Alau Ice Palace
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Alau Ice Palace

4.6
·2k reviews·Astana, Kazakhstan

A modern ice palace in Astana, offering public skating and hosting cultural sports events with striking architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more ice time

CrowdLow
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Alau Ice Palace

Alau Ice Palace

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more ice time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern ice palace in Astana, offering public skating and hosting cultural sports events with striking architecture.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"So much fun! Some staff can speak English and they were so helpful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Skating Slots Online

Secure your 2-hour skating session in advance via the official website to avoid disappointment. :ticket:

⛸️ Rent Ice Skates On-site

Skate rentals are available, making it easy to enjoy the ice without bringing your own gear.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Public Ice Skating

Public Ice Skating

Main Ice Rink

Glide across a vast, smooth ice surface. Perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skaters.

TikTokReddit
Traditional Sports Competitions

Traditional Sports Competitions

Event Areas

Witness or participate in unique cultural games like arkan tartys (tug-of-war) and assyk atu.

Instagram+2
Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the striking design of the ice palace, symbolizing the element of fire.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Skating Slot in Advance

Public skating sessions at Alau Ice Palace are often limited to two-hour slots, especially on weekends. Booking ahead is crucial to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, as these slots can fill up quickly. Reddit

Understand Visiting Hours

Alau Ice Palace has specific visiting hours for public skating, which can vary. It's essential to check the schedule before your visit to ensure you can enjoy the ice. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more ice time
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Catch the early buzz
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Experience unique culture
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fyp #каток #astana #alau #IceSkating
@feeree1eer
22.5K likes • 270.4K views

🎯 Book Skating Slots Online

Secure your 2-hour skating session in advance via the official website to avoid disappointment. Reddit :ticket:

⛸️ Rent Ice Skates On-site

Skate rentals are available, making it easy to enjoy the ice without bringing your own gear. TikTok

Дети остались довольными✨️😎 @alauicepalace 🔥 #weekends #alauicepalace #alauiceplace
asylzhan_kai
112 likes • 2.2K views
#Repost @the_astana_times ⚡️Today, Alau Ice Palace held arkan tartys (tug-of-war) and assyk atu (knocking out knucklebones) competitions. Russia’s women team became gold medalists of arkan tartys. The national team of Kazakhstan won a silver medal, and Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan became bronze medalists. Kazakhstan won the gold medal in the final of assyk atu. Kyrgyz Republic’s team became ...
kazakhementvotre
22 likes • 324 views

🤝 Helpful Staff

Even if language is a barrier, staff are noted for their sweet attempts to assist visitors. Reddit

⏱️ Be Mindful of Time Slots

Public skating is strictly timed into 2-hour slots, with an hour break for ice maintenance. Reddit

⚡️Today, Alau Ice Palace held arkan tartys (tug-of-war) and assyk atu (knocking out knucklebones) competitions. Russia’s women team became gold medalists of arkan tartys. The national team of Kazakhstan won a silver medal, and Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan became bronze medalists. Kazakhstan won the gold medal in the final of assyk atu. Kyrgyz Republic’s team became silver medalists. Tajikist...
the_astana_times
60 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Skating Slots Online

Secure your 2-hour skating session in advance via the official website to avoid disappointment. Reddit :ticket:

⛸️ Rent Ice Skates On-site

Skate rentals are available, making it easy to enjoy the ice without bringing your own gear. TikTok

🤝 Helpful Staff

Even if language is a barrier, staff are noted for their sweet attempts to assist visitors. Reddit

⏱️ Be Mindful of Time Slots

Public skating is strictly timed into 2-hour slots, with an hour break for ice maintenance. Reddit

🧥 Dress Warmly

The ice rink is cold, so layers are recommended for a comfortable skating experience. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find Alau Ice Palace to be a fun place with a great ice surface for skating. The staff are often praised for their helpfulness and friendly attitude, even with language barriers. However, some find the organization of public skating sessions, particularly the strict time slots and crowd management on weekends, to be less than ideal. Reddit

"So much fun! Some staff can speak English and they were so helpful. Even the non English speakers were sweet and tried to help us with information or whatever. We rented ice skates and had the best time. There are limited visiting hours, though."

Ana Clara Conde

"Very nice house people love me when I come here. Thank you for your hospitality and we love it."

Cristiano Ronaldo

"very smooth ice and huge space for skating"

Zick Zick

What People Like

Smooth, vast ice surface
Helpful and friendly staff
Modern, impressive architecture

What People Dislike

Strict time slot organization
Weekend crowds
Mediocre service at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Alau Ice Palace is accessible by public transport in Astana. Many visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services for convenience. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information on public transportation options. TikTok

Yes, parking is generally available at the Alau Ice Palace, which is convenient for those driving. It's advisable to arrive a bit early during peak times to secure a spot. Reddit

For tourists, a taxi or ride-sharing app is often the most straightforward way to reach Alau Ice Palace, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city's public transport system. TikTok

Depending on your starting point in Astana, walking might be an option, but it's a significant distance from the city center. Public transport or a taxi is generally recommended. Reddit

Alau Ice Palace is part of Astana's modern sports infrastructure. While not directly adjacent to major tourist landmarks, it's in a developing area of the city. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for public skating sessions at Alau Ice Palace can vary. It's best to check their official website or ticketing partners for the most current pricing information. Reddit

Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend public skating sessions, as they are often limited to specific time slots and can sell out. Reddit

Public skating hours at Alau Ice Palace are specific and can change. Always check the official schedule online before your visit to confirm availability. Reddit

While it might be possible to buy tickets on the day, it's not guaranteed, especially during busy periods. Advance booking is the safest way to ensure entry. Reddit

Typically, there are tickets for public skating sessions. Special events might have separate ticketing. Check the venue's ticketing platform for details. Instagram

🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience

Yes, ice skate rentals are available at Alau Ice Palace, making it convenient for visitors who don't own their own skates. TikTok

The ice at Alau Ice Palace is generally described as very smooth and well-maintained, suitable for both recreational and more serious skaters. Reddit

While specific age restrictions are not always detailed, Alau Ice Palace is a family-friendly venue. Children should be supervised by an adult. Instagram

Facilities typically include skate rental, restrooms, and sometimes cafes or seating areas. The ice rink itself is the main attraction. Reddit

Absolutely! Alau Ice Palace is a great place for beginners to learn to skate, with plenty of space and smooth ice. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography and videography for personal use are generally allowed at Alau Ice Palace, especially during public skating sessions. However, professional shoots might require special permission. TikTokInstagram

The modern architecture of the palace offers great photo opportunities, both inside and out. The ice rink itself, with skaters, also makes for dynamic shots. Instagram

While personal photography is usually fine, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially during events. Reddit

Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas or during specific events to avoid disturbing performers or other guests. Check for any posted signage. Reddit

A camera with good low-light performance is ideal, as indoor lighting can vary. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the architecture and the rink. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Alau Ice Palace is a fantastic destination for families looking for active fun. The spacious ice rink provides ample room for children to practice their skating skills, and skate rentals are available on-site, making it easy for everyone to join in. TikTokInstagram It's advisable to book your family's skating session in advance, especially on weekends, to ensure you get a spot during the desired time slot. Reddit Consider visiting during weekday afternoons for a less crowded experience, which can be more comfortable for younger children. Reddit

While the primary activity is ice skating, the venue's modern design also offers visual interest. Be sure to check for any special family events or themed skating sessions that might be happening during your visit. Remember to dress the kids in warm layers to keep them comfortable on the ice. Reddit

⛸️ Recreational Skaters

For recreational skaters, Alau Ice Palace offers a high-quality ice surface that is consistently described as smooth and well-maintained. Reddit The venue's large size means there's plenty of space to enjoy a leisurely skate, practice new moves, or simply glide around. TikTok Booking your two-hour slot in advance is crucial to guarantee your access, particularly during peak times. Reddit

While the ice is excellent, be prepared for potential crowds during popular hours. Reddit The staff are generally helpful, and skate rentals are readily available. TikTokReddit Embrace the experience, enjoy the glide, and take in the modern surroundings of this impressive ice arena. Instagram

🌍 Culture Enthusiasts

Alau Ice Palace is more than just an ice rink; it's a venue that hosts unique cultural events. Keep an eye out for traditional Kazakh sports competitions like arkan tartys and assyk atu, which offer a fascinating glimpse into local heritage. Instagram+2 Attending one of these events provides a different perspective on the venue and the rich culture of Kazakhstan. Instagram

The architecture of the palace itself, symbolizing 'flame,' is also a point of cultural interest. Instagram Exploring the venue during such events can be a memorable experience, blending sport, culture, and impressive design. Check the event schedule in advance to align your visit with these special occasions.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Alau Ice Palace Experience

Alau Ice Palace, whose name translates to 'flame' in Kazakh, is a striking modern sports complex in Astana. Opened in 2011, its architecture is designed to symbolize the element of fire, making it a visually impressive venue. Instagram Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it's a hub for ice sports, most notably offering public ice skating sessions. Visitors often praise the smoothness and vastness of the ice, making it a joy for skaters of all levels. Reddit

However, the public skating experience has its nuances. Sessions are typically limited to two-hour slots, and on weekends, these are often divided into strict time blocks with an hour in between for ice maintenance. Reddit While this ensures a refreshed surface, it can lead to crowded entry and exit periods. Despite potential organizational quirks, the helpful and sweet nature of the staff, even those with limited English, is frequently highlighted, adding a warm touch to the visit. Reddit

The palace also serves as a venue for cultural events and traditional sports competitions, such as arkan tartys (tug-of-war) and assyk atu (a traditional game). Instagram+2 These events offer a unique glimpse into Kazakh culture and add another dimension to the Alau Ice Palace experience, drawing diverse crowds and showcasing local heritage alongside modern sporting facilities.

Navigating Public Skating at Alau

For those planning a visit to Alau Ice Palace for public skating, understanding the operational flow is key. The venue operates on timed sessions, typically two hours long. Reddit This structure, while ensuring ice quality, means punctuality is important. It's highly recommended to book your skating slot online in advance, especially for weekend visits, as these sessions are popular and can sell out. Reddit

Upon arrival, you can rent ice skates if you don't have your own. TikTok The ice surface itself is consistently praised for its quality – smooth and expansive, providing an excellent skating environment. Reddit Despite the organized time slots, some visitors note that the rink can get crowded, with a mix of skill levels, leading to a lively but sometimes challenging atmosphere. Reddit The staff, though sometimes facing language barriers, are noted for their friendly demeanor and willingness to assist, which enhances the overall visitor experience. Reddit

Remember to dress warmly in layers, as the temperature on the ice is significantly cooler than outside. Instagram While the focus is on skating, the modern architecture of the Alau Ice Palace itself is also a point of interest, offering a visually appealing backdrop to your activity. Instagram

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