THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Explore Almaty’s mountain edges in a flexible day trip that mixes hiking in Ili‑Alatau National Park with open-air ice skating at Medeo and skiing at Shymbulak. Choose a beginner trail or push into higher alpine ridges for broader views.
Explore Almaty’s mountain edges in a flexible day trip that mixes hiking in Ili‑Alatau National Park with open-air ice skating at Medeo and skiing at Shymbulak. Choose a beginner trail or push into higher alpine ridges for broader views.
Book with Chris Jantore
Book directly with Chris Jantore for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Chris Jantore · Almaty, Almaty Region
A cold wind from the Tien Shan pushes down the valley as you climb from Almaty toward Medeo, the iron-blue rink perched above the city. In the space between concrete towers and alpine ridgelines you trade traffic noise for the hiss of melting snow and the occasional clack of skate blades. Choose a route and the mountains answer differently: a lifted cable car to Shymbulak, a steady trod into Ili‑Alatau, or an easy circuit that finishes with open-air skating at the world-famous Medeo bowl.
moderate.
4–6 hours.
Moderate fitness: comfortable walking 8–12 km with some sustained climbs and uneven terrain.
The standard guided option runs about 4–6 hours (300 minutes) including transport; specific hiking time depends on the chosen trail.
No — Medeo and Shymbulak have beginner-friendly areas; instructors or rental options are typically available for snow sports.
Yes — private transportation is included in the tour price and pickup details are arranged after booking.
Yes — the operator notes stroller access and allows infants, but consider trail difficulty when choosing routes for young children.
Medeo and Shymbulak developed through the Soviet period as public winter recreation sites; Ili‑Alatau National Park was established in the 1990s to protect the foothill ecosystems.
Trails in Ili‑Alatau are sensitive to erosion and off‑trail travel; practice Leave No Trace and respect seasonal closures to protect alpine meadows and water sources.
Chris Jantore operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Chris Jantore
Book directly with Chris Jantore for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now