Looking for a unique activity to enjoy with family and friends? Check out the ice-skating rink in Çatalköy! This 400 m2 open-air synthetic ice rink offers ice-skating, ice-hockey, and curling for locals and tourists at convenient timings and affordable prices. Instructor Ekatarina Putova is also available for lessons. Don’t miss out on this rare recreation option in North Cyprus!
What is the ice-skating rink in Çatalköy, and what does it offer?
The ice-skating rink in Çatalköy is a 400 m2 open-air synthetic ice rink located behind Tempo Supermarket, created by Russian businessman Valeriy Krupovich. It offers ice-skating, ice-hockey, and curling for locals and tourists, with convenient timings and affordable prices. The rink is open to anyone aged five and above, with equipment available to hire on-site and instructor Ekatarina Putova offering individual and group lessons.
A First for the Girne Area
A football pitch located behind Çatalköy’s Tempo Supermarket has been transformed into an ice-skating rink by Russian businessman Valeriy Krupovich. This 400 m2 open-air rink, made of synthetic ice, is a first for the Girne area and caters not only to ice-skating enthusiasts but also to ice-hockey and curling fans.
The rink is already open for visitors, and an official launch is planned for later. Krupovich’s venture, through his Zima Trading company, brings a unique attraction to the region that is sure to delight both locals and tourists.
Convenient Timings and Affordable Prices
The ice-skating rink is open to anyone aged five and above from 5 pm to 11 pm daily, making it a perfect evening activity for families and groups of friends. Skates, hockey sticks, and curling equipment are available to hire on-site, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all visitors.
Instructor Ekatarina Putova is also available to provide individual and group lessons for children and adults, making it an ideal location for learning and improving skating skills.
Entrance for those aged seven and above costs 15TL for 30 minutes of free skating or 25TL for an hour. Prices double if skating with an instructor. Children between five and seven pay 10TL for 30 minutes or 15TL for an hour, with prices doubled for instructor-led sessions. Individual lessons cost 440TL per month, while group sessions for up to five participants are 340TL each.
Positive Reception from the Community
Since its soft opening, the ice-skating rink has received a warm reception from the local community. Many Turkish Cypriots, including families, have expressed their joy at having the opportunity to enjoy ice-skating for the first time.
According to Ekatarina Putova, the visitors have loved the place and are happy to have a fun and unique activity available to them. The official opening ceremony is still being planned, and the venue is expected to attract even more visitors once fully operational.
A Rare Skating Facility in North Cyprus
The Çatalköy ice-skating rink is a rarity in North Cyprus. The only other skating facility in the country is the Ice Leisure Centre in Gazi Magusa, which features an artificial rink and a bowling alley. The addition of the Çatalköy rink brings a new and exciting recreational option to the Girne area, catering to the growing interest in ice-skating and winter sports among both residents and tourists.
Lessons Learned
The ice-skating rink in Çatalköy is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Valeriy Krupovich’s unique attraction has successfully brought a new and exciting recreational option to the Girne area, catering to the growing interest in ice-skating and winter sports among both residents and tourists. This venture demonstrates that investing in novel and engaging leisure activities can help foster a sense of excitement and community engagement, while also providing a boost to local tourism.
Furthermore, the positive reception from the community highlights the importance of catering to diverse interests and providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate in recreational activities. The Çatalköy ice-skating rink’s inclusive approach, with convenient timings, affordable prices, and instructor availability, ensures that everyone can enjoy this unique attraction. This serves as a reminder to always consider accessibility and inclusivity when developing new ventures or attractions in any community.
