Ice rinks in Gauteng

The Northgate ice rink. Photo courtesy www.triice.co.za

Even though Gauteng boasts the best, year-round weather in South Africa, if you feel like entering a winter wonderland where you can whip around at high speed, ice skating is a definite option. There is something great about the gliding physical pursuit of skating – to vibey loud music at a rink – that makes this leisure pursuit fun and fitness friendly.

There are three ice rinks in Gauteng all run by the same operation. The ice arenas are within shopping complexes: At Northgate Mall in Northriding; Festival Mall in Kempton Park; and Kolonnade Mall in Montana Park, Pretoria.

The rinks have their own kiosks that sell cool drinks, sweets, chocolates, chips and pies, and the Northgate Rink has a Fontana Bakery on site. A range of restaurants and fast-food outlets in the malls are within easy reach for hungry skaters.

The rinks are open seven days a week for two sessions: From 10h00 to 17h00 and 19h30 to 22h30 (23h00 on Friday and Saturday nights). Festival Mall and Kolonnade are closed to the public on a Monday and Tuesday evening when these rinks are used by ice hockey leagues. Skating academies are run at the rinks over eight weeks for people wanting to improve their skating ability. Sessions held on Wednesday evenings or Saturday or Sunday mornings. Visit www.theicerink.co.za for further details.

It is advisable to take a change of clothing and a sweater. The rink can become wet – and dry clothes are much more comfortable when you have finished flying around! Always wear good quality, thick socks to protect tender feet from the rigours of ice skates.

Northgate Ice Arena

Entrance 6, Northgate Mall, corner of Northumberland Road and Olievenhout Avenue, Northriding
Telephone: +27 (0)11 794 8706

Festival Mall Ice Arena

Festival Mall corner CR Swart Drive and Kelvin Street, Kempton Park
+27 (0)11 394 6702

Kolonnade Ice Arena

Address: Kolonnade Shopping Centre, Montana Park, Pretoria
+27 (0)12 548 2450

Admission costs

Entrance: R43, Skate Hire: R20 
Groups 10+: R50, Groups 20+: R45, Groups 50+: R40 (Entrance and skate hire)
Cheap Skate Card: R350
Blade sharpening (if you own your own skates): R35
Tuesday night is half price and during “Sunday night madness” It’s R30 for entrance and skate hire