from the Alatau mountains, resulting in a surface with superior glide characteristics.
Brutalist Design: Completed in 1972, the stadium is a masterpiece of Soviet Brutalist architecture, blending concrete strength with alpine beauty.
Health Staircase: Standing next to the dam is a staircase with 842 steps, a popular fitness challenge for locals known as the 'Stair of Health'.
Altitude Setting: Located at 1,691 meters above sea level, the rink offers crisp mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding cedar forests.
Year-Round Vibe: While famous for skating in winter, in summer it serves as a venue for festivals and a base for mountain trekkers.