First Time Info

If you are preparing for your first Icehouse adventure, here is a quick quide for first time skaters.

When you arrive:

• The first thing you need to do is purchase your ticket from the front desk.
• Once inside the Icehouse, you will be directed to the Skate Hire area to be fitted for skates by our professional staff.  After collecting your skates, go to the locker area and lock up your belongings.
• Make your way over to the ice rink and get ready to have some fun!
• If you have children who want to skate but you aren’t keen to get on the ice yourself, you do not have to accompany them on the ice. However, we do require that children under the age of six must be accompanied by either a parent, or an older child.
• It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 are supervised by a parent or guardian. During peak session times, a spectator-only fee of $3 will be charged for parents and guardians who are not skating. For details on peak times see ticket pricing.
• The Icehouse has a fully functioning cafe serving delicious hot food, snacks and drinks, therefore it is a policy of the Icehouse that no external food and beverages be brought into and consumed in the venue. For more information, visit the Icehouse Igloo Cafe.

 

Here are a few tips for the first-time skater:

• Wear thin socks which will help your feet fit snugly into your skates.
• Don’t tuck your pants into the top of the boots. It will loosen your boots and give you less ankle support, making it harder to skate.
• When hiring skates, make sure your skates are as small or smaller than your shoe size. If you are in-between sizes, it is best to go smaller. You want your skates to be snug, so be sure to tie them up tightly.
• Don't chew gum, or carry key rings in your pockets while skating.
• Wear gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm.
• Start out by just "marching" on the ice - lifting your knees and putting your feet back down flat in the same place.
• Make sure your knees are bent at all times.
• Hold your arms out slightly to your sides for good balance. You might feel silly at first, but if you look around you’ll see everyone else has their arms out too!
• If you have been in-line skating or roller skating you will find that ice skating has a similar action.