Exploring The Ice Skating Festival In Shimla

The hill stations of Shimla is not just famous for its panoramic view of the mighty snow capped mountains or the snuggly cafes at the corner lane of a bustling Mall Road, but there’s more to see and experience in the hill station. Home to several traditional fairs and festivals, Shimla offers an amazing cultural extravaganza. Let’s take a look at one of the best cultural fairs in the hill station of Shimla.

The ‘Queen of the hills’ Shimla is known for breathtaking beauty and plethora of activities that will perfectly impart a cultural fix onto your body and minds. To escape to the best festivals and fairs of the region, Shimla is the best place to explore in the lower Himalayas. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, experiences a cool climate during the majority of months in a year, apart from from the winter months (though it's brilliant too). The winter months allures the lovers of snow and adventure seekers. One such adventure-cum-fascinating festival thought you should definitely attend in the hill station is the Ice Skating festivals. The festival bringing its own level of thrills and ‘chills’ is definitely worth taking a visit. If you’re planning a tour of the hill station during the winter months, do tell you travel operator to include a trip to the festival in your Shimla tour packages.

Shimla attracts thousands of visitors towards its wonderful landscapes especially during winters when snow-capped mountains make the surroundings truly mesmerizing. The continuous snowfall during the winter months make the place appropriate for various types of adventure snow sports e.g. skiing and skating. During winter months from December to February, Winter festival is organized in Shimla, of which the Ice Skating Festival is the main attraction. The festival organized by the Ice Skating Club of Shimla is held in the month of January. Shimla prides itself with the biggest and natural ice-rink in the whole of India with the winter festival considered as one of the most popular events. Tourists from all corners of the country plan their Shimla holidays during winters so they can enjoy all types of snow related adventure activities. The preparation for the Ice Skating Festival starts during the month of December when the ice-rink is made ready with actual hard snow and continues till the end of February. This festival has been organized by the Ice Skating Club for more than 60 years.

The festival is not restricted to various types of snow activities but there are many more events and activities organized during this period. You can explore and participate in events like skiing, ice-skating, ice hockey etc. Dance shows and fancy dress competitions are also held during the occasion. Skaters of different levels can participate in the festival. For the novice skaters, there are well-trained trainers available in the rink. These trainers provide adequate help required to the beginners. At the rink all types of basic requirements can be availed on rent. Skates, caps, kneecaps and other gears for winter sports are available at nominal charges at this ice rink. Short term membership is also offered to the tourists or visitors along with the long term membership is for the people who are planning to stay in Shimla for some extended period. Daily passes are also available for the visitors of ice-skating rink. Apart from Ice Skating Festival visitors can also participate in other adventure activities like hiking, camping and trailing activities during winter months. Nearby places like Vice Regal Lodge, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Kali Bari Temple and more are other places to visit in Shimla to explore during winter months.