Medeo Alpine Complex
Medeo alpine Skating rink is in close proximity to Almaty, the major city of Kazakhstan. The outdoor complex with artificial ice was built in 1972 at the altitude of 1691m above sea level. The skating rink, as well as the stow where it is situated is named after the famous nomad who had done a lot for his native land and for the city of Verny (former name of the Kazakh megacity).
Medeo artificial ice arena with an area of 10.5 thousand sq.km has been and remains the largest in the world. The ice may contain from 2 to 3 thousand skaters at a time. The mountain air, purest glacier water used to make ice; a large number of sunny days a year, gentle breeze in the stow – these and many other favorable factors have made the rink popular not only in the country but also abroad.
Over the years of the ice complex operation, 200 world records were set up here, because for a long time international and Soviet Union (in Soviet times) competitions in hockey, speed skating, and figure skating were held at Medeo. At present, the rink is open for public skating for residents and guests of Almaty and serves as the training camp for Kazakhstan athletes from October through May.
The last major modernization of the ice complex was conducted just before the 7thAsian Winter Games in 2011. In total, almost 20 billion were invested in the modernization of the rink. In the days of the Asian Games Medeo hosted bandy competition.
There is a 4.5 km long gondola telpherage line laid from Medeo skating rink to Shymbulak ski resort.
