The Aryavarth Express
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): Asia’s only natural ice skating rink in Shimla opened its 105th winter season on Wednesday with successful trial runs, offering a promising start despite mounting concerns over climate change and shrinking skating sessions in recent years. The first layer of ice formed earlier than last season due to favourable weather, drawing enthusiastic tourists to the historic open-air rink.
Manpreet Singh Sembi, President of the Shimla Ice Skating Rink, said global warming continues to impact the facility’s operations. “The number of sessions is decreasing each year, so the number of skaters has also fallen. We are completely dependent on weather,” he told. He added that the season has begun a week earlier than last year and that participation is expected to rise once school examinations conclude later this month.
Sembi also confirmed that plans are underway to convert the century-old rink into an all-weather facility. “We hope to complete the upgrade by next year. This rink is connected with generations and remains the only major winter recreational activity in Shimla,” he said.
Local skaters worry about the decline in ice sessions. Jasraj, a student who has been skating at the rink for 12 years, said, “There’s already little to do in Shimla, and now even this isn’t running regularly. Because of global warming, the ice doesn’t form properly.” He hopes cold temperatures this year will allow for more sessions, noting that limited opportunities push many young skaters to train in cities like Dehradun.
General Secretary Rajat Malhotra echoed these concerns while expressing optimism. “This heritage club began in 1920 and is over a century old. Today’s trial was successful, but everything depends on the weather,” he said. He too emphasised the need for an indoor, all-weather rink for ice hockey and figure skating. “Some years we get over 70 sessions; last year we had only 35. If the weather permits, we hope to cross 70 this year.”
Despite worries among locals, tourists on the opening day were thrilled to experience natural ice skating. Many stumbled their way through first-time lessons but expressed excitement at trying the rare activity.
“It’s my first time—we’re falling, but learning,” said Chiranth Reddi from Karnataka. Amritya Singh from Jharkhand, visiting on a college trip, called it a stroke of luck that the rink opened on their arrival.
Tourists from warmer states were especially delighted. “I didn’t know this was Asia’s only natural rink. Even if the weather is changing, it still looks beautiful here,” said Anshu from Hyderabad.
As winter finally settles over the hill town, residents and skaters hope the weather remains favourable enough to keep the iconic rink—established in 1920 during British rule and a cherished Shimla tradition—alive for another vibrant skating season.
