Project Description
Ice Skating in Israel? Actually, why not? As a warm country Israel offers several options for a cool (double meaning, yep) experience for all ages. Here are some of them from north to south
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You wouldn’t normally associate Israel with ice skating. And why would you? With the average temperature hovering around 30°C (low 90s, if Fahrenheit is your game), you’re more likely to think of swimming in a lake than skating over one. Sadly, you won’t find any frozen lakes here, but you will find indoor ice rinks that will most likely settle your skating craving.
Here’s our list of the coolest options to curb your skating appetite, from North to South.
Canada Center, Metula
It doesn’t get any further north than this. Canada Center is a recreation complex that has been going strong since 1995. Rent skates or bring your own, or sit back and watch professional skaters doing one-on-one sessions with their trainers. This Olympic-standard rink is occasionally closed for ice hockey games or sporting events, so check ahead. Had enough of the ice? There are plenty of other activities, including bowling, shooting range, swimming pools, saunas… you get the idea. And of course, if you want to kick it up a notch and the snow has piled up high enough, skiing at nearby Mt. Hermon is not to be missed.
The coolest experience ever – Ice Skating
AchlaKerach, Lake Montfort
Lake Montfort is an ecological park located in the Western Galilee, offering a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. The covered, semi-Olympic skating rink, named AchlaKerach, is open year-round for beginners and professionals alike. The friendly staff provides safety instructions and will gladly give you tips and pointers on skating. Plan to spend the day, at the very least: apart from ice skating, Lake Montfort is home to an extreme park, a trampoline park, a swimming pool, boat rides, ATV rentals and even a campground suitable for tents or RVs.
Monfort Lake in the north of Israel. Photo by Shlomo Sharvit
iSkate, Tel Aviv
The fact that iSkate ice skating rink is located inside Luna Park Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv amusement park) makes it ten times more exciting. A semi-Olympic sized rink awaits individuals and groups of all ages, in an air-conditioned hall with all of the amenities. Shoes and skating pads are rented out, and enthusiastic skaters can book private, 45-minute lessons. When you’ve had your fill of ice, go out and lose yourself in 50,000 square meters of fun and excitement.
Ice Skating from North to South
Ice Peaks, Holon
If you ever wondered where professional athletes practice and learn in Israel, here is your answer. Holon’s Ice Peaks is where winter sports live. Skaters as young as 5 years old come here to fill their lungs with icy coolness. The center is home to several professional sports teams: ice running, hockey and figure skating are all taught and practiced here, but don’t let that keep you away if you’re not a professional. Amateur skaters are more than welcome – in fact, the center regularly hosts birthdays and special events.
Ice Mall, Eilat
When you say Eilat, ice skating is probably the last thing you’d think about. Israel’s southernmost city is famous for its sunny beaches, not chilly ice (apart from ice cream and popsicles, that is). But Ice Mall has become one of the city’s major attractions, and for good reason. It provides a great respite from the summer heat, and a fun indoor activity for rainy days. An 1800 square meter ice rink is the centerpiece for this Eilat hangout, surrounded by shops, cafés and other attractions to fill an entire day. Spectacular figure skating performances take place every evening, complete with glamorous costumes and lighting effects.
