Medeu and Shymbulak: Almaty's Mountains in 30 Minutes
Growing up in Kazakhstan, we all knew the number: 200. That was how many world speed skating records had been set at Medeu. According to the International Skating Union, the high-altitude ice (1,691 meters above sea level) creates less air resistance, and the smooth surface produces faster times than any lowland rink. Soviet speed skaters made Medeu famous, but for us locals it was simpler than that: it was where you took a date on a cold Friday night, 15 km up the mountain road from Almaty, skating under the stars with the Tien Shan peaks glowing white above the floodlights.
Medeu Ice Rink
The Numbers
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,691 m (5,548 ft) |
| Ice surface | 10,500 m² (largest outdoor high-altitude rink) |
| Spectator capacity | 8,500 |
| Built | 1972, renovated 2010 |
| World records set | 200+ (according to ISU) |
| Ice season | October - March |
| Distance from Almaty center | 15 km (20-30 minutes) |
What to Do at Medeu
Winter (October - March):
- Public skating on the massive rink. According to rink management, sessions run 10:00-23:00 daily with varying schedules. Skate rental available on-site.
- Early morning speed skating. Serious skaters and clubs use the rink before 10:00. According to the Almaty Skating Federation, this is when the ice is freshest.
- Night skating. The rink lit up at night with mountains behind it is one of Almaty’s most atmospheric experiences.
- Hot drinks at rinkside cafes while watching people wipe out. Entertainment included.
Summer (April - September):
- Concerts and festivals on the rink surface.
- Rollerblading and skateboarding.
- Trailhead for mountain hikes.
- Cafes with mountain views.
Prices
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Skating session | ~1,800 KZT ($4) |
| Skate rental | ~1,500 KZT ($3) |
| Locker | ~500 KZT ($1) |
According to the Kazakhstan budget travel perspective, Medeu is one of the best deals in the city: world-class ice rink, mountain setting, under $10 total including rentals.
Shymbulak Ski Resort
Above Medeu, connected by a 3-stage gondola, sits Kazakhstan’s premier ski resort at 2,260-3,200m elevation.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Base elevation | 2,260 m |
| Summit elevation | 3,200 m (Talgar Pass) |
| Vertical drop | 940 m |
| Runs | 20+ (beginner through expert) |
| Longest run | 6 km |
| Lift system | 3-stage gondola + chairlifts |
| Ski season | November - April |
Skiing and Snowboarding
According to Shymbulak resort management:
- Snow: Natural November-March, supplemented by snowmaking
- Terrain mix: Green (beginner), blue (intermediate), red and black (advanced)
- Crowds: Busy weekends, empty weekdays. According to regular skiers, Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days.
- Comparison: Not the Alps. Not Whistler. But for the price, with zero crowds on weekdays and Tien Shan panoramas, it is excellent value.
Prices (Approximate 2025-2026 Season)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Day ski pass | 10,000-15,000 KZT ($20-30) |
| Gondola sightseeing (round trip, no skiing) | 4,000 KZT ($8) |
| Ski equipment rental | 8,000-12,000 KZT ($16-24) |
| Snowboard rental | 8,000-12,000 KZT ($16-24) |
| 1-hour ski lesson | 10,000-15,000 KZT ($20-30) |
Budget math: A full day of skiing with rental equipment and a lift pass costs about $50-80. According to ski industry price comparisons, that is 3-5x cheaper than equivalent European resorts.
The Gondola Ride
Even if you do not ski or skate, the gondola from Medeu to Talgar Pass is worth the $8 round trip. According to the resort:
Stage 1: Medeu (1,691m) to Shymbulak base (2,260m). Rises above the Medeu dam and the gorge. Views of the ice rink below shrinking to postcard size.
Stage 2: Base to mid-station (2,800m). Alpine meadows in summer, ski runs in winter. The tree line disappears.
Stage 3: Mid-station to Talgar Pass (3,200m). Above the snow line most of the year. According to geographic surveys, on a clear day you can see peaks stretching to the Chinese border, 100+ km east. Bring a jacket - the temperature at 3,200m is 15-20°C colder than Almaty.
Summer Hiking
June through September, the Medeu/Shymbulak area transforms into hiking territory. According to trail maps published by the Ile-Alatau National Park:
| Trail | From | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medeu to Shymbulak | Medeu rink | 5 km | Moderate | Road walk or forest path, 600m gain |
| Kok Zhailau | Near Medeu | 6 km | Moderate | Alpine meadow at 2,300m, wildflowers, panoramic views |
| Furmanov Peak | Medeu area | 8 km | Hard | 3,050m summit, best 360° views near Almaty |
| Kim-Asar Gorge | Near Medeu | 4 km | Easy | Forest trail along river, family-friendly |
| Talgar Pass and beyond | Shymbulak | 6 km | Hard | Above 3,000m, glacier views |
Kok Zhailau is the most popular summer hike. According to local hiking groups, the alpine meadow is covered in wildflowers from June to August, with views of the Tien Shan that justify every step of the climb. Pack a lunch and spend the afternoon.
History
According to the Almaty City Archive:
- 1951: The Medeu mudflow dam was built after a catastrophic mudslide threatened Almaty. The dam now protects the city and creates the flat area where the rink sits.
- 1972: Medeu skating rink opened. Within years, Soviet speed skaters began breaking world records at the “Factory of Records.”
- 1972-2000: Over 200 world speed skating records set at Medeu, according to the ISU.
- 1954: Shymbulak ski base established by Soviet alpine clubs.
- 2011: Asian Winter Games held at both venues.
- 2017: Winter Universiade events.
- Bid history: According to the Kazakhstan Olympic Committee, Almaty bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics (lost to Beijing by 4 votes) and was considered for 2026.
Tips
- Dress in layers. According to meteorological data, the temperature difference between Almaty center and Talgar Pass can exceed 20°C.
- Go on weekdays. Weekends are significantly more crowded, especially in ski season.
- Combine with Big Almaty Lake. The road branches off near Medeu - both destinations in one day is possible.
- Altitude awareness. 3,200m at Talgar Pass can cause mild symptoms if you rush up from 800m. Take the gondola slowly, drink water.
- Almaty bus #12 goes to Medeu (30 min, ~150 KZT). No need for a taxi unless you value comfort or time.
- Morning clarity. According to local photographers, mountain views are clearest before noon. Afternoon clouds often roll in by 2-3 PM.
Getting There
| Method | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bus #12 from Almaty | 30 minutes | ~150 KZT ($0.30) |
| Taxi (Yandex Go) | 20 minutes | 2,000-3,000 KZT ($4-6) |
| Drive yourself | 20 minutes | Parking available at Medeu |
According to the things to do in Almaty guide, Medeu and Shymbulak consistently rank as the #1 activity for visitors to the city, regardless of season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get to Medeu from Almaty?
- According to Almaty public transport data, bus #12 goes directly to Medeu in 30 minutes for about 150 KZT ($0.30). A taxi via Yandex Go costs 2,000-3,000 KZT ($4-6). The road is 15 km south of the city center, fully paved.
- Can beginners ski at Shymbulak?
- Yes. According to Shymbulak resort, there are dedicated beginner slopes and a ski school with instructors available in English. Full equipment rental is available on-site. The resort is significantly less intimidating and cheaper than European equivalents.
- Is Medeu open in summer?
- Yes, but not for ice skating. According to the rink management, summer programming includes concerts, festivals, rollerblading, and events. More importantly, summer is hiking season with trails to Kok Zhailau, Furmanov Peak, and other mountain destinations.
- How much does skiing at Shymbulak cost?
- According to 2025-2026 season pricing, a day pass is 10,000-15,000 KZT ($20-30), equipment rental 8,000-12,000 KZT ($16-24), and a lesson 10,000-15,000 KZT ($20-30). Total for a full day with rental: about $50-80, which is 3-5x cheaper than European resorts.
- What is the elevation of Medeu and Shymbulak?
- According to geographic measurements, Medeu sits at 1,691m, Shymbulak base at 2,260m, and Talgar Pass (gondola summit) at 3,200m. Over 200 world speed skating records were set at Medeu because the high altitude creates less air resistance for skaters.
- Can I do Medeu and Shymbulak in one day?
- Yes, easily. According to typical visitor itineraries, a half-day covers both. Morning at Medeu, gondola up to Shymbulak, lunch at a mountain restaurant, gondola to Talgar Pass for views, then back by afternoon. Add hiking for a full day.
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