Medeu Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort

Medeu Is A High Altitude Outdoor Skating Rink Opened In 1972 (About 1,700 M) And Long Used For Speed Skating Records; Shymbulak Is The Ski Resort Above It, About 2,200 To 3,200 M, Linked By A Gondola And The Best Known Winter Destination In The Country. · Almaty, Almaty

Medeu is a huge outdoor skating rink in a mountain valley about 1,700 m up, south of Almaty, opened in 1972 and long used for speed-skating records because of the thin air and natural cold. Above it, a cable car and gondola climb to Shymbulak, the country's best-known ski resort, on slopes of roughly 2,200 to 3,200 m, with a further lift towards the Talgar Pass. Winter, roughly December to March, brings skating at the rink and skiing above. Summer is quieter: the lifts carry walkers and sightseers up to views and mountain trails. Be honest about what to expect. The resort is modest by Alpine standards, with a few lifts, a short list of runs and some tired buildings, and weekends bring long queues for the cable car and rental shops. The setting is the draw, under snow peaks yet only a short ride from the city, and it works well as a half-day trip even if you never ski. Check prices, lift status and rink hours before you go, as they change.

Mountain valley south of Almaty reached by city road to Medeu, then a cable car to Shymbulak ski resort and on to the Talgar Pass lift, Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Hours depend on the season and weather. The Medeu rink usually opens for skating in the cold months, often with daytime and evening sessions, and may be closed when the ice is being prepared or the weather is warm. The cable car and ski lifts normally run in daylight, roughly morning to late afternoon, with winter and summer timetables and pauses for wind or maintenance. Confirm opening times, ice sessions and lift status on the day.

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