Russia’s ice skating culture is deeply ingrained, with numerous skating rinks throughout the country offering a range of activities, from leisurely skating to professional figure skating and ice hockey. Whether you’re a first-time skater or an experienced enthusiast, finding a place to rent ice skates is easy in Russia, thanks to the widespread popularity of the sport. Many ice rinks and skating venues across major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sochi provide skate rentals to ensure that both locals and tourists can enjoy the winter activity without having to bring their own equipment.
Here’s a guide to some of the best places to rent ice skates in Russia’s key cities, ensuring you can hit the ice with ease.
1. Moscow: The Capital’s Top Ice Skating Rinks
Moscow is home to some of Russia’s most iconic ice rinks, offering a variety of rental options for skates, whether you’re skating at Gorky Park or Red Square. Here are a few of the top spots where you can rent ice skates in Moscow:
1.1. Gorky Park Ice Skating Rink
- Location: Gorky Park, Central Moscow
- Skate Rental: Gorky Park offers skate rentals for figure skates and hockey skates, catering to both recreational skaters and those looking to try their hand at more technical skating.
- Why It’s Great: Located in the heart of Moscow, Gorky Park is one of the city’s most popular winter destinations, offering a large rink with beautiful views of the surrounding park and the Moscow skyline.
- Rental Price: Skate rentals are usually available for about 300–500 rubles per hour, depending on the day and time of year.
1.2. VDNKh Ice Skating Rink
- Location: VDNKh Exhibition Center, Moscow
- Skate Rental: VDNKh offers skate rentals at its winter skating rink, with options for hockey skates and figure skates for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Great: Known for its stunning setting and grand Soviet architecture, skating here gives you the chance to experience Moscow’s winter charm in a truly iconic location.
- Rental Price: Rental rates are around 400–600 rubles per hour, with discounts available for longer rental periods.
1.3. Red Square Ice Skating Rink
- Location: Red Square, Moscow
- Skate Rental: Skates can be rented at Red Square’s rink, where you’ll find both figure skates and hockey skates for different skating styles. The skates are of good quality and are suitable for beginners and experienced skaters.
- Why It’s Great: Red Square offers a once-in-a-lifetime skating experience, with the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral as a breathtaking backdrop. The rink’s festive atmosphere makes skating here a memorable activity.
- Rental Price: Typically around 500–700 rubles per hour, depending on the season.
1.4. Sokolniki Park Ice Skating Rink
- Location: Sokolniki Park, Moscow
- Skate Rental: Rentals are available for both hockey and figure skates, with options for children and adults. The rink is known for its large size, offering ample space for skaters to enjoy.
- Why It’s Great: Sokolniki Park offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment with beautiful snowy scenery, making it a great place for all levels of skaters.
- Rental Price: Skate rentals typically cost around 300–500 rubles per hour.
2. St. Petersburg: Skating on the Neva River and Beyond
St. Petersburg, known for its imperial beauty, is also a fantastic place to rent ice skates. The city features several iconic rinks, where you can glide on the ice while taking in breathtaking views of historical landmarks.
2.1. Yubileyny Sports Complex
- Location: St. Petersburg
- Skate Rental: The Yubileyny Sports Complex, one of the largest ice sports arenas in St. Petersburg, offers rentals for both figure skates and hockey skates.
- Why It’s Great: The venue is perfect for both recreational skaters and those who are looking to take part in a more professional experience. The rink hosts ice hockey games, figure skating events, and public skating sessions.
- Rental Price: Skate rentals are available for around 400–500 rubles per hour.
2.2. Ice Palace Skating Rink
- Location: St. Petersburg
- Skate Rental: The Ice Palace offers rentals for high-quality figure skates and hockey skates. The rink is suitable for both beginners and skilled skaters looking to practice their moves.
- Why It’s Great: Known for its grand architecture and excellent facilities, the Ice Palace provides a professional environment for skaters, with a variety of activities and events year-round.
- Rental Price: Rentals typically range from 350–500 rubles per hour, depending on the time of day.
2.3. Catherine Park Ice Rink
- Location: Pushkin, St. Petersburg
- Skate Rental: This outdoor rink, located in the stunning Catherine Park, offers figure skate rentals for those wanting to glide on the ice in a picturesque setting.
- Why It’s Great: The rink offers an enchanting winter setting with views of the historic Catherine Palace and surrounding gardens, making it a romantic and beautiful destination.
- Rental Price: Skate rentals are available for around 300–500 rubles per hour.
3. Sochi: Skating by the Sea
Sochi, known for its coastal climate and the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics, also offers excellent ice skating facilities where visitors can rent skates and enjoy the milder winter weather by the Black Sea.
3.1. Ice Cube Skating Rink
- Location: Sochi Olympic Park
- Skate Rental: The Ice Cube Skating Rink, part of the Olympic Park, provides rentals for figure skates and hockey skates.
- Why It’s Great: Skating here offers a chance to experience the Olympic legacy, as the rink was used for various events during the Winter Games. The surrounding park adds to the festive atmosphere.
- Rental Price: Typically 500–700 rubles per hour.
3.2. Sochi Central Park Ice Skating Rink
- Location: Sochi
- Skate Rental: The Central Park ice rink offers skate rentals for all ages, with both figure skates and hockey skates available.
- Why It’s Great: This outdoor rink is popular with families and locals, offering a relaxed atmosphere. You can skate here while enjoying the pleasant Sochi winter climate.
- Rental Price: Skate rentals usually cost around 400–600 rubles per hour.
4. Other Popular Locations in Russia
If you’re traveling outside of Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Sochi, many smaller cities and towns in Russia offer ice skating venues with rental facilities. Popular locations include:
4.1. Kazan: Ice Skating at the Tatarstan Ice Palace
- Location: Kazan
- Skate Rental: The Tatarstan Ice Palace offers figure skates and hockey skate rentals.
- Rental Price: Typically 350–500 rubles per hour.
4.2. Yekaterinburg: Uralmash Ice Rink
- Location: Yekaterinburg
- Skate Rental: Rentals are available for figure skates and hockey skates.
- Rental Price: 400–600 rubles per hour.
Conclusion
Ice skating is one of Russia’s most cherished winter pastimes, and the country’s many iconic rinks offer rental options to make it easy for both tourists and locals to enjoy the sport. Whether you’re skating by the Kremlin on Red Square, gliding across the vast rinks in St. Petersburg, or enjoying the milder coastal winter in Sochi, Russia offers plenty of opportunities to rent high-quality skates and experience the magic of skating in a stunning winter setting.