Ski Access Point

Overview

Nestled high in the picturesque Zailiysky Alatau mountains, just a short distance from Kazakhstan's vibrant city of Almaty, lies Medeu, a destination renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery and its significant role as a gateway to winter adventures. Beyond its fame as home to the world-renowned high-mountain ice skating rink, Medeu serves as the primary 'Ski Access Point' to the magnificent Shymbulak (also known as Chimbulak) Ski Resort. It's here, amidst towering peaks and crisp mountain air, that visitors embark on a scenic gondola journey, transitioning from the valley floor to the exhilarating slopes above.

This unique location, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,691 meters above sea level, offers a compelling blend of sporting heritage, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure, making it a must-visit for both avid skiers and those simply seeking to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Tian Shan mountain range.

History & Cultural Background

Medeu's story is deeply intertwined with Kazakhstan's sporting legacy and the ambition of the Soviet era. The iconic Medeu ice skating rink, an open-air complex built in the late 1940s and opened in 1951, quickly earned the moniker 'the forge of records' due to the extraordinary number of world speed skating records set on its unique ice.

The rink's special properties — a combination of high altitude, optimal solar radiation, low atmospheric pressure, gentle winds, and ice made from the pure Malaya Almatinka River water — were believed to contribute to faster skating speeds. In 1972, the rink transitioned to an artificial ice system, further solidifying its status as a premier venue for various ice sports, including speed skating, figure skating, and bandy.

Beyond its sporting prowess, Medeu is also home to a significant mudflow protection dam, constructed in 1966, safeguarding Almaty from natural hazards originating higher in the mountains. The entire gorge and even the ice rink itself are named after Medeu Pusurmanov, a notable 19th-century entrepreneur who initiated the development of this picturesque tract in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau.

What Makes It Special

The true essence of Medeu as a 'Ski Access Point' lies in its sophisticated cable car system, which provides a seamless and spectacular link to the Shymbulak Ski Resort. This gondola, a 4.5-kilometer marvel, was built in preparation for the 2011 Asian Games and offers a comfortable 15-20 minute ascent from Medeu to the base of Shymbulak at 2,260 meters above sea level.

The journey itself is an experience, with modern, comfortable cabins offering panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and the lush Medeu valley below. This aerial highway efficiently transports up to 2,000 people per hour, making the high-altitude ski slopes easily accessible.

Whether blanketed in winter snow or bathed in summer sun, the cable car offers breathtaking vistas. In winter, it's a direct route to some of Central Asia's best skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, it opens up opportunities for hiking, paragliding, and enjoying the mountain air without strenuous climbs.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One fascinating aspect of Medeu's history is the legend surrounding its 'faster ice'. Coaches from the Soviet speed skating team observed that Kazakh athletes, particularly those from Almaty, consistently achieved better results. This led to the belief that something in the unique atmospheric conditions of Medeu, combined with the pristine mountain water used for the ice, created a surface that allowed for unparalleled speed.

For those interested in a physical challenge, Medeu also features the 'Health Staircase' (842 steps), which connects the ice rink area towards Shymbulak, offering stunning views and a popular fitness route for locals. The Medeu area isn't solely about winter sports; it has also hosted cultural events, including the 'Asia Dauysy' (Asia's Voice) festival, a significant pop music event that brought international artists to the high-mountain setting for years.

Visitor Perspective

Arriving at Medeu, travelers are immediately greeted by the crisp mountain air and the grandeur of the setting. The journey to this 'Ski Access Point' from Almaty is straightforward, with public bus route number 12 offering a convenient ride directly to the cable car station.

Once at the base, the modern Medeu-Shymbulak gondola awaits, promising an unforgettable ascent. The cabins provide a warm and comfortable environment, allowing visitors to fully absorb the dramatic transformation of the landscape as they climb higher into the Zailiysky Alatau. The views encompass the sprawling city of Almaty fading into the horizon, while majestic mountain vistas dominate the foreground. Even for non-skiers, the panoramic journey and the opportunity to experience the high-altitude environment make the trip to Medeu and its cable car an essential part of any visit to Almaty.