Overview
Medeu Ice-Skating Rink
Medeu Ice Rink is the largest high-mountain and Olympic-sized outdoor speed skating rink in the world. Located in the southeastern outskirts of Almaty's city centre, the attraction consists of 10,500 square metres of 2.3-metre-thick ice. This idyllic location was chosen due to its high levels of solar radiation and low pressure. These two elements combined, along with the calm climate, provide the perfect conditions for the training and competitions of many winter sports.
Architecture and features
The 1972 remodel, led by architects Vladimir Katsev and Arystan Kaynarbaev, was an expensive and prestigious project with over 1300 workers from across the Soviet Union involved in the construction. The new complex housed 10,500 spectators with the inclusion of cloakrooms, buffets, a bathhouse, a projector room, athlete accommodation and rental kiosks for skates. This remodel included the change from the ice being composed of the water from the Malaya Almatinka River, previously thought to have been attributed to high performance, to artificial ice. The maintenance system for this new rink was engineered to ensure that the ice stayed at the optimal quality, making certain that the arena was safe for skaters to use.
History of the ice-skating rink
In the late 1940s, coach of the Soviet speed skating team, Konstantin Kudryavtsev, noticed that their Kazakh competitors were faster at the sport. This led to the belief that the ice was ‘faster’ in Almaty. Following this, the Soviet Union decided to open its own ice rink in 1951 and as a result of the eight records that were set on its first day of business, Medeu was nicknamed the ‘factory of records.’ The rink was named after Medeu Pursurmanov, a well-known entrepreneur who explored the foothills of the Trans-Atlantic Mountain Range back in the 19th Century.
In 1972 came the construction of the ‘new and improved’ rink which was designed for athletes to prepare for competitions in the highlands. Through the 1970s and mid-1980s, the stadium was frequently used for a variety of events and competitions such as hockey, bandy and speed skating as well as championships for motorcycling on ice!
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Medeu was ultimately forgotten and eventually fell into decay. This was until the authorities in Almaty took claim to the forgotten arena and renovated the complex in 2009 in preparation for the 2011 Asian Winter Games that were set to be held at Medeu.
Major events and competitions
Although not used as professionally as it used to be, the arena is still used for a variety of winter sport competitions like the Ice Speedway World Championship in 2020 and Kazakhstan Speed Skating Cup in 2021. Today, the attraction is open to the public, allowing those of all levels to skate in the beautiful alpine setting.
From 1990 to 2005, the stadium hosted the summer pop competition 'Asia Dauysy' which involved international artists performing their music at the arena. In 2023, Almaty announced the comeback of this festival featuring headliners the Black Eyed Peas.
Medeu Dam
Bordering the Medeu Skating Rink, visitors can marvel at the scenic views from an altitude of 1733 metres from the top of Medeu Dam. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the dam contributes to the safety of Almaty whilst providing a stunning backdrop for travellers and photographers. On our 5-Stans Classic Tour, we will stop at the Medeu Dam and relish in the panoramic views of Almaty and the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountain Ranges.
Purpose of the Medeu Dam
Built in 1966, the Medeu Dam was constructed to protect Almaty from the ongoing threat of mudflows stemming from Medeu Valley. Situated in the eastern part of the Mokhnataya Sopka Mountain, the dam obstructs the Malaya Alma-Atinka River from overflowing into downtown Almaty. Believed to have been the first time the technique was used worldwide, the dam was constructed utilising the ‘blasting method’, consisting of a series of large explosions.
Along with its city-saving purposes, the Medeu Dam also heavily contributes to the supply of water to urban areas of Almaty and supports irrigation for various agricultural needs.
Natural beauty and panoramic views
Renowned for its wide-stretching vistas, a visit to Medeu Dam is a must on any trip to Kazakhstan. Experience the calmness and serenity of the landmark's stunning panoramic views and capture the moment as a memory or a spectacular photograph.
Visit the highest ice-skating rink in the world with Bunnik Tours
Have we piqued your interest in the hidden treasures of Kazakhstan? Our 5-Stans Tour introduces you to the enchanting realm of Central Asia’s 5 Stans - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and includes experiences such as taking a bread-baking masterclass in Uzbekistan and savouring a home cooked meal by a Kyrgyz family.
Book this fascinating tour online or get in touch with one of our friendly Travel Specialists and join us in discovering this piece of sporting history.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medeu open in summer?
The Medeu is open all year round. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy ice-skating and as of 2022, the complex is open during the summer to enjoy activities such as bicycling, skateboarding, streetball and volleyball. In addition to a museum, rollerdrome and skatepark, the complex offers a 450m indoor ice rink for winter activities.
What is the altitude of Medeu, Kazakhstan?
The Skating Rink is part of the greater Medeu Sporting Complex which comprises of the indoor centre, ski resort and cable cars. The complex sits at an impressively high-altitude of 1691 metres above sea level.
Why is Almaty a popular destination?
Almaty is such a desirable location as it highlights the intriguing variety of what Kazakhstan has to offer; from gleaming malls in the incredibly walkable city to monuments and buildings rich in cultural history, parks and resorts, and enviable landscapes of luscious mountains and crystal-clear lakes.