Medeu skating rink and ski resort is a 45 minutes drive from Almaty. The skating rink was closed to public when we arrived but took pictures outside. Quite a number of tourists were there. The skating rink is at the base of the mountain with beautiful pine wood forest snd a running river close by. Afterwards, you walk down from the skating rink area to the cable car station to catch a ride up the mountain to the ski resort. The ride cost about T3,500 (local currency), which allows you to go up and reach the top at around 3,200 metres and return (passing through 3 intermediate base stations to the top). With one car for 4 persons, the view was breathtaking with car taking around 45 minutes to reach top of the mountain (with short stops for pictures at each base station). Fresh smell of pine wood forest was enjoyable. If you are scared of height, this ride may not be for you. At the skiing resort up in the mountain, there are several restaurants for lunch. At the top of the mountain, snow from mountain's peaks was still seen although it was summer. Great place to take family. Will come back again. Including my taxi ride, the cable car ride and lunch, it cost me around US$40. It took me around 4 hours for this activity. Well worth it if you have time in Almaty.
