Early winter chill poised to kickstart Skating season at Shimla’s Iconic Ice rink
Old photo , used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Nov 29,
Shimla is gearing up for an unusually early start to its beloved ice-skating season, with the Lakkar Bazar natural rink preparing to open nearly two weeks ahead of schedule thanks to the sharp dip in temperatures this week.
Night temperatures in the locality have consistently dropped to between –1°C and 0°C, creating the perfect conditions for the first layer of natural ice to solidify. Officials at the historic skating rink — the oldest and only operational natural ice-skating facility in the country — confirmed that the initial coat of ice has already formed, signalling a promising start to winter activities.
The ice-making exercise, which began on Monday, has gained momentum due to the steady freeze. Teams have been working through the night, spraying water at hourly intervals as temperatures plunge, allowing the surface to crystallise faster than usual.
“This favourable spell has given us a head start. The ice formation is strong, and if the cold wave persists, we may be able to conduct a trial session much earlier than expected,” said Azad, a key member of the ice-preparation crew.
Joint Secretary Pankaj Prabhakar echoed the optimism, noting that consistent sub-zero nights over the next two to three days could pave the way for the season’s first trial round as early as Sunday. A formal schedule for public skating sessions will be announced once ice quality is confirmed after the trial.
The early onset of winter is also expected to increase the total number of skating days available this year — a significant boost for a rink whose natural ice formation has increasingly struggled against urban heat and shortened winter windows.
For Shimla’s residents and visiting enthusiasts, the development brings hope for a more vibrant and extended skating season, rekindling a cherished winter tradition at Lakkar Bazar.
With nature offering its support early this year, the famed rink appears set for a stronger revival of Shimla’s century-old skating culture.
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