Medeo in Almaty: The Ultimate Ice Skating Rink
From $62 per person
Overview
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Description
Nestled in the picturesque mountains just outside Almaty, Medeo is a must-visit destination in Almaty. Known as the highest ice rink in the world, Medeo offers an extraordinary skating experience against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks and crisp alpine air. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, this ice rink promises an unforgettable adventure.
Medeo at a glance
| Altitude | 1,691 m – the highest ice rink in the world |
| Skating season | Early November to late March (open-air; the arena hosts events year-round) |
| The rink | Opened 1972; over 120 world records set on its high-altitude ice |
| The dam | Built 1966 to shield Almaty from mudflows – climb its famous staircase of 842 steps for the gorge view |
| Getting there | Bus 12 or taxi from the centre, ~30 minutes; the road ends here – beyond Medeo it is cable car or your own legs |
| Cable car | Medeo station (1,600 m) to Shymbulak resort (2,280 m) |
Medeo’s History
Medeo is more than just an ice rink; it’s a piece of history. Established in 1972, it quickly became a premier location for international skating competitions. The rink has seen numerous world records in speed skating, thanks to its high altitude and expertly maintained ice surface. Skating at Medeo is like stepping into a storied past, where champions once raced and records were shattered.
Why Medeo is Unique
What makes Medeo stand out from other ice rinks? It’s all about location and quality. Perched at 1,691 meters above sea level, the rink benefits from the natural purity of mountain air and glacial water used to create its ice. The surrounding Tian Shan mountains provide a breathtaking view, turning every skating session into a visual feast. Plus, the rink’s large surface area means there’s plenty of space to glide, spin, and race.
More Than Just Skating
While ice skating is the main attraction, Medeo offers so much more. During the winter season, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including ice hockey, figure skating, and curling. The nearby Shymbulak ski resort adds another layer of adventure with world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities. After a day of exhilarating sports, you can relax in cozy mountain cafes and enjoy local cuisine.
Walking from Medeo to Shymbulak
The classic first hike in the Almaty mountains starts right here. From the rink, climb the 842 steps up the dam wall – a rite of passage locals use as a fitness test – and continue up the gorge to the Shymbulak resort: roughly 4.5 km with about 590 m of ascent, 1.5-2.5 hours up at a walking pace, under an hour back down. The route follows the gorge road and path through spruce forest, with the peaks of the Maloalmatinsky cirque growing above you the whole way.
Two honest notes: the walk is entirely uphill, and in summer the road carries resort shuttle traffic – start early for quiet and cool air. If one way is enough, walk up and ride the cable car down (or the reverse). The side valleys along the way hold some of our favourite short routes: the Butakovka waterfalls, the Gorelnik gorge, and the start of the trail toward Kok-Zhailau. The full gorge guide – the history, the thermal barrels and the quiet trail – is in our Medeo-Shymbulak walk post.
Can you walk from Medeo to Shymbulak?
Yes – about 4.5 km and 590 m of climbing, taking most people 1.5-2.5 hours up. It is the most popular beginner hike in Almaty. The cable car runs the same corridor if you would rather ride one way.
Itinerary
Detailed itinerary will be provided upon booking. Our typical tour includes daily hikes through diverse terrains and cultural experiences.
Pricing
| Group Size | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people Best value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $124 $124 total | $87 $174 total | $74 $222 total | $68 $272 total | $64 $320 total | $62 $372 total |
100% private tour — prices are per person based on group size. The more friends you bring, the less everyone pays!
What's Included
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Our Guarantee
If weather forces a cancellation, you choose a free reschedule or a full refund. If you're not satisfied with your experience, we'll work with you to make it right. No questions, no hassle.
Private tours only (max 6) · Reschedule or full refund if weather cancels · No payment until confirmed
Traveler Stories
Sarah K.
Our guide was incredible - he adjusted the pace perfectly for our group and knew exactly where to stop for the best photos. The whole experience felt effortless, like everything was taken care of before we even thought to ask.
Marco T.
We were a group of 4 friends and the per-person price made it a no-brainer. Private 4x4, lunch included, and the canyon was breathtaking. Way better than the big bus tours we saw there.
Anna W.
Solo traveler here. I was nervous about hiking alone in a foreign country but the guide made me feel completely safe. The trail to Kok-Zhailau was beautiful and the photos he took of me were amazing. Only wish the hike was longer!
David R.
Third time booking with these guys. Butakovka, Big Almaty Lake, and now Titov Peak. Every single time the service is flawless. The fact that it's always private and max 6 people makes such a difference compared to other operators.
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Private tours run any day of the week — weekends fill up fastest, so book early
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Weather Forecast
clear sky
H: 27°C
L: 17°C
Sun, Aug 2
clear sky
24°C
19° / 30°
Mon, Aug 3
light rain
24°C
20° / 30°
Tue, Aug 4
light rain
20°C
16° / 23°
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On the channel
83 h
Drone flight hours
What we’ve filmed
59
Hikes filmed
704 km
Kilometers covered
44,439 m
Elevation gained
27
Countries visited
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