Ice Skating In Štajerska

Slovenian Styria, Štajerska in Slovene, is the north-eastern region of the country, a land of vineyards, small towns and forested hills, centred on the city of Maribor and including Ptuj, Celje and the Pohorje range. Winters here are cold enough for snow on the hills and for frost in the valleys, and in the colder months, ice skating is one of the simplest ways for families to enjoy the season. Skating is a popular pastime in Slovenia, and the habit of putting a rink in the middle of town for the holiday season has become widespread.

The kinds of rinks that skaters can find vary. In many towns, a temporary open-air rink is installed in a central square or park during the Advent and winter season, usually from late November or December until January or February, as part of a programme of festive markets, lights and events. Maribor and Ptuj, among others, host this kind of rink, with lighting, music and stalls selling hot drinks nearby, and the atmosphere is cheerful and informal, with families, groups of friends and couples taking to the ice. In addition, covered or artificial rinks at sports centres operate for longer periods and provide ice in all weathers, with sessions for public skating, hockey and lessons. Opening dates, times and prices vary, so it is wise to check the schedule with the local tourist office or the operator before going.

For visitors, skating is easy to arrange. Rinks nearly always offer skate rental, in a range of sizes, so there is no need to bring equipment, and helmets are sometimes available for children. Beginners can hold on to the barrier, and some rinks provide support frames or penguin-shaped aids for the youngest. Warm clothing, gloves and a hat are advisable, since standing and gliding on ice can be chilly, and sessions are often short, from half an hour to an hour or so. Skating is suitable for all ages, though falls are common for beginners, and it is a good idea to wear several layers.

Skating fits well into a winter visit to the region. The Pohorje Mountains offer skiing and winter walking, with Ski Schools In Štajerska for beginners, and the Kurentovanje carnival in Ptuj brings costumed figures into the streets in February. The Jeruzalem Wine Route and the Wine Routes of Jeruzalem lead through the hills, Boat Trips On Drava River run in warmer seasons, and Authentic Štajerska Cuisine, with its hearty meat dishes, pumpkin-seed oil and dumplings, makes a satisfying meal after time on the ice.