Moscow Skates Through the Pandemic at Outdoor Ice Rinks
Despite the coronavirus restrictions in place, Moscow residents will still be able to enjoy some of their favorite winter outdoor activities like ice skating this year.
Despite a lack of steady snow, the capital’s outdoor ice rinks opened to the public over the weekend — with some changes in place to help prevent the spread of the virus. While the number of people allowed on the ice is limited, this means skaters have some extra space to show off their skills.
These festive, brightly decorated ice rinks are one of the most popular antidotes for the dark winter. See for yourself:
Despite a lack of steady snow, the capital’s outdoor ice rinks opened to the public over the weekend — with some changes in place to help prevent the spread of the virus. While the number of people allowed on the ice is limited, this means skaters have some extra space to show off their skills.
These festive, brightly decorated ice rinks are one of the most popular antidotes for the dark winter. See for yourself:
The VDNKh exhibition center is the site of Russia's largest ice rink — and the largest artificial ice rink in Europe — which measures a cool 20,000 square meters.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
All visitors are required to wear masks in indoor changing areas but are permitted to skate PPE-free outside.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
With all box offices still closed, tickets must be purchased online in advance or by scanning a QR code at the entrance.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
A QR code check-in system is in place for all visitors, including at ice rinks with free admission, for contact-tracing in case a visitor becomes infected with the virus.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The VDNKh rink has been decorated in an Antarctica theme to mark 200 years since the continent was discovered by a Russian expedition.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The famous GUM ice rink on Red Square marks its 15th year.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The ice rink's grand opening was attended by the crème de la crème of Moscow, including Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
Most of the capital's ice rinks will remain open until March.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
