
Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 29 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort worth booking?
Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort is a 7-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $80 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 29 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (29)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $80 per person
This tour provides you the best opportunity to see the beautiful mountain surroundings of Almaty city. On sunny days Shymbulak gathers together thousands of visitors. On chairlifts you can reach Talgar Pass (3163 meters
What you get
- Bottled water
- Guide Driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance tickets
- Minivan, Cable Car
About this experience
This tour provides you the best opportunity to see the beautiful mountain surroundings of Almaty city. On sunny days Shymbulak gathers together thousands of visitors. On chairlifts you can reach Talgar Pass (3163 meters above sea level). Only professional skiers climb here since the descent from the pass is too steep. Also alpinists start their climbing from this point.Only the stars are higher.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Guide Driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance tickets
- Minivan, Cable Car
Not included
- Meals
- Skiing and Skating
What you'll see and do
Medeu Skating Rink and Ski resort
ITINERARY 10:00-10:40 – Transfer to Medeu 10:40-12:00 – Walking around. Climbing to the top of the dam through Stairs of Health. 12:00-12:30 – Going to Shymbulak by cable car 12:30-15:00 – Walking around. Going to the 3rd level station by cable car. 15:30-16:00 – Going back to base station "Medeu". 16:00-16:40 – Transfer back to the city The mountainous region of Medeu with an alpine skating rink is located 20 minutes from Almaty. In winter, this place is especially popular among residents of the city and guests of the southern capital. More than 120 world records were established here by famous athletes. The first stop in the Medeo Gorge, where in the wonderful mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau the largest high mountain skating rink in the world is located as well as the huge dam. Next destination is Shymbulak ski resort,located at an altitude of 2230 meters above sea level. It is very popular for its mild climate,large quantity of sunny days and snow through the winter and remarkable scenery of mountain ranges. Shymbulak has its own special atmosphere.Here you can see the skiers who like ironed track as well as the snowboarders who prefer extreme downhills with breath taking jumps and turns. On sunny days Shymbulak gathers together thousands of visitors. On chairlifts you can reach Talgar Pass (3163 meters above sea level). Only professional skiers climb here since the descent from the pass is too steep. Also alpinists start their climbing from this point.Only the stars are higher.
90 minutes here
One of the oldest and most famous resorts of Zailiysky Alatau, located in an incredibly beautiful gorge at an altitude of 2260 m above sea level. On both sides, Shymbulak is surrounded by massive ridges and slopes, completely covered with huge Tien Shan firs.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SKYWAY
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $291
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by SKYWAY, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.5.
See everything SKYWAY runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort cost?
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Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.
Is Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 29 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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Around 10 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Trip to Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Almaty?
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On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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