Ice Skating

The Ice Skating rink is one of the lesser known attractions in Gulmarg. The rink is situated close to the Gondola base station and overlooks the golf course. Unknown to most, several training camps for students and professional Indian Ice Skaters have been held at this rink. The best time for ice skating in Gulmarg is in the winter months of January and February. There have been several instances when I’ve decided to ice skate when the Gondola is closed because of heavy snowfall in the skiing season. On more instances than one, this has been a good break from skiing. However, I’ve learned the hard way that having an instructor is useful for first time ice skaters. Your hotel front desk will be able to help you find an instructor for ice skating. There are several rental shops in Gulmarg from where you can rent ice skating equipment and give the sport a try. Do keep in mind that equipment might not be in the best of shape, so do inspect it before you venture out. If you’re keen on learning ice skating, several professional companies will be able to provide you instructors and equipment. Two of them are listed in the skiing section of the guide Ice Skating Rink at Gulmarg For Ice Skating & Ice Hockey buffs, there is an Ice Skating Rink right at the heart of Gulmarg town near the cable car station.

Ice Skating Rink at Nunwan, Pahalgam Pahalgam recently had its first Ice Skating Rink in May, 2016. Constructed at a cost of Rs 3.0 Crores, it has a roof with complete infrastructure like lights. It will have night skating facility also which will attract tourists in large numbers. Now Pahalgam too, will be an all-season tourist destination. Ice Skating Tips For Beginners Unlike skiing, ice skating basically means standing on blades, fitted beneath your shoes. This is totally different from anything you have experienced before. For your benefit we offer these timely tips. Stretchable Leggings Tight jeans are not suitable. Have flexible trousers that allow easy limb movement especially when losing balance. Look at the Blades they should fit snugly beneath the shoes. The shoes you choose should be tight, even if they squeak you are good to go. Have some support while standing on the skating shoes. Once you get the feel, step onto the skating rink and stay at the boundary. Using support, try taking a full circle and only when confident, take baby steps. Do not rush as a slip would mean injury. Ice is rock hard and you can easily break bones, so beware. Balance Start working on balance. Use your arms to balance. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward. You shouldn’t be able to see your toes. Move forward slowly. Eventually, speed will help you keep your balance but not quite yet. Falling It will happen. If you can anticipate the fall, bend your knees and move into a squat position. When you put your hands down to break your fall, keep them in a fist. You don’t want to lose a finger to a passing skater.Getting up Beginners don’t venture into the center. You can always ask your friends/relatives to throw a shawl you can catch and slide out else wait for someone to push you to the periphery. Best Learner Tip Bent knees, upright torso and heads up is the best posture for beginners. Avoid the natural tendency to slouch or bend forward to look down at the ice as it leads to falls. Best Tips for Skating on Frozen Rivers Always carry a nylon string bundle along. In case you cannot get up after a fall, you can throw it to the onlookers asking them to slide you off. When beginning, do not slide too far away from others.