Shimla’s Ice-Skating Season Arrives Early as Lakkar Bazar Rink Freezes Ahead of Time
Shimla is set to welcome winter fun sooner than expected, with the iconic Lakkar Bazar natural ice-skating rink preparing to open nearly two weeks early. A sharp dip in temperatures this week has given the city’s beloved skating tradition a head start.
Nature’s Helping Hand
- Night temperatures have plunged to between –1°C and 0°C, creating perfect conditions for the first layer of ice to solidify.
- The rink, India’s oldest and only operational natural ice-skating facility, has already seen its first coat of ice form.
Behind the Scenes
- Since Monday, crews have worked tirelessly through the night, spraying water at hourly intervals to speed up crystallisation.
- “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 member of the ice-preparation team.
What’s Next
- Officials are optimistic that trial rounds could begin as early as Sunday if sub-zero nights continue.
- A formal schedule for public skating will be announced once the ice quality is confirmed.
A Boost for Tradition
The early freeze means more skating days this season — a welcome revival for a rink that has struggled in recent years against urban heat and shorter winters. For locals and tourists alike, it’s a chance to relive Shimla’s century-old skating culture with renewed energy.
