Ice Skating in Mongolia 2024-2025

Outdoor ice skating in Mongolia is a special winter privilege, offering a unique way to enjoy the season. Available from mid-December to February, this activity takes place on the frozen Tuul River, where temperatures consistently remain below freezing. During this time, the ice becomes stable and solid, providing the perfect surface for outdoor skating. It’s an ideal way to embrace the beauty of the Mongolian winter and experience a traditional winter pastime.

Ive Skating in Ulaanbaatar

The capital city offers several ice rinks, but the most visited one lies in the Khan Uul District of Ulaanbaatar. If you prefer authentic ice skating, the frozen Tuul River is an ex​cellent choice. Or you could even go for a few-day ice-skating adventure.

AIC Steppe Arena (all year round)

The AIC Steppe Arena, located in the Khan Uul District of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is an Olympic-standard indoor ice hockey arena. With a seating capacity of 2,600 and a usable area of 7,800 m² (84,000 sq ft), it boasts a 60 m × 30 m ice field and five changing rooms for athletes and referees. The facility also includes meeting rooms accommodating up to 120 people per hour. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including ice skating lessons, figure skating programs, and ice hockey lessons. The Arena Lounge and food corners on the F1 level offer high-quality fast food, ensuring a complete experience for all guests.

Hours & Tickets

At the AIC Steppe Arena, anyone over the age of 5 can enjoy skating, with professional instructors offering lessons on a regular basis. Public skating is available daily from 10 am to 9 pm, though the hours may change during special events. On weekdays, the price for one hour of skating is 30,000 Mongolian Tugrik (₮) for adults (15+) and ₮20,000 for children (5-15). On weekends, the cost is ₮35,000 for adults and ₮25,000 for children. Penguin skating trainers for beginners are available for ₮3,000 on weekdays and ₮5,000 on weekends. Socks, helmets, and knee and elbow protective gear are included in the price of one hour of skating.

Ice Skating on Tuul River

One of the most popular winter activities in Ulaanbaatar is ice skating on the frozen Tuul River. As temperatures drop, the river turns into a natural ice rink, drawing families and friends to enjoy a day of skating. Several vendors around the river offer skate rentals, so you don't need to bring your own. Skating on the Tuul River provides a unique opportunity to glide across the ice while taking in the breathtaking winter landscape of Mongolia.

Ice Festival on Khövsgöl Lake (February 2025)

The Ice Festival on Khuvsgul Lake, Mongolia’s deepest and purest lake, is a magical winter event held every February. Known as "Little Baikal," the lake transforms into a glittering wonderland, drawing both locals and visitors to celebrate the beauty of winter. The festival, created thirteen years ago to promote winter tourism, takes place each March. It features a range of traditional activities, including archery, Mongolian wrestling, ice skating, an ice sculpture contest, reindeer sledding, and games like shuffleboard. This event highlights Mongolia’s rich heritage while embracing the ephemeral beauty of the frozen lake.

Skating Race

Skaters taking part in the 100-kilometer skate race on Lake Khövsgöl can complete it between 4 to 7 hours, depending on their skill level. This is a challenging but exhilarating event that attracts skaters from across the globe. Taking place in March, skaters can expect the ice to be thick enough to support them while the weather is milder.

Winter Activities & Holiday Celebrations

In addition to ice skating, Mongolia offers several other winter activities to visitors, such as skiing&snowboarding, dog sledding, ice festivals, and visiting reindeer herders. Winter provides picturesque landscapes that offer a perfect backdrop for adventure and sport. Do not forget to indulge in fresh Mongolian winter treats and warm drinks during your visit. On New Year's Eve, locals gather at the central Sükhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar to celebrate and ring in 2025.