With the holiday season newly in the rear-view mirror and the Sochi Winter Olympics around the corner, winter sports are having a moment in the spotlight. From the Canadian rockies to the heart of Vienna, here are five place to lace up and hit the rink.
1. London’s Somerset House Rink
Located between the Strand and the River Thames, the Somerset House is a hub of art and culture in downtown London. A host to dance shows, art exhibitions and concerts during the warmer months, in the winter, the gorgeous neo-classical building’s courtyard transforms into a glamorous backdrop for skating, complete with a DJ and even champagne if you arrive at the right time.
2. Paris’ Eiffel Tower Ice Rink
Located on the first-floor observatory level of the Eiffel Tower, this outdoor rink sits 188 feet above the ground, making for some incredible views of Paris as you spin and skate your way around.
3. Moscow’s Red Square Rink
Located in the heart of the Red Square, this rink opened to mixed reactions almost ten years ago. Since then, it’s hosted professional skaters, countless residents and plenty of tourists who want to take in spectacular views of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
4. Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is a snowy paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. The pristine, glacial-fed waters of Lake Louise create several natural rinks, as well as a few maintained by the park, and offer some of the world’s most breathtaking views of winter landscapes.
5. Vienna’s Ice Dream Rinks
Vienna offers some of the best skating in the world, especially the expansive rink in City Hall. Dubbed “Ice Dream,” the attraction is actually made of two downtown rinks connected together by various paths and dotted with food stands to keep skaters warm and well-fed.
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