Medeu, Olympic outdoor ice rink in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Medeu is an Olympic outdoor ice rink in Almaty, Kazakhstan, that offers a skating surface of 10,500 square meters at an elevation of 1,691 meters in the nearby mountains. The facility sits in a valley surrounded by peaks and provides seating for several thousand spectators, along with adjoining training areas for speed skaters.
Construction started in 1949 and the facility received its official inauguration in 1951, marking an important step for Kazakhstan in winter sports. Over the decades the rink has served as a venue for numerous international competitions and attracted athletes from around the world.
The complex bears the name of Medeu Pussurmanov, a local figure who first developed the area by building wooden structures in the mountain tract. Today the facility serves both professional athletes and visitors who glide across the large ice surface and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The venue provides equipment rentals, changing rooms, dining options, and accommodations for athletes training at this high-altitude location. Visitors can access the site year-round, with the rink primarily operating during winter, while the mountain surroundings also attract hikers and nature enthusiasts in warmer months.
Athletes have established more than 200 world speed skating records at this facility due to the specific atmospheric conditions at this elevation. The thin air and reduced air resistance allow for higher speeds than rinks located at lower altitudes.
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