The Skating Club of Monaco is considering its future after revealing that the ice-rink on Port Hercule will not be reinstalled for a second year running.
A staple of the winter holiday season, the ice-skating rink at the Stade Nautique Rainier III has been a draw to thousands of skaters of all levels over the years, but for the second year running, the rink will not be reopened for 2023-24.
The Skating Club of Monaco (SCOM) revealed in a social media post on 9th October, “It is with great sadness that we must inform you that the decision has been made to no longer install an ice rink at the Stade Nautique Rainier III during the winter season, and as a result, our skating, hockey or curling teaching activities can no longer be organised by the Club.
“Despite all the efforts undertaken by our President, and we thank him for them, the observation is there and the decision seems final.”
Rising energy prices to blame
The ice rink on Port Hercule was not open last season due to spiralling energy costs, with Minister of State Pierre Dartout explaining at the time that “the ice rink consumes all the more energy as it is installed outside”, making it exceptionally expensive to run in a climate as mild as Monaco’s.
For close to a decade, the Skating Club of Monaco has offered members skating lessons, ice hockey and curling events. The club told members that a “General Assembly will soon be organised to decide on the future of the Club”.
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Photo source: Skating Club of Monaco – SCOM