17 km from Almaty, nestled in a forested valley of the Zailiski Alataou range, the Medeo (or Medeu) sports complex houses a vast open-air skating rink situated at 1,691 meters altitude. Its 10,500 m² surface and its history of fast ice made it, from the 1970s onward, a reference site for speed skating and bandy.

Geographic note: Medeo is administratively located in Kazakhstan, but the valley is part of classic excursions organized from the region and features in itineraries for travelers crossing Central Asia, including neighboring Kyrgyzstan.

Why visit Medeo

Medeo combines three interests rarely found on the same site. First and foremost, it is a giant high-altitude skating rink, open to the public year-round and illuminated in the evening. It is also a place steeped in Soviet sporting history, once dubbed "the world's fastest skating rink" and "factory of international records": over a hundred have been registered there. Finally, it serves as the gateway to the high mountains of Almaty: from the complex, a cable car connects to the Shymbulak station, perched at 3,500 meters, ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

History of the skating rink

Local legend recounts that a vagrant named Medeo chose this valley to settle in, lending his name to the place. A first skating rink opened on the site in 1951, but it was in the late 1960s that Kazakh authorities decided to construct a modern complex, capable of rivaling the best European facilities and attracting major Soviet and international competitions.

The specifications were ambitious: a fully open-air skating rink, operational 8 to 12 months per year thanks to artificial ice production, and homogeneous surface quality across the entire 10,500 m². The construction mobilized approximately 1,000 workers, assisted by 1,300 young members of Komsomol brigades (Union of Communist Youth). Work was completed in 1972, two years ahead of schedule.

In February 1974, Medeo hosted the European women's speed skating championship and received for the first time the title "world's fastest skating rink," attributed notably to the purity of the glacial water used and the altitude. In 2011, the site was one of the venues for the 7th Winter Asian Games (Asiades). Kazakhstan also submitted a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, which was not selected. Medeo retains today its reputation as the "Mecca" of speed skating and temple of bandy, the Russian ancestor of ice hockey.

What to see and do here

• Skating on the main ice: skate rental available on-site, free-skating sessions during the day and evening thanks to track lighting.
• Observe the dam architecture: just above the skating rink, the Medeo anti-mudslide dam, built in the 1960s-70s, can be visited via a long staircase offering a sweeping view of the valley.
• Walk in the valley: forest trails and marked paths from the complex, accessible for half-day excursions.
• Head up to Shymbulak by cable car to reach the high mountains.

When to go

The site is open year-round. Winter (December to March) is the peak season for skating and skiing at Shymbulak; temperatures are cold but the ice is at its best. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for hiking in the valley, with mild temperatures and moderate crowds. In summer, the skating rink remains open thanks to artificial ice, and the altitude offers welcome coolness compared to Almaty.

Practical information

• Hours: the skating rink is open during the day and evening until late, summer and winter alike, except during competition periods. Check the sporting calendar before your visit.
• Rates: entry at a modest cost, skate rental at an additional charge. Separate rates for the cable car to Shymbulak.
• Recommended duration: plan a half-day for Medeo alone, a full day if you combine it with Shymbulak.
• Equipment: bring warm clothing even in summer (altitude), gloves for skating.

How to get there

From Almaty, several bus lines serve Medeo: buses 39, 6, and 2, which depart near Abai metro station. The journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Official taxis are a practical alternative; it is advisable to book them in advance and agree on the fare before departure to avoid surprises. Avoid unlicensed taxis.

Nearby attractions

• Shymbulak: ski and hiking resort at 3,500 m, accessible by cable car from Medeo.
• Almaty: 17 km away, the former Kazakh capital with its museums, markets, and parks.
• Big Almaty Lake: high-altitude lake with turquoise waters, another classic excursion from the city.

Plan your trip

Medeo fits easily into an itinerary across Central Asia combining Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. To build your bespoke journey, consult our itinerary ideas in Kyrgyzstan and the region.