Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, December 5
Shimla’s iconic ice-skating rink in Lakkar Bazaar opened for the winter season on Thursday, drawing an enthusiastic response from children and visitors as the first session began at 8am. The trial run held earlier in the morning was declared successful by the Ice Skating Club of Shimla, paving the way for daily sessions through the season. Club secretary Rajat Malhotra said skating has started a week earlier than last year, owing to favourable temperatures. Evening sessions may also begin next week if the cold intensifies. The annual ice-skating carnival is scheduled for the end of the month.
The rink, Asia’s only natural ice-skating arena, forms its ice sheet without machines. Each evening, a thin layer of water is spread across the surface, which freezes overnight when temperatures fall below zero, creating a natural skating surface by morning.
Local skaters and tourists from across the country took to the rink for the opening session. Young skaters said they were thrilled to be back on the ice, adding that school holidays give them ample time to practise. Work has also started on plans to build an all-weather skating rink in Shimla, with construction expected to begin in April and finish within two years.
