The most unusual skating rinks of this winter in Russia are named

Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities in Russia, but in recent years, urban and natural playgrounds have increasingly moved away from the usual format. The skating rinks turn into full-fledged recreation spaces with illumination, fairs, music programs and thematic events. On January 25, Ticketland collected for Izvestia a selection of unusual ice locations in the country, where this winter you can combine sports, walks and new experiences.

Bolotnaya Square has become one of these places in Moscow. The open ice space in the center of the capital is open until the end of February and offers visitors not only skating, but also cafes with hot drinks, recreation areas and photo locations, as well as musical accompaniment and light installations. Nearby there is a pavilion designed in the form of a toy factory, where souvenirs and handmade products from Moscow brands are presented. Admission to the rink is free, but the session must be selected in advance and a ticket issued through the portal. mos.ru .

The organizers remind you of the rules of attendance: children under the age of seven must be supervised by adults, and it is also important to observe the general order of movement on the ice.

In Kazan, the skating rink on the Kremlin Embankment, which is one of the longest in Russia, attracts the attention of winter recreation enthusiasts. Its length is about 1 km. The ice was filled in here for the first time since 2023, so the current season has become a long-awaited one for citizens and tourists. In addition to skiing, the embankment offers a New Year's fair, Santa Claus's house, carousels, a steam train and a creative workshop. The playground is suitable for both family leisure and for those who prefer free skating with the opportunity to accelerate.

Visitors are advised to study the schedule in advance: there are usually fewer people during the day on weekdays, while ice discos, workshops and mass events take place in the evenings and on weekends.

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Nature lovers choose ice rinks on Lake Baikal. The season of skiing on transparent natural ice has already been opened in the area of the village of Listvyanka, in Bolshoy Goloustny and on the island of Olkhon. Tourists are attracted by the silence, the distance from the city and the minimal number of visitors, as well as the famous winter views of Lake Baikal. The organizers and local guides remind you of the importance of warming up before going out on the ice and the need for warm equipment — thermal underwear, windproof outerwear, mittens and wool socks, so that a long stay in the cold remains comfortable.

In Murmansk, an unusual format is offered by an ice rink at the Stroiteley Stadium, located in the heart of the Arctic.

"The rink is open in the evening from 19:00 to 22:00, so it is here that visitors can skate directly under the northern Lights — the peak falls from December to February. The site also hosts activities for residents of the city: themed parties, film festivals, and quests. This location is suitable for a romantic date or a joint leisure time with friends," the Ticketland service clarified.

Beginners are helped by instructors, as well as special "helpers" in the form of animal figures that can be used for stability on ice.

Another unusual location is located in the Republic of Dagestan — an ice rink on Lake Mochokh. Among the mountains and snow-covered expanses, a space has been created here without musical installations and decorations, where silence, clear ice and panoramic views become the main thing. Skate rentals are available for guests, and there are holiday homes nearby where you can stay while traveling. Visitors are warned about the need to observe safety measures on natural ice, take into account possible surface irregularities and not go out on the rink alone.

According to Ticketland, modern ice rinks are gradually turning into points of attraction for winter tourism, combining sports, entertainment and the atmosphere of seasonal holidays. From urban venues with fairs and music to the wildlife of Lake Baikal and the northern lights in the Arctic, Russians are offered more and more options to make traditional ice skating part of a full—fledged winter trip.

On January 9, Elena Kosheleva, Director of Sberbank Insurance projects, warned about the dangers of winter entertainment and named security measures. According to the company, Russians most often choose cross-country skiing (22%), winter hiking (18%) and ice skating (12%). Sledging is used by 9% of the respondents, while tubing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and winter fishing received 7% each. However, activity is often accompanied by injuries: 61% of Russians have experienced them, and 13% have suffered quite serious injuries. The expert noted that in order to reduce risks, it is important to choose official and equipped places for recreation.

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