Wait ends, ice skating off to smooth start at Shimla rink

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 16

Ending the long wait of adventure lovers, ice skating, the major winter attraction of Shimla, started at the Asia’s biggest natural rink in the Queen of Hills today.

MEMBERSHIP CHARGES

• For fortnight to full season: From Rs1,700 to Rs3,000 for adults and Rs900 to Rs1,800 for juniors
• Casual skating: Rs300 per session for tourists
• Skates: From Rs1,200 to Rs1,500 for club members with a security deposit of Rs3,000

“The trial run held on yesterday was successful following which the ice skating session started this morning as mercury dropped below freezing point. Around 20 skating enthusiasts braved the piercing cold wave conditions and arrived at the rink,” said Bhuvnesh Banga, secretary, Shimla Ice Skating Club.

While people shivered sitting near heaters at home, the skaters enjoyed the warmth of sliding on skates.

Earlier, a red balloon hanging atop the Town Hall in the heart of the city indicated that the session was on but after the renovation of the building, the practice had been stopped and messages were sent to the members on a WhatsApp group, he added.

Clear sky with minimum temperature staying below 4°C to 5°C is a pre-requisite for ice skating. Also, wearing masks has been made mandatory to ensure safety.

“We are hoping for a good season as the Covid threat is not so grave this year as compared to 2020,” said Mokshana, a Class VIII student.

“It is the first day of this season and I am really happy and thrilled to meet my friends here,” said Garima, a Class X student.

If the weather permits, the skating carnival would be held between December 25 and 31 along with the gymkhana event and the ice hockey championship in January first week, said Pankaj Prabhakar, a club official.

Last year, the ice skating season started on December 17 and ended on February 7 with 86 sessions.