The Shimla Ice Skating Rink is officially open for the season. Located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, this iconic rink is a historic landmark that has been a key part of the region’s winter tourism for over a century.
The Shimla Ice Skating Rink was built in 1920 and is one of Asia’s oldest ice skating rinks. Its open-air design, a rarity in today’s world, sets it apart. This feature, combined with Shimla’s cold climate, creates the perfect conditions for outdoor ice skating. Surrounded by the views of Shimla’s hills, the rink offers a magical experience that attracts visitors of all ages every winter and is hands down one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Over the years, the rink has become more than just a skating destination—it symbolises Shimla’s cultural and historical significance. Established during the colonial era, it reflects the town’s rich heritage and has been a major attraction for locals and tourists.
However, despite its popularity and sentimental value, the rink faces significant hurdles.
The facilities haven’t kept up with the increasing number of visitors, leading to concerns about the overall experience.
In addition, insufficient funding has made upgrading and maintaining the rink challenging, jeopardising its future. These issues have raised concerns among the local community and rink management, who are working to draw attention to the need for preservation and improvement.
Efforts are underway to secure more investment and support for the rink. The management and local residents are pushing for upgrades to ensure the rink remains a key part of Shimla’s tourism infrastructure. The goal is to modernise its facilities while preserving its historic charm, making it enjoyable for future generations and one of the key places to visit in Shimka.
(With inputs from multiple reports)
