Medeu skating rink

Medeu opened in 1972 in a mountain valley near Almaty. Clean mountain air, strong sunshine and a special artificial-ice system led to a great many speed-skating world records being set here — hence its nickname, the "factory of records".

Above the rink rises a huge stone dam that protects Almaty from mudflows; climbing its steps is a favourite pastime for visitors.

Today Medeu is a leisure centre for public skating, concerts and festivals, and it hosted events of the 2017 Winter Universiade.