The Ice Rink Above Almaty

Medeu is an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink on Almaty’s southeastern outskirts, 1,691 meters above sea level.

Medeu Pusurmanov built 3 wooden huts here for his family. The skating rink was named after him.

Construction began fall 1949; 1,300 workers built it. First competition was 4 February 1951.

Opening day ice set two world records. Malya Almatinka water enabled high sliding speeds.

A special reservoir holds that much water.

In 1972, Soviet engineers added artificial ice. Ice covers 10,500 square meters—still running today.

Medeu Dam built late 1960s south of rink. Stairs with 842 steps lead to it.

Medeu remains one of Kazakhstan’s best-known tourist spots. Stadium open to public year-round.