Russia has a rich history in speed skating, producing some of the world’s most talented athletes in the sport. From Olympic gold medalists to world champions, Russian skaters have dominated international competitions for decades. The country is home to a number of world-class ice tracks that host professional and amateur speed skating events. Whether you are a competitive racer or a fan of the sport, Russia offers some of the best speed skating facilities, each with its own unique history and features.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ice tracks for speed skating in Russia, from top-tier indoor rinks to outdoor tracks that offer a truly unique racing experience.
1. Kolomna Speed Skating Center (Moscow Region)
Location: Kolomna, Moscow Region
Track Type: Indoor
Capacity: 8,000 spectators
Length: 400 meters (standard Olympic size)
The Kolomna Speed Skating Center, located just outside of Moscow, is one of the most iconic speed skating venues in Russia. The indoor arena has been host to numerous national and international competitions, including World Cup events and Russian Championships. It was purpose-built for speed skating and provides world-class facilities for both training and racing.
Why It’s Great for Speed Skating:
- Olympic-Sized Track: The rink features a standard 400-meter oval, designed to meet the requirements for international competitions, making it a perfect training ground for elite athletes.
- Modern Facilities: The arena is equipped with advanced cooling systems, which provide the best ice conditions for speed skating, ensuring smooth and fast racing.
- Historical Significance: Kolomna has a long history of hosting prestigious events, and Russian speed skating legends have trained here. It’s also known for producing top-tier athletes, which makes it an exciting place for spectators.
- Public Skating: The venue is open to the public for recreational speed skating, making it accessible for people of all levels.
Best Time to Visit:
Kolomna hosts various events throughout the winter, with the peak season for racing being from November to February. If you’re planning to visit for a competition or event, be sure to check the schedule for the upcoming season.
2. Adler Arena (Sochi)
Location: Sochi, Krasnodar Krai
Track Type: Indoor
Capacity: 12,000 spectators
Length: 400 meters (standard Olympic size)
The Adler Arena, located within the Olympic Park in Sochi, was one of the key venues for the 2014 Winter Olympics. This state-of-the-art indoor facility is renowned for its world-class ice conditions, making it one of the best tracks for speed skating in Russia. The arena is designed specifically for short track and long track speed skating, with facilities for both professional races and recreational skaters.
Why It’s Great for Speed Skating:
- Olympic Legacy: As part of the 2014 Winter Olympics, the Adler Arena has hosted high-level competitions, and its legacy continues with regular international and national events.
- Advanced Infrastructure: The venue is equipped with cutting-edge technology and ice-cooling systems, ensuring optimal ice conditions for racing and training.
- Iconic Location: Located in the stunning Olympic Park by the Black Sea, the venue is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, making it an exciting place for skaters and spectators alike.
- Public Access: After the Winter Games, Adler Arena has been made accessible for public use, allowing local residents and tourists to enjoy speed skating on an Olympic-quality track.
Best Time to Visit:
The Adler Arena hosts several international competitions throughout the winter months, particularly from December to February. The venue is also open for public skating sessions.
3. Krylatskoye Ice Palace (Moscow)
Location: Moscow
Track Type: Indoor
Capacity: 3,000 spectators
Length: 400 meters (standard Olympic size)
Krylatskoye Ice Palace in Moscow is another key venue for speed skating in Russia. With its 400-meter ice track, it’s regularly used for training and regional competitions. While the venue is not as large as Kolomna or Adler, it offers excellent facilities for skaters of all levels and hosts various national events.
Why It’s Great for Speed Skating:
- High-Quality Ice Conditions: Krylatskoye Ice Palace is known for its well-maintained ice, providing great conditions for both competitive races and training sessions.
- Accessible Location: Located within Moscow, Krylatskoye is easily accessible for locals and tourists, making it a convenient place for recreational and competitive skaters.
- Regular Competitions: The arena hosts Russian national competitions and regional events, making it an exciting venue for witnessing the talents of emerging skaters.
- Public Skating and Training: The venue offers public ice skating sessions, as well as opportunities for beginner and advanced skaters to train on an Olympic-size track.
Best Time to Visit:
Krylatskoye Ice Palace hosts national events and competitions throughout the winter season, with the peak season typically being from November to February.
4. Speed Skating Track in Chelyabinsk
Location: Chelyabinsk, Ural Region
Track Type: Indoor
Capacity: 5,000 spectators
Length: 400 meters (standard Olympic size)
Chelyabinsk is another key city in Russia with a strong tradition in speed skating. The city’s indoor speed skating track is one of the country’s premier facilities for racing and training. It hosts many national competitions and is known for producing some of Russia’s top athletes in the sport.
Why It’s Great for Speed Skating:
- Top-Level Competitions: The track regularly hosts Russian championships and other competitive events, making it a significant venue for the country’s speed skating community.
- Modern Training Facility: The rink is known for its high-quality ice conditions and is used by elite skaters for both training and competition.
- Historic Significance: Chelyabinsk has a history of producing world-class skaters, and the ice track plays a key role in the development of future champions.
Best Time to Visit:
Speed skating competitions take place from December to February, and the venue also hosts events leading up to the Russian National Championships.
5. The Ural Ice Arena (Yekaterinburg)
Location: Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Region
Track Type: Indoor
Capacity: 2,000 spectators
Length: 400 meters (standard Olympic size)
The Ural Ice Arena in Yekaterinburg, one of Russia’s largest cities, is a well-known speed skating venue in the Ural region. It is used for regional competitions, as well as training by both amateur and professional skaters. The indoor track provides excellent ice conditions and a safe environment for racing.
Why It’s Great for Speed Skating:
- Accessible and Well-Maintained: The Ural Ice Arena provides high-quality facilities for speed skating and is easily accessible to residents of Yekaterinburg and surrounding areas.
- Hosting Regional Competitions: Yekaterinburg regularly hosts regional speed skating events and serves as a training venue for competitive skaters in Russia’s Ural region.
- Training Opportunities: The rink is popular for training, offering opportunities for skaters of all levels to improve their skills and techniques on a standard-sized ice track.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Ural Ice Arena is during the winter season, when the arena hosts regional competitions and public skating sessions.
6. Outdoor Ice Tracks in Russian Nature
While indoor rinks are the primary venues for speed skating, Russia also offers the opportunity for outdoor speed skating on natural ice tracks. In remote areas like Siberia and the Kola Peninsula, frozen lakes and rivers provide natural tracks where local skaters and adventurous visitors can race on outdoor ice.
Why It’s Great for Speed Skating:
- Unique Outdoor Experience: Skating on natural ice provides an adventurous and unique experience, with the freedom to skate across frozen lakes or rivers surrounded by pristine nature.
- Solitude and Serenity: Outdoor tracks are often far removed from the crowds, offering a peaceful, serene atmosphere for skaters who want to connect with nature.
- Variety of Locations: From the frozen lakes of Lake Baikal in Siberia to the Kola Peninsula’s Arctic waters, outdoor speed skating in Russia allows you to explore some of the most stunning winter landscapes.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time for outdoor speed skating is from January to March, when ice conditions are stable and thick enough for skating.
Conclusion: Speed Skating Excellence in Russia
Russia’s dedication to speed skating is reflected in its world-class ice tracks and skating venues, which attract both professional athletes and enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to compete on Olympic-caliber tracks like the Kolomna Speed Skating Center, experience the legacy of the Adler Arena in Sochi, or try outdoor ice skating on the frozen lakes of Siberia, Russia offers a variety of speed skating experiences. With top-tier facilities, rich traditions in the sport, and stunning winter landscapes, Russia is a premier destination for speed skating fans.
