Sports and leisure activities Kazakhstan

Above the Medeu skating rink lies the Shymbulak ski resort, the other popular winter resort for Kazakhs. The facilities are modern, the resort having been widely tipped to host the Winter Olympics in 2022 and ultimately losing by just 4 votes to Beijing. The resort has several slopes for all levels. They adjoin a snow park and, further up, snowboard runs, four red runs and three black runs for advanced skiers. Four chairlifts and one ski lift provide access to the slopes. A number of leisure facilities add to this already tempting offer, including an Alpine park, a ski obstacle course (secured by a lifeline), a zip line... And for a change from downhill skiing, you'll also find everything you need for snowshoeing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing... A number of restaurants and cafés have opened in the resort over the years, and all the hotels on site have been modernized. Try to avoid weekends. During the week, you'll have the slopes to yourself!

In summer, Almaty residents also come to Shymbulak for the fresh air and milder temperatures than in the city. Numerous hiking trails start from the resort or the skating rink. In particular, you can explore the Malaya Almatinka valley and get a good view of the Komsomol peak, which rises to 4,375 m above sea level.

The Medeu ice rink, located some 15 km from Almaty, covers an area of 10,500 m²! It's open from November to March, but the dates change according to the vagaries of early or late winter. It's one of Almaty's favorite weekend distractions, and despite its gigantic size, the rink can be very crowded on peak days. Anyway, skating in the open air in the mountains is pure bliss! Incidentally, it's the world's highest skating rink, perched 1,691 m above sea level. Save your breath!

Just 18 km from the town center (approx. 30 min. by cab), this private beach offers a full range of services, including boat and catamaran hire for sailing tours on the Caspian. On site, you'll find an open-air bar, a restaurant and, if you feel like extending your seaside stay, a hotel. The local clientele is more business-oriented than touristy, but if you're visiting Aktau in midsummer, you'll certainly be glad of the chance to cool off and take a dip in the Caspian.