With about 1.4 million inhabitants Almaty is the largest city of Kazakhstan and until 1997 is was also the country’s capitol. 1997 Astana became the new capitol of Kazakhstan. This was officially explained with the danger of earthquakes in the region around Almaty and with the lack of space for new construction projects.

But also after 1997 Almaty remained nation’s cultural, scientific, economic and sports center. Well known is, for example, the speed skating track in Medeo (16 km out of Almaty) at an altitude of 1691 m. Almaty itself is located 650 – 950 meters above sea level.

The highlight: Asian Games 2011

2011 a main event will be held in Kazakhstan: the Asian Winter Games. The final rehearsal for the skijumping hills of the Games will take place already in September 2010. The facility will be officially opened with two FIS Continental Cup competitions late September. The organizers think that there will be a huge turnout of spectators for the event.

The facility that was built only a stone’s throw away from the city center of Almaty is a gigantic winter sport complex.

Gallery: The new facility in Almaty »

The facility is in the final stage of construction. At the moment about 100 workers are putting the finishing touches to it. The lift to the hill-tower is not finished, the judges’ tower must be completed, the covering with matts is done right now and the flood light masts must be erected, but the hosts will finished with these details within the given time frame. The setup of the inrun track will begin this week.

“There’s still a lot to do, but I think that the organizers will be able to carry out good competitions in September”, FIS COC coordinator Horst Tielmann said after his last inspection in Kazakhstan.

The official opening ceremony will be held before the first competitions that will take place on September 25th and 26th as part of the FIS Continental Cup.

Basic data

HS Large hill 140 meters

HS Normal hill 106 meters

The facility does not have a name yet

Costs about 37 million Euro

The facility was planned by Werner Schertel from Germany

Tags: kasachstan | almaty

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