Day Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort

Nestled amidst the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty’s Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort offer a captivating day trip for adventure-seekers. Visitors can explore the world’s largest alpine skating rink, known for its rich history and athletic achievements, before embarking on a scenic cable car ride to the renowned Shymbulak resort. Here, guests can indulge in a variety of winter sports, savor panoramic vistas, and enjoy the region’s vibrant alpine culture. With its thrilling activities and stunning natural surroundings, this day trip promises an unforgettable experience that just might leave you yearning for more.

Good To Know

• Explore the world’s largest alpine ice skating rink at Medeu, home to 120 world records, and enjoy scenic cable car rides to the Shymbulak Ski Resort.
• Experience the exhilarating Stairs of Health climb at Medeu and take in the breathtaking views from the third-level station cable cars at Shymbulak.
• Enjoy a day of winter recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding at the modern Shymbulak Ski Resort located at an elevation of 2,260 meters.
• Relax in the comfort of private, air-conditioned transportation and enjoy complimentary meals and WiFi access throughout the day.
• Discover the natural beauty of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and learn about the region’s history and culture from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Overview of the Trip

The day trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty and recreational activities of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Medeu is the world’s largest alpine skating rink, where elite athletes have broken 120 world records.

Nearby, Shymbulak Ski Resort features scenic chairlift rides to Talgar Pass, providing access to the region’s outdoor adventures.

Combining these two renowned destinations, the trip promises a memorable experience filled with opportunities to take in the region’s natural wonders and recreational offerings.

Itinerary Details

The day trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort begins with a 10:00-10:40 transfer from the city to Medeu.

Once there, visitors can explore the rink and climb the Stairs of Health up the dam from 10:40 to 12:00.

Next, a cable car ride takes them to Shymbulak from 12:00 to 12:30.

Guests then have two and a half hours to explore the ski resort, including a cable car ride up to the 3rd level station.

The trip concludes with a 15:30-16:00 return to the Medeu base station and a 16:00-16:40 transfer back to the city.

Medeu Skating Rink

Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Almaty, Medeu is the largest alpine ice skating rink in the world.

Home to 120 world records broken by elite athletes, this iconic venue is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

Featuring an impressive 10,500-square-meter rink, Medeu offers a unique recreational experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.

Visitors can explore the rink, climb the dam via the Stairs of Health, and soak in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds this remarkable facility.

With its rich history and world-class facilities, Medeu continues to captivate and inspire all who visit this remarkable winter wonderland.

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Situated at an elevation of 2,260 meters above sea level, Shymbulak Ski Resort is a scenic winter wonderland nestled amidst the majestic Tien Shan firs of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.

Accessible via a cable car ride from the Medeu base station, the resort offers a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

Visitors can ride the cable cars to the third level station, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

With its well-groomed slopes, modern amenities, and stunning natural setting, Shymbulak is a popular destination for both skiers and non-skiers alike, providing a unique recreational experience in the heart of the Kazakh wilderness.

Transportation and Amenities

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle takes visitors from the city to Medeu and Shymbulak.

Onboard, travelers can enjoy the convenience of:

1. WiFi access to stay connected during the journey.
2. Complimentary meals to refuel and energize.
3. Knowledgeable tour guides who provide insights into the region’s history and natural wonders.
4. Comfortable seating and climate control for a pleasant travel experience.

These amenities ensure a seamless and enjoyable day trip, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the renowned Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort without worrying about the logistics.

Reviews and Recommendations

The day trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort has received a total of 15 reviews with an overall rating of 4.0.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable tour guide, Miras, an epidemiologist with insights into Almaty’s history and nature. Reviewers praise the scenic beauty of the Tien Shan mountains and the unique recreational opportunities at the destinations.

However, a negative review indicates issues with booking and communication, with promises of refunds from the host.

Scenic Views and Attractions

This day trip offers visitors the chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.

The Medeu Ice Skating Rink, nestled in a picturesque alpine valley, is the world’s largest and highest-altitude skating rink, where athletes have broken 120 world records.

At the Shymbulak Ski Resort, guests can take chairlifts to reach the Talgar Pass, enjoying panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush, evergreen Tien Shan forests.

Key attractions include:

1. Medeu Ice Skating Rink
2. Shymbulak Ski Resort
3. Stairs of Health at Medeu
4. Cable car rides to the third level station at Shymbulak

Unique Recreational Opportunities

Beyond the stunning natural vistas, this day trip offers visitors unique recreational opportunities to enjoy the region’s vibrant winter culture.

At Medeu, the world’s largest high-altitude ice skating rink, thrill-seekers can witness elite athletes break records on the world-class ice.

Up at Shymbulak Ski Resort, outdoor enthusiasts can ride the chairlifts to Talgar Pass and carve down the slopes, surrounded by the majestic Tien Shan peaks.

With both ski and skate options available, this excursion caters to a wide range of winter sports aficionados, allowing them to experience Kazakhstan’s premier alpine attractions first-hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trip Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The trip may be suitable for families with young children, as it offers scenic views and activities suitable for all ages. However, the high elevation and physical activities could be challenging for some younger visitors.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Winter Gear?

No, you don’t need to bring your own winter gear. The trip provides access to ski and skate rentals at both Medeu and Shymbulak, so you can rent the necessary equipment on-site.

How Can We Purchase Tickets for the Cable Car?

Tickets for the cable car can be purchased on-site at Shymbulak. The tour package likely includes cable car tickets, but travelers should confirm this with the tour operator. On-site ticket booths offer convenient access to the cable car.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Requirements for the Activities?

There are no specific age or fitness level requirements for the cable car rides or exploring Medeu and Shymbulak. The activities are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, though visitors should wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?

The itinerary can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can adjust the duration and activities at each location or add/remove stops as needed, based on their interests and physical abilities.

Sum Up

The day trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort offers an unrivaled adventure in the stunning Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Visitors can explore the world’s largest alpine skating rink, take a scenic cable car to Shymbulak, and enjoy the region’s vibrant winter sports culture. With breathtaking views and unique recreational opportunities, this excursion provides an unforgettable experience amidst Kazakhstan’s magnificent natural landscape.