Medeu: We Have Completed the Technology Design Documentation for the Reconstruction

There are ice rinks, and then there is Medeu. The high-altitude speed skating complex in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where hundreds of records have been set in the past, is a technical challenge for everyone involved in its further development.

ICE Professional has completed the design documentation for the technology part of the planned reconstruction of this legendary sports complex. We worked with specialists from seven countries on the design of the technologies required to operate a modern ice surface.

Medeu – A Legend of World Speed Skating

The Medeu sports complex is located at an altitude of approximately 1,691 metres in a mountain area near Almaty. Its specific climatic conditions helped make it one of the best-known places in the history of winter sports.

Between 1952 and 1988, more than 200 world records were set here. This earned Medeu the nickname “the record factory” and an exceptional standing among the world’s sports venues. Further development of the stadium therefore requires not only respect for its history, but also top-class, modern technical solutions.

Technology Design for Demanding Conditions

For the planned reconstruction, we prepared a complete design of the individual systems, which must work together perfectly.

The design documentation covered:

• Ice surface structure: Preparation of the base, including design of the technological slab, piping system, insulation and reinforcement.
• Ecological refrigeration: Design of refrigeration equipment using ammonia (NH₃) — a natural refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and minimal impact on global warming.
• Water and snow management: A system for melting the snow produced during ice maintenance, and water treatment for preparing a top-quality ice surface.
• Facilities and operation: Ventilation of the refrigeration plant room and solutions for the operation and garaging of ice resurfacers.

Precise coordination of all these systems is essential for reliable operation, energy efficiency and the long-term functionality of the entire complex.

International Cooperation on a Significant Project

Experts from Germany, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Poland, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Kazakhstan took part in the design together with our team.

This extensive international cooperation made it possible to bring together the latest know-how in ice surface technology. We are proud to have contributed our experience to the next stage in the development of a place that has left an indelible mark on the history of world speed skating.

Planning to build or reconstruct a winter stadium or another ice surface? Contact ICE Professional — we would be happy to discuss the technical options for your project.