In Kazakhstan, just 17 km from Almaty, nestled in a wooded mountain valley that gave it its name, the Medeo winter sports complex (or Medeu) is celebrated for its remarkable outdoor ice rink. Not only does it enjoy a breathtaking location, but it is also the highest (1,691 meters altitude) and largest open-air ice rink (10,500 m²) in the world.

Prepare to lace up your skates and glide across ice that has witnessed countless records.

A touch of history

Legend has it that the valley takes its name from Medeo, a wanderer who chose this picturesque site to settle. In the late 1960s, as alpine tourism was booming, Kazakh authorities set their sights on making Medeu and the Shymbulak ski station just above it the centerpiece of winter sports development across the USSR. The construction of a grand modern skating complex was decided to replace an older ice rink that had opened in 1951.

The project specifications called for the new ice rink to be entirely outdoors, operate year-round, and therefore require artificial ice production for 8 to 12 months annually while maintaining quality across the entire surface. The goal was to rival Europe's finest ice rinks by attracting major Soviet and international competitions.

To execute this ambitious undertaking, the few thousand workers hired were supported by 1,300 young members of Komsomol brigades (Communist Youth Union), and the work was completed in 1972, two years ahead of schedule.

Thanks to the sophisticated systems of the installation and its location, the technical and climatic qualities of the gigantic ice rink quickly earned an exceptional reputation: ideal pressure, temperature and humidity, and pristine glacial water purity.

In February 1974, Medeo hosted the European Women's Speed Skating Championship and received for the first time the distinction of being the "fastest ice rink in the world." Subsequently, it was called the "factory of international records" (over one hundred were set there). In 2011, it hosted the 7th Asian Winter Games (Asiades). Building on this remarkable infrastructure's success, Kazakhstan submitted a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics but was not selected.

Today, the Medeo ice rink remains the "mecca" of speed skating and the temple of bandy, the ancestor of ice hockey also known as Russian hockey.

Medeo's attractions

Open to the public summer and winter, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (except during competition periods), the Medeo ice rink invites you to lace up your skates, or rent ones on-site, and glide across its famous ice while enjoying its magnificent natural surroundings—including after nightfall since it is of course illuminated.

If skating isn't your cup of tea, take a stroll. The mountain is beautiful in every season. Medeo sits at the foot of the Shymbulak ski slopes. Hop into the cable car that will whisk you up to this station perched at 3,500 meters altitude, where you can, depending on the season, enjoy winter snow sports or embark on wonderful hiking or mountain biking adventures, discovering the colors of the alpine flora.

From Almaty, buses 39, 6, and 2 departing near Abai metro station serve Medeo.

Alternatively, taxis are available for getting around the region. Stick to official taxis to avoid scams. They can be booked in advance and the fare can sometimes be negotiated at the time of reservation.