Shimla’s Iconic 104-YO Ice Skating Rink, One Of Asia’s Oldest, Is Now Open!

If you’re planning a trip to Shimla this winter, then we have some good news for you! The iconic, century-old ice skating rink in Shimla is now open for the winter season. This ice skating rink is one of Asia’s oldest and a major tourist attraction in the city. Scroll on to learn more about this historic place.

Shimla’s 104-Year-Old Ice Skating Rink Opens For The Season

Good news for all the ice skating enthusiasts in Shimla, the city’s famous ice skating rink opened early this year–all thanks to the favourable weather conditions in the region. Built in 1920, this open-air rink is a hub of winter-special activities and is a significant part of winter tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

Nestled in the heart of the city, Shimla Ice Skating Rink hosts a winter carnival and activities to draw tourists and locals alike. While talking to Hindustan Times, Manpreet Singh, Secretary of the Shimla Ice Skating Club, expressed his joy for the early start of the ice skating season. He mentioned that registrations are increasing as schools are now closing as well. Furthermore, he added that the winter carnival is scheduled to take place from December 25 to 31.

Also Read: Bollywood Actress Preity Zinta Gave Us A Peek Into Her Self-Grown, Snow-Covered Cedar Tree, All The Way From Shimla

Major Tourist Attraction In The City & Its Challenges

From games and events related to ice skating to cultural events, the winter carnival at Shimla Ice Skating Rink has it all. Ice skating enthusiasts from across the country flock to the city during this time to skate around and soak in the vibe of Shimla. Often, national events are also planned during this period. However, no such event is in the pipeline yet. According to the carnival organisers, the ice rink holds a nostalgic charm for the visitors and post-December 20, crowds start flowing in the city.

While the ice rink draws tourists to the city, it has faced challenges over the years with its long-term viability being a concern for the authorities. One of their major concerns is the outdated infrastructure that has not been improved to keep up with the large number of tourists. Moreover, the lack of modern facilities and amenities also pushes ice skating enthusiasts to choose newer ice rinks in places like Ladakh.

Also Read: Shimla Receives This Winter Season’s First Snowfall; Tourists Excited To Witness Nature’s Snowy Bounty

So, are you planning a trip to Shimla this season? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)

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