THE MEDEU ALPINE ICE ARENA

If you asked anyone who has visited Kazakhstan, 'What is there to do in Almaty?' you will undoubtedly hear them respond, 'Don't miss the opportunity to visit Medeu which accommodates the world's highest alpine ice arena'.

The arena is conveniently located in a picturesque valley at an altitude of 1,691 meters above sea level. The ice surface is 10,500 square meters, which makes it perfect for staging contests on an international scale in sports such as speed skating, ice hockey and figure skating. Among recent high profile events taking place at Medeu were the Asian Winter Games in 2011 and the Bandy world championship, a type of ice hockey but played using a ball instead of a puck.

Medeu not only attracts many visitors to watch its winter sports contests, but it also attracts visitors to enjoy a wide variety of leisure activities. From October to April, visitors to the Medeu alpine complex go ice skating themselves surrounded by the picturesque mountains with their beautiful Tien Shan spruce trees. The ice arena is open from Thursday till Sunday (from 10.00 AM to 11:00 PM).

Medeu operation schedule during mass skating periods:

First day - time session - from 10 am till 12.30 pm

Short break - from 12.30 pm till 1.30 pm

Second day - time session - from 1.30 pm till 4.00 pm

Long break - 4.00 pm till 6.00 pm

Evening session - 6.00 pm till 11.00 pm

Click here for the Winter price list

From May to September, the alpine complex offers playgrounds for mini-football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, and table tennis. Young children frolic in the playground and skate-park while adults have their own entertainment at discos, concerts, and other shows regularly organised by City Hall or private companies.

Click here for the Summer price list

The alpine complex has attractive hotel accommodation. It also has an excellent therapeutic medical centre for short-term rest and therapy, great if you are visiting to improve or look after your health.

Your appetite, increased by the fresh air and mountain activity, can be satisfied by a number of restaurants located around the skating rink, and you will be impressed by the choices, with Local, European or Oriental cuisine always on the menu.

You can also enjoy the beauty of Medeu from an aerial view by means of a ride on the cable car from Medeu to Shymbulak. It is located within walking distance from the rink. The amazing 15 minute ride would be a perfect way to bring your holiday to an end, leaving a lasting impression of your trip to Kazakhstan.

Directions to Medeu

Medeu is very close to the city, but not within walking distance other than for intrepid hikers. You can go by taxi or public bus. On weekdays take bus No 6 from Dostyk Avenue (still sometimes known by its former name of Lenina Street) and on weekends and holidays, public bus No 204. The main bus stop is located opposite the Hotel Kazakhstan, although the bus stops en route if there is room for more passengers. Private taxi services are available at the same place and cost approximately US$15 for a one-way ride.