The crisp chill of refrigerated air, the rhythmic glide of blades on ice, and vibrant music are no longer scenes reserved for foreign films in Pune. They are the reality at the city's burgeoning ice skating rinks, which have rapidly transformed from a novel idea into a staple of weekend social and sporting activity for Punekars.
From Silver Screen to City Scene: The Rise of Ice Culture
The spark for this frosty fascination can be traced to a significant national achievement. The Indian Women’s Ice Hockey team’s bronze medal victory at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in 2025 acted as a major catalyst, significantly boosting interest in ice-based sports across the country. Pune's rinks serve as living proof of this growing curiosity, with visitor numbers swelling as residents seek new experiences.
For newcomers like Sahil Hariyani, an IT professional, the experience borders on the surreal. "I never imagined I would get to ice skate in India," he shared after a Sunday session. "It feels surreal at first, but it quickly turns into a really fun and memorable experience." The accessibility is a key factor. Rinks provide all necessary gear, including skates and safety equipment, and coaches are on hand to guide first-timers through their initial wobbly steps—and inevitable falls.
Conquering the Ice: Fear, Fun, and Finding Balance
The journey onto the rink often begins with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Homemaker Swati Rout echoed a common sentiment: "I am very scared to ice skate, because I know I will fall at least once. But I am excited to try." This fear is quickly mitigated by the supportive environment. Rinks employ trained staff who vigilantly watch over skaters, and helpful aids like plastic seals and penguin-shaped balance assistants are available for learners.
Instructor Yash Patole encourages everyone to give it a shot, calling the activity "thrilling." The moment of breakthrough is a shared triumph. MBA student Viren Gaikwad highlighted the mental aspect: "Balance is everything. You have to slow down, stay calm, and let your body adjust to the ice. Once you get that, it becomes exciting." Safety remains paramount, with rinks like the one managed by Ajeenckya Chavan reporting few injuries thanks to strict precautions and constant supervision.
More Than Sport: A Social Hub and Training Ground
Beyond the athletic pursuit, these rinks have evolved into vibrant social spaces. They offer a unique escape—a place to unwind, celebrate, or simply enjoy the feeling of a mini winter holiday without leaving the city. Ajeenckya Chavan, General Manager of a rink in Sangamwadi, noted the overwhelming response: "When we launched, the response was unbelievable. Quickly, we started seeing repeat visitors."
The clientele isn't limited to casual fun-seekers. The trend has also attracted serious athletes. "We even had an academy approach us to use our rink for practice. We see athletes coming every week for their 45-minute practice sessions," Chavan added. This dual role as both a recreational hotspot and a training facility underscores the activity's expanding footprint in Pune's lifestyle landscape.
Entrepreneur T. Sanjeet Subudhi captured the city's wonder: "This experience is really great. I never thought I would get to see something like this in Pune. Ice skating always felt like a far-fetched thought here."
Essential Information for Skaters:
Key points to remember before you visit:
- Trained instructors are present during all sessions.
- Do not hesitate to ask for help with balance, posture, and basic gliding techniques.
- Listen carefully to all safety and instructional briefings.
- Safe support equipment is readily available for beginners.
- Learning the basics is recommended even for those just there for fun.
Cost Structure (Approximate):
- Weekdays: Rs 500 to Rs 799+ per hour
- Weekends: Rs 600 to Rs 899+ per hour
- Happy Hours (Mon-Thu, 11 am-4 pm): Rs 300+ (varies by rink)
These rates typically include skate hire, safety gear, rink access, and guidance from trained staff. Happy hour packages may also include jackets, gloves, and boots.
One prominent location is the P52 Ice Skating Arena at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in Wakad. As the city embraces this cool new pastime, the rinks stand as a testament to Pune's evolving appetite for unique, accessible, and exciting recreational experiences.
