The choice of ice rinks in the capital is unusually wide. However, many fans of ice skating rush to Sokolniki Park when the season comes. How it attracts visitors, what features and disadvantages of its ice rink, we will analyze with you further.
About Ice Rink
The Ice Rink in Sokolniki Park, traditionally located on Festivalnaya Square, is not the only one on the territory of PKiO. In addition to it, a free "Giant" is open for guests on the Big Circle, and near the Golden Pond - "Skating Rink in the Forest", where they also do not charge visitors. However, most people still strive to get on the paid "Ice".
Such a desire is not accidental, because only this ice rink in Sokolniki, with an area of 5300 m22, is all-weather, t.to. a special technology of filling ice is used here, which allows the latter to maintain its excellent condition when the air temperature rises to +15 degrees. In addition, "Ice" is always colorfully decorated: the ice surface is highlighted,light installations and thousands of LED bulbs on the sides are installed, as well as a large media screen 6x4 m in size, thematic art objects. For the convenience of spectators, temporary wooden stands are being erected.
The ice skating rink in Sokolniki Park also regularly hosts fun competitions, parties and ice skating discos. Young figure skaters are taught the basics of skating by the teachers of the children's sports school "Smekayka". In addition, each winter season here has its own unique theme. Winter 2016-2017, for example, passed under the sign of rock. The Ice venue was completely dedicated to this musical direction:
- The loudspeakers played the best rock hits (there was an Elvis Presley and Nirvana day).
- Special instruction strips were applied to the ice rink to teach rock and roll dance moves.
- 6 gobo projectors created an atmosphere of the disco era on the ice, scattering escaping multi-colored spots up to 12 m2 in size2.
- Neon lights were installed in the thickness of the ice.
- Specially invited bands delighted visitors with the sound of rock rhythms every weekend.
Contact information
Rink "Ice" can be found at: st. Sokolnichesky Val, 1, building 1, Festival Square (opposite pavilion No. 2). The best way to travel is by metro, stop - st. Sokolniki (red line).
Traditionally, the skating rink in Sokolniki Park opens on November 28th. Since then, it has been open daily from 10.00 to 0.00 until the end of the season. Access to the ice rink is carried out by periods:
- 10.00 - 12.00.
- 13.00 - 15.00.
- 16.00 - 18.00.
- 19.00 - 21.00.
- 22.00 - 00.00.
Rental is open from 10.00 to 00.00. The issuance of sports equipment ends at 23.00.
Prices for entering the ice, rentals
The cost of access to the ice, rental, as well as the list of categories of citizens eligible for free and reduced admission, changes every season. Let's present the latest information - for 2016-2017
| Service | Cost |
| Out on the ice, children under 3 | Not allowed on the skating rink |
| Out on the ice, children 3-14 years old |
Free when accompanied by an adult with a full ticket. A child without an adult rides at the full cost of an adult ticket. |
| Out on the ice, adults |
Weekdays - 250 rubles/session. Weekends, holidays - 350 rubles/session. |
| Rental of all types of skates | 200 RUB/session |
| Sharpening blades | 300 RUR/pair |
| Rent a "walker" to learn how to ride | 200 RUB/session |
| Child protection kit rental | 200 RUB/session |
| Pen alty for losing an electronic pass | 100 RUR/1pc |
| Pen alty for losing wardrobe number | 100 RUR/1pc |
The price of the entrance pass includes the storage of clothes in the wardrobe or the use of one cell for personal items. Skates are released without a deposit in the form of a passport or a sum of money. For everything else, both a document and cash (500-1000 rubles) must be left as collateral.
Privileges for visiting "Ice"
Let's consider in the table the categories of citizens eligible for free or reduced admission to the skating rink in Sokolniki Park.
| Free visit | Preferential visit |
| Participants of the Second World War | Pensioners, disabled people of all categories - 175 rubles/session (only from Monday to Thursday, non-holidays). |
| Veterans of the Second World War and other military operations | Families with three or more children - by special subscription (registration at the Sports and He alth Center), no more than 10 sessions per month. |
| Heroes of the USSR, RF | |
| Former prisoners of concentration camps | |
| Full Knights of the Order of Glory award | |
| Former blockade survivors, as well as persons with the award "For the Defense of Leningrad" | |
| Workers during the Second World War in the rear | |
| Orphans | |
| Disabled children |
To receive benefits, you must present the appropriatedocuments.
Reviews about the ice rink "Ice"
The table shows reviews of the ice rink in Sokolniki Park in 2014-2015, as well as for a more recent period - 2016-2017
| Pros | Cons |
| Relatively affordable prices | Small ice rink |
| Excellent work schedule - from the end of November to the end of March | Long queues on weekends and holidays, slow cashier service |
| Good quality ice | Close changing room |
| Small number of visitors on weekdays | Rapid deterioration in ice quality due to high numbers of skaters |
| Great music selection | Removal of student benefits |
| There is a toilet room in the wardrobe building | Only those who bought a ticket can be in the locker room - free admission is ordered for accompanying people |
Thus, "Ice" from year to year remains a favorite place for outdoor activities for Muscovites. Reviews of the skating rink in Sokolniki Park warn that visiting this place is much more pleasant and convenient on weekdays.
