The Alpine region is known worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes and traditional skiing. Year after year, thousands of tourists flock to the Alps to enjoy the snow-covered slopes. However, not everyone is an avid skier or has access to the often crowded ski slopes.
What if there was an alternative that was just as much fun, made ecological sense and could be used regardless of the weather? This is where synthetic ice comes into play. It not only enables ice skating and curling, but is also an attractive addition for communities and restaurants that want to offer their guests something special.
Synthetic ice surfaces: What is Glice?
Glice is a leading supplier of synthetic ice sheets, having installed over 3,000 ice rinks in more than 100 countries worldwide. With its innovative technology, Glice offers an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional ice rinks. The aim is to share the joy of ice sports with as many people as possible worldwide through customized solutions. Through its broad international presence and the high quality of its products, Glice has established itself as a trusted partner for municipalities, field hockey clubs, hotels and other facilities that want to offer their guests a unique ice experience.
The innovative surfaces are made from a high-density polymer, enriched with advanced additives and manufactured through a specialized production process using high pressure and intense heat to ensure an optimal balance between glide and durability. The Eco ice surface requires neither water nor energy to operate, making it an extremely environmentally friendly alternative to conventional ice rinks. It is a material that makes it possible to enjoy the experience of ice skating and curling all year round, regardless of the weather conditions.
Advantages of synthetic ice
1. Environmentally friendly
As synthetic ice surfaces require no energy for cooling and no water for ice production, they make a significant contribution to reducing the ecological footprint.
2. Independence from the weather
Whether it’s sunshine, rain or snow – Glice ice surfaces are always ready for use. This means that ice skating and curling are possible at any time of year.
3. Cost efficiency
Without the need for expensive cooling systems and water consumption, the operating costs of artificial ice surfaces are significantly lower than those of conventional ice rinks.
4. Easy installation and maintenance
Synthetic ice rinks are quick and easy to install and require minimal maintenance. This makes them ideal for municipalities and businesses that want to offer their guests an attractive leisure activity without incurring high operating costs.
5. Durability and reusability
The high-density polymer materials that make up Glice surfaces are extremely durable and resistant. They do not need to be replaced regularly and can be used for many years, minimizing the need for new resources.
Ice skating experience on synthetic ice
Ice skating on Glice synthetic ice surfaces offers an almost identical experience to skating on natural ice. Thanks to the special material properties, the skates glide gently and smoothly, with appropriate resistance. This makes the boards relevant for both beginners and professionals. Curling is also a particularly attractive way to use the ice rinks. It considerably expands the range of leisure activities on offer and appeals to an even broader target group.
Vacations in the Alps despite climate change
Climate change is increasingly calling traditional skiing in the Alps into question. In many regions, it is getting too warm for skiing, which affects snow safety. Glice ice rinks offer a weather-independent and environmentally friendly solution that can also be used when temperatures rise. Vacations in the Alps therefore do not necessarily have to be limited to skiing, but can be enriched by alternative activities such as ice skating on synthetic ice.
Effects of climate change on winter sports
– Unreliable snow conditions
Climate change is leading to warmer winters and less snowfall in many parts of the Alps. This makes skiing unreliable in some regions and significantly shortens the winter sports season.
– Increased costs for artificial snowmaking
To compensate for the lack of snow, many ski resorts resort to artificial snowmaking, but this consumes enormous amounts of water and energy and drives up operating costs. This practice is neither sustainable nor economically viable in the long term.
Synthetic ice as a weather-independent solution
Synthetic ice rinks offer the opportunity to enjoy ice skating and curling all year round, regardless of the weather. Thanks to their robust construction and consistent quality, these ice surfaces remain stable and usable regardless of the seasons or outside temperatures. This makes them a reliable alternative to conventional ice rinks, which are often affected by weather conditions.
With synthetic ice rinks, municipalities and tourist businesses can significantly expand their leisure offerings. This innovation allows vacationers to experience winter activities such as ice skating even in mild temperatures. This extends the season of use and increases the attractiveness of the vacation region. Particularly in times of climate change, artificial ice rinks offer a sustainable and future-proof solution.
Benefits for tourism in the Alps
1. Sustainability
Glice tracks made of synthetic ice are environmentally friendly as they do not require energy for cooling or water for ice production. This fits in perfectly with the increasing efforts to promote sustainable tourism and protect the Alpine environment.
2. Variety of activities
In addition to classic ice skating and curling, other activities such as ice hockey or figure skating can also be offered on synthetic ice surfaces. This creates a diverse range of leisure activities that appeal to holidaymakers and encourage them to return.
3. Stability and planning security
As Glice rinks can be used regardless of the weather and season, they provide a stable basis for planning tourist offers and events. This increases the predictability and reliability of winter vacations in the Alps.
Conclusion
Synthetic ice, especially from providers such as Glice, is an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ice skating and curling. It offers fun and activity regardless of the weather and helps to reduce the ecological footprint. Municipalities and restaurants in Austria have already recognized these advantages and are using this pioneering technology. Perhaps you will soon be one of them and discover the many possibilities that Glice offers.
With synthetic ice rinks, we can redesign winter vacations in the Alps and enjoy them carefree even in times of climate change.