Moscow's Top Ice Skating Spots

1. Red Square Ice Rink ① Location and size: Built by the Russian State Department Store "GUM" on Red Square, the rink covers an area of over 3,000 square meters and can accommodate 500 people at a time. ② Facilities and features: Pipes that can spray coolant are laid under the ice surface for 65 km, so the ice won't melt even if it rains or the temperature is above zero. After each session, staff spend 40 minutes maintaining the ice to ensure a smooth surface. The background music is also updated with New Year melodies and Western movie music. ③ Surrounding scenery and activities: Skaters can enjoy views of famous Red Square buildings such as St. Basil's Cathedral and the State Historical Museum from all angles. Every New Year's Eve, a special skating session is held, and at midnight, the President's New Year speech is broadcast on the big screen in Red Square. 2. Gorky Park Ice Rink ① Venue layout: The rink is divided into a main skating rink, a children's skating rink, and an ice hockey rink. The main rink is 100 meters long, extending from the fountain to the open-air dance floor. ② Facilities: Various stalls offer snacks and drinks, making it a great place for a date. ③ Opening hours and ticket prices: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00–15:00 and 17:00–23:00, closed on Mondays. Adult tickets cost 300 rubles, and children's tickets cost 150 rubles. 3. VDNKh Park Ice Rink ① Size and learning environment: Covering an area of 900 square meters, the rink can accommodate about 5,000 people at a time, making it one of the best places to learn to skate. ② Lessons: Every Friday, skating lessons are held at the VDNKh Ice Rink, with videos of world-famous skaters playing at the same time. ③ Opening hours and ticket prices: Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00–23:00, Friday to Sunday from 10:00–23:00, and Monday from 15:00–17:00. Adult tickets cost 300–600 rubles, and children's tickets cost 150–250 rubles. 4. All-Russian Exhibition Center Ice Rink ① Size and layout: The largest ice rink in Moscow and Europe, the ice surface surrounds the museum and exhibition center, covering a total area of 20,000 square meters with a variety of areas. ② Activities: In addition to the extra-long slides designed for adults, there are also children's ice rinks, figure skating performances, lessons, and games. Sokolniki Park Ice Rink ③ Natural features: Once the Tsar's hunting ground, the park's biggest feature is its beautiful natural scenery, with a natural slide open in winter. ④ Skating experience: The ice surface is naturally formed, and visitors can glide through the forest along the wide slide like woodland elves.