A week of frosty and snowy winter is behind us! I think that many snow lovers rubbed their eyes with surprise and joy when the world was covered with white powder in November. So I thought about preparing additional inspiration for those who enjoy the sight of snow boots, and who enjoy woolen sweaters and hats, which bring back warm childhood memories, displacing thoughts of scraping windows in the morning ;)
The snow-white surface illuminated by the glow of lamps, the sound of the subtle creaking of skates gliding on the ice, the buzz of conversations and the laughter of children - this place, regardless of age, always arouses excitement and joy. Ice rink. Regardless of whether you are a figure skating champion, dance on ice or are just crawling on the ice surface, holding the arm of your loved ones or... a gang, such a winter adventure is a guarantee of good fun and unforgettable moments.
In today's article, I will try to introduce you to the world of Tri-City ice rinks, share with you some practical tips and tell you what to do when you take off your figure skates or hockey shoes.
Christmas romantic comedies, as well as the reliable Kevin Lost in New York, inspire and warm up thoughts of skating fun outdoors. Winter music in the background, hot drinks in your hands, romantic moments for two or friendly madness on a white surface arouse nostalgia in many of us and the desire to follow the rhythm of movie characters. In the Tricity it is possible, and what's more - there is plenty to choose from, because Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot have prepared such attractions!
Photo: Family trip to the ice rink
This year, for the first time, a slide was prepared in the courtyard of the Forum gallery in Gdańsk, next to the impressive Christmas tree visible from afar - perfect for shopping-related activity for the whole family :)
When chasing Christmas gifts, it is worth stopping before entering the store and giving in to the winter madness, especially since the prices are really tempting. A one-time, one-hour admission costs PLN 10, as does skate rental (cheaper even for organized groups). What's more, during "school" hours (except holidays), between 10:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., children up to 7 years old under the supervision of an adult can slide for free.
The ice rink is open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00, and up to 60 people can skate at one time. Remember that, as with all outdoor ice rinks, their operation depends on weather conditions, so it's worth following the forecast :)
Photo: Ice rink - Courtyard of Forum Gdańsk
Soon, on St. Nicholas Day, the well-known and liked by tourists and Tricity residents will return to the "Skwer Kuracyjny" in Sopot. What makes it unique is its unique location - it is located right next to the pier, and you can see the sea from the surface. If you add falling snow, slight frost and a night illuminated by lamps, the memories will be magical.
Especially since, in this case, the cost of an ice session is affordable - a regular ticket costs PLN 15 per hour, and a reduced ticket costs PLN 10, just like skate rental.
The ice rink is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00 (open to everyone on weekends, and during the school week from 10:00 to 15:45 reserved for schools and organized groups). You will be able to ride until the end of February, also on Christmas (except December 25), New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (changed hours).
And a treat for lovers of figure skating on ice - on Saturdays, December 30 and January 6 at At 1:00 p.m. there will be demonstrations of this spectacular sport :)
Photo: The iconic ice slide at the Sopot pier
For all those who want to become independent from weather conditions, catch the sports bug and give themselves more space for practice and skating contortions, two ice rinks in Gdańsk are open. Especially since both are located on the main city artery.
A full-size surface, 100,000 - 150,000 skaters throughout the season and a somewhat cosmic appearance are some of the reasons for the growing popularity of the GAK ice rink.
The "Gdańsk Balloon" is open throughout the winter season, initially until the beginning of March, from Tuesday to Sunday (Tuesday - Friday, first entry at 2:30 p.m., and last entry at 8:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, first entry at 11:30 a.m., and the latest at 8:30 p.m.; in cycles every 1.5 hours). One-time entry costs PLN 20 (cheaper with 2+2 family tickets), and skate rental costs PLN 15.
In addition to permanent activities and making the slide available for individual or group use, regular special events are organized taking advantage of the potential of the space under the pneumatic tent. These include, above all, Valentine's Day at the Ice Rink with occasional decorations, spectacular light arrangements and live music.
Another interesting attraction are curling classes conducted by the Gdańsk Curling Club, also known as "chess on ice". Trainings take place on a special track and can be quite an attraction for both older and younger people.
Hala Olivia in Gdańsk was built in the early 1970s and has become a natural, iconic place for residents to practice winter sports. The ice skating rink in Hala Olivia is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. However, due to hockey games, some entries may be canceled.
Therefore, it is worth getting acquainted with the admission hours, which are updated on their website by the Stoczniowiec Sports Club, the manager of the ice rink. An hourly ticket costs PLN 25, and skate rental costs PLN 12.
So if you can't skate, what else is worth doing? First of all, follow the website mentioned above and look out for hockey matches and figure skating and speed skating competitions.
Photo: A trip for two to the ice rink
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