Old photo , used for indicative purpose only
Shimla Ice Skating Club future uncertain amid All-Weather Rink plans
Shimla, March 15,
The future of the historic Simla Ice Skating Club, an institution that has preserved the unique tradition of ice skating in the hill town for over a century, has come under a cloud as the state government moves ahead with plans to develop an all-weather ice skating rink in Shimla.
At a Special General Meeting held on Sunday, members of the club discussed the situation that emerged after verbal directions were reportedly conveyed during a recent interaction at the club premises regarding vacating the existing space in view of the proposed project. The meeting was convened to deliberate on the implications of the development and to collectively decide the club’s course of action.
After detailed discussion, members resolved that the club would await formal written communication from the Government of Himachal Pradesh before initiating any process related to handing over the premises. Members emphasised that while they fully support the development of modern skating infrastructure in Shimla, any step affecting the club should follow due process and clarity from the competent authority.
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The meeting also decided that the club will submit a representation to the State government seeking suitable temporary arrangements during the proposed construction period so that the club can continue its other activities such as table tennis, snooker and gymnasium facilities, which are used by members throughout the year. Members said these activities form an important part of the club’s sporting and social engagement and their continuation is essential for the functioning of the institution.
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It was further resolved that if alternative arrangements are not provided, a delegation of skaters and club representatives would seek an opportunity to meet the Chief Minister to present the concerns of the club. Members expressed hope that the issue can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation with the government.
Interestingly, members recalled that the club has historically worked in close cooperation with the government in promoting skating and tourism in Shimla and had even contributed to preparing a holistic concept for the development of an all-weather skating facility in the city. The proposal was aimed at ensuring that skating activities could continue throughout the year while preserving the unique legacy of the existing rink.
However, members expressed concern that despite supporting the expansion of skating infrastructure, the club is now facing uncertainty regarding its own functioning and office space, particularly as the lease of the club building expired in October 2025 and has not been renewed since.
Over the decades, the Shimla ice skating rink has grown into one of the most distinctive winter attractions of the hill town and has been regularly promoted by Himachal Pradesh Tourism as a signature experience for visitors to Shimla. Generations of residents and tourists have taken to the ice here, making the rink an integral part of the city’s winter culture.
The rink has also been closely associated with the cultural and cinematic memory of the hill station. Several Hindi films of the 1960s and 1970s, including Mera Naam Joker, Woh Kaun Thi, Aa Gale Lag Jaa, Arzoo and Janwar, featured scenes shot at the Shimla ice skating rink, bringing national attention to the rare winter sport practiced in the town.
Over the years the rink has also hosted several prominent personalities, including former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, who visited the rink during his trip to India and later donated a trophy for skating competitions. Former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, among other distinguished visitors, are also known to have visited the historic rink.
Established in 1920, the Shimla ice skating rink is widely regarded as Asia’s oldest natural ice skating rink and for decades was believed to be the only natural ice skating arena of its kind across South and Southeast Asia. Unlike artificial rinks, the surface here forms entirely through natural freezing conditions during winter mornings, a rare phenomenon that gave Shimla a unique place on the winter sports map of the region.
For generations, the early morning red baloon hosting above earstwhile MC Shimla office on the Mall Road has remained a calling for skaters onto the ice. It has also symbolised the beginning of winter in the hill town. As Shimla now looks toward the creation of a modern all-weather skating facility, many hope that the Simla Ice Skating Club, the institution that nurtured this rare tradition for more than a hundred years, will continue to remain an integral part of the city’s skating legacy rather than becoming a forgotten chapter of its past.
Noteworthy that no official statement from the representatives of Government of Himachal Pradesh was received in the matter, till the time of filing this report.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
