Medeu reconstruction advances on 10 November 2026

Medeu in Almaty is undergoing a major reconstruction, with the latest progress update issued on 10 November 2026 by the city authorities in Kazakhstan. The work affects the rink, engineering systems and facilities for athletes, while the complex’s recognisable exterior is intended to remain unchanged.

The update concerns the high-mountain sports complex rather than a separate attraction in the surrounding gorge. For travellers from Western Europe, the immediate consequence is that Medeu is a construction site and not a venue for public skating during the rebuilding period.

Medeu reconstruction advances on 10 November 2026

Almaty’s Construction Department said that reinforcement of the stands, roof work, facade finishing and waterproofing had been completed by the 10 November update. Heating and electricity networks have also been installed, while interior preparation and external insulation work continue.

The project includes a complete replacement of the ice rink’s technological slab and cooling system. The planned equipment is designed to maintain the required ice conditions at outside temperatures of up to 15°C, according to the Almaty government update.

Energy systems are also being automated, and the heating supply is being converted to natural gas. The authorities expect these changes to reduce energy consumption by 25 to 30 per cent.

What the reconstruction changes at Medeu

The machine hall covers 1,300 square metres and is being prepared for equipment serving the complex’s engineering and refrigeration systems. Under the eastern stand, the project provides rooms for judges, a doping-control area and eight new changing rooms of about 50 square metres each.

The Medeu hotel is also being modernised and is planned to accommodate up to 140 athletes at the same time. The city says the reconstruction is focused mainly on internal structures, utilities and technical equipment, with the historic appearance preserved.

The plans had already been described by Tengrinews project report, which said completion was scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027. The November update confirms that work remains active rather than announcing a reopening date.

Medeu’s high-altitude rink and mountain setting

The complex stands at 1,691 metres above sea level in a gorge near Almaty. Its ice surface exceeds 10,000 square metres, and more than 200 world speed-skating records have been set there, according to Kazakhstan’s national tourism portal.

That scale explains why the technical work matters for future visitors. The cooling system is not a cosmetic alteration: it is one of the main parts being replaced, alongside the technological slab beneath the ice.

The rink sits beside the anti-mudslide dam and the cable car leading towards Shymbulak. The combination of a sports venue, mountain infrastructure and a protected valley makes the current reconstruction relevant to both skating visitors and travellers using Medeu as a route into the surrounding mountains.

Visiting Medeu: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The current reconstruction update was issued on 10 November 2026 for the Medeu sports complex in Almaty.
• Public skating is not available while the rink is being rebuilt, and the authorities have not announced a reopening date within the current update.
• The complex is at Medeu Gorge, 465 Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar Street, near the cable car to Shymbulak.
• The site is at 1,691 metres above sea level, so visitors should expect a mountain setting rather than an ordinary city-centre attraction.
• Kazakhstan’s official language is Kazakh and its national currency is the tenge.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

The reconstruction means that a visit during the current work period is focused on the mountain setting and nearby infrastructure, not skating on the rink.

Searching for Medeu on social platforms

These links open searches for Medeu on each platform.

Frequently asked questions about Medeu

What is happening at Medeu?

Medeu is undergoing a major reconstruction covering its ice system, engineering networks and athlete facilities. The latest city update was issued on 10 November 2026.

When is the Medeu reconstruction expected to finish?

Completion is planned for the fourth quarter of 2027. The November 2026 update did not announce a public skating reopening date.

Where is Medeu and how do you get there?

Medeu is in Medeu Gorge at 465 Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar Street in Almaty. The complex is near the cable car to Shymbulak.