Get your skates on in our winter wonderland

There’s even more magic in the air in winter now as the much-loved ice rink returns to Aviemore, spreading good cheer and wide smiles to all the family.

Thanks to a huge community fundraising effort, visitors and locals can again enjoy this sport, which used to be such a focal point of our area before the old rink was shut down in 1998.

Even the Queen visited the old ice rink in Aviemore! Credit: Pavel Satny

Already the new rink is proving a big hit, providing a place for young people to safely meet up and have fun, as well as families to take part in a wondrous winter activity altogether, regardless of differing ages and abilities.

“Locals are talking about how when the old rink came down, part of the heart of Aviemore went too,” says Kirsty Bruce, at the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust. “And this new rink is already bringing the heart back. I really feel that.”

Ice Ice Baby!

The Macleod family is certainly feeling the love already. As mum Vicky says: “It’s now a family affair with my girls, and their dad getting involved in the adults learn-to-skate programme. It’s the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere that make the rink stand out”

As well as lessons, the rink is also running other sessions such as discos and ice hockey. Why not buy a gift voucher for a friend or family member? This is not only a memorable gift but one that is environmentally friendly with no packaging or waste, either!

Loch Insh Outdoor Centre also has a seasonal ice rink

Loch Insh Outdoor Centre also has an ice rink for winter and is offering mini curling sessions too; compete against your family or go against other teams!

But ice skating is not the only winter-wonderland activity you can do here, or buy your loved one to mark a special occasion….

Winter Night Zipping

Whizzing through the lit up trees at Zip Trek Park Aviemore

Fancy flying through the air, past a fully floodlit forest, like Santa on his sleigh? Well, at Zip Trek Park on the Alvie Estate, you can! You can even buy gift vouchers. For aged 10+.

Winter Skills Courses

Learn the fundamentals of hill walking in wintery conditions at world leading local training providers, like Glenmore Lodge – an experience that will serve you well long after Christmas is over! Some courses, like with Active Outdoor Pursuit and Scot Mountain Holidays, even include an overnight snowhole expedition.

Winter Fairs

There are some wonderful winter markets in the Park

There’s nothing quite like a market to get you in the festive mood and plenty happen all over the Park in the winter – for example there’s Grantown Does Christmas and Braemar’s Festival de Noel (see current events listings for full details).

Of course there will also be plenty of opportunities to munch on a mince pie and meet Santa himself – the question is, have you been naughty or nice this year?!