Parties were once a simple affair.

All you needed was good food, good music, and a great atmosphere.

Today, people looking for exciting and innovative experiences.  

More and more event planners and part businesses are seeking to meet the demand, especially inflatable party rental businesses.

If you own an inflatable party rental business, you probably have all the bounce houses, slides, and other fun inflatables in your arsenal. 

However, to truly stand out and meet the ever-growing expectations of customers, adding synthetic ice to your inflatable party rental business can offer several distinct advantages.

It's a way to truly serve your clients and capitalize on the millions of ice skaters looking to have fun during the Holidays. 

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ENJOY THE LEAST AMOUNT OF SKATE BLADE FRICTION WITH POLYGLIDE SYNTHETIC ICE

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Synthetic Ice as a Unique Attraction

For the uninitiated, synthetic ice are special panels that connect to form a skatable ice rink.

Each panel is made of durable polyethylene combined with other patented materials to give a smooth finish that's functional and durable for ice skate blades.

You simply measure the size of your space, purchase the necessary panels and connect them to form the rink.

Each panel has edges that allow them to connect to the other like a puzzle piece.

From there, you add rink walls and other safety accessories to complete an "ice rink" that does not need water, refrigeration, or cold temperatures to operate. 

Offering synthetic ice as part of your rental business can set you apart from your competitors.

Commercial spaces like malls, hotels, and play houses often rent synthetic ice rinks for the Holdiays to attract customers. 

For a business centered around events and entertainment, buying a synthetic ice rink outright to rent to others can be a long-term, lucrative venture. 

While bounce houses are popular choices for party rentals, adding synthetic ice can provide a unique and exciting attraction that is sure to draw in a new niche of customers. 

Making Your Inflatable Party Rental Trendy

With an inflatable party rental business, you have the opportunity to provide fun and entertainment for various events and occasions.

It also allows you to stay ahead of the competition by constantly adding new and exciting attractions to your inventory.

With a rental business, you can also capitalize on current trends and make your offerings more appealing to customers.

Moreover, you can customize your offers with different themes or characters and more.

One way to surely boost your inflatable party rental business and make it trendy is by adding synthetic ice to your inventory.

Here are five reasons why adding synthetic ice to your inflatable party rental business can be advantageous:

Reason #1: Year-round entertainment

Regardless of the weather and season, synthetic ice can surely be enjoyed by your customers and their guests year-round.

A hot summer day or a cold winter night won't stop the fun on synthetic ice.

It may also be set up either indoors or outdoors, offering flexibility and expanding your potential customer base.

In the colder months, you're less likely to get rentals for inflatable houses or slides, especially outdoors.

Synthetic ice allows your party rental business to provide entertainment during a time where spending is higher. 

Reason #2: Diversification of services

For businesses to grow and thrive, there are only three options:

1. Raise your prices.
2. Increase the frequency which customers buy.
3. Provide different services.

Offering synthetic ice as part of your inflatable party rental business adds a new dimension to your offerings.

It allows you to diversify your services and cater to a wider range of events and occasions.

From holiday parties and winter festivals to corporate team-building events and birthday celebrations, synthetic ice can be a versatile addition that appeals to various customer needs.

You'll continue to add to your bottom line as the product can last 10+ years from one investment. 

Reason #3: Unique party experiences? Yes, please!

Adding synthetic ice to your inflatable party rental business can provide customers with a unique and unforgettable party experience.

You can pitch ice skating birthday parties, corporate events, product launches, and much more. 

Guests will have the opportunity to skate and glide on a surface that feels like real ice, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Not only will this delight children and adults alike, but it will also create lasting memories for everyone involved.

Reason #4: Rental business sustainability

Aside from the immediate benefits of attracting customers and diversifying your services, adding synthetic ice to your inflatable party rental business can contribute to its long-term sustainability.

The party rental business is competitive, with multiple options available in your city.

How can you stand out?

By offering a unique attraction like synthetic ice, you are establishing your business as innovative and adaptable to changing customer preferences.

This can help ensure that your rental business remains relevant and in demand for years to come.

Reason #5: An excellent marketing tool

Incorporating synthetic ice into your inflatable party rental business can serve as an excellent marketing tool.

By promoting your new synthetic ice offering through social media, online advertisements, and word-of-mouth, you can generate buzz and attract potential customers who are seeking a unique and exciting party experience.

Adding influencers, holding ice skating events, and attending sales expos are just some of the ways you can leverage your new rink to bring in more clients. 

Furthermore, promoting the use of synthetic ice as an alternative to traditional ice for winter sports and activities can also be a valuable marketing strategy.

It highlights your business as forward-thinking and environmentally conscious, which can resonate with customers who prioritize sustainability.

 

Choosing the Right Synthetic Ice

Synthetic ice is an investment that can greatly benefit your inflatable party rental business.

Yet, it is crucial to choose a high-quality and durable synthetic ice product that will withstand heavy use and provide a realistic ice skating experience for your customers.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right synthetic ice for your rental business:

#1: Product Durability and Longevity

One of your primary considerations when choosing the right synthetic ice for your rental business should be its durability and longevity.

Remember that you would be offering the synthetic ice for rental purposes, which means it will be subject to frequent and heavy use.

Therefore, you should carefully choose a synthetic ice product that is built to withstand wear and tear, ensuring that it will last for a long time without losing its quality or functionality.

Additionally, selecting a synthetic ice product with a long lifespan will help maximize your return on investment and minimize the need for frequent replacements or repairs.

This will contribute to the sustainability of your business and reduce long-term costs.

#2: Installation and Maintenance Requirements

Another important factor to consider when choosing the right synthetic ice for your rental business is the installation and maintenance requirements.

You want to select a synthetic ice product that is relatively easy to install and maintain, as this will save you time, effort, and money in the long run.

It's best to choose a synthetic ice product that does not require extensive and complicated installation processes or special equipment.

This will allow you to quickly set up and dismantle the synthetic ice rink for each rental, making your business more efficient and profitable.

Maintenance should also be minimal, with simple cleaning and upkeep procedures that can easily be incorporated into your regular operations.

#3: A Realistic Skating Experience

In order to provide an enjoyable experience for your customers, it is important to choose a synthetic ice product that offers a realistic skating experience.

To achieve this, consider selecting a synthetic ice product that has been specifically designed and engineered to replicate the characteristics of traditional ice skating.

This includes factors such as the glide and feel of the synthetic ice surface, which should closely mimic that of real ice.

Additionally, the durability of the edges and the ability to support various skating maneuvers, such as turns and stops, are critical for creating an authentic and immersive skating experience.

Furthermore, the synthetic ice should have a high-quality interlocking system that ensures a seamless and secure connection between the panels, preventing any shifting or separation during use.

 

PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide Infused Panel Is Perfect For Your Business

The good news is you don't have to search far and wide to find a synthetic ice product that meets all of these criteria.

The PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide Infused Panel is the ideal choice for your rental business. This synthetic ice product offers several key advantages that make it perfect for your business.

Firstly, the PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide Infused Panel is designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind.

It features a straightforward installation process that does not require any special equipment or complicated procedures.

This allows you to quickly and efficiently set up and dismantle the synthetic ice rink for each rental, saving you valuable time and effort.

Additionally, the PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide Infused Panel requires minimal maintenance.

Using the PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide Infused Panel for your business will also ensure that you can provide a realistic and enjoyable skating experience for your customers, as it closely replicates the feel and glide of real ice.

Other Elements You Can Add

As you aim to provide a unique and fun experience to your customers and their partygoers, you need to provide a complete set-up that includes additional elements beyond just the synthetic ice rink itself.

Re recommend investing in other elements, such as  rental skates of different sizes, protective gear and helmets.

To help beginners, you may also consider offering skating aids, such as walkers, which can help provide stability and support for those new to skating, minimizing liability and the risk of injury.

Additionally, to enhance the overall atmosphere, you can consider adding decorative elements like lighting, music, and seating areas for spectators.

By creating a comprehensive and inviting environment, you can ensure that your business stands out and provides an exceptional skating experience for all customers.

Conclusion

Your rental business can make any event truly unforgettable by offering synthetic ice skating.

Including synthetic ice in your product offerings can help your business attract more customers and stand out in the competitive market.

Not only will your customers have the opportunity to enjoy a unique and exciting activity, but they will also be able to experience the thrill of skating on a surface that closely resembles real ice.

This can be a major draw for individuals and groups looking to host special events, such as birthday parties, corporate team-building activities, or even holiday gatherings.

By providing the option for synthetic ice skating at these events, you can create a memorable and captivating atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Lastly, using Poly-Gldie Ice Pro-Glide infused panels ensures that your customers will have a smooth and realistic skating experience, further adding to the enjoyment and success of any event.

 

 

What is Liquid Synthetic Ice?

Liquid synthetic ice is a special type of chemical compound that helps reduce skate blade friction to provide more of a natural ice feel when ice skating.

It can be applied as a topical surface coat for both infused and non-infused synthetic ice surfaces to help create optimal glide and performance.

It is also available as an epoxy resin that can be sprayed on a substrate, though this method can be damaging to the skate blade due to the hardness of the resin.

PolyGlide Liquid Synthetic Ice

PolyGlide Liquid Synthetic Ice products are the newest advancement in synthetic ice technology that reduces the friction between your skates and the surface, making it easier to skate.

It's a bio-degradable, environmentally safe product that can be used on any synthetic ice rink surface that will improve your rink's overall performance AND help keep the surface clean.

Benefits

There are a number of benefits to using liquid synthetic ice by PolyGlide Ice. 

Some of these benefits include:

Improves User Experience

Providing an optimal glide on any synthetic ice surface enhances the overall user experience.

Skaters will require less effort to perform skating maneuvers with the ease of each stride.

Implementing a consistent maintenance schedule is the best way to keep your skaters happy.

Help Keep your Skates in Better Condition

Did you know that using a synthetic ice glide enhancer can help protect your skate blades?

If you're a hockey player or figure skater, then you know how important it is to keep your skate blades in good condition. 

It helps create a smooth surface on the ice, which makes it easier for your skates to glide across the ice.

This can help reduce wear and tear on your skate blades, and it can also help prevent nicks and scratches.

If you're looking for a way to protect your skate blades and prolong their lifespan, it's critical to reduce your surface's coefficient of friction.

Improve Your Rink's Glide and Performance. 

Trust us when we say there is no such thing as a "Maintenance Free" surface, so buyers need to beware when hearing such claims.

Synthetic ice surfaces are no different than any other flooring and in fact require more regular maintenance to keep them clean and slick to perform well.

By implementing our "CLEAN, CONDITION, AND COAT" routine into your maintenance program, you will ensure that your synthetic ice surface will perform well and last for many years.

Liquid Options

Emulating the real feel of natural ice has gotten a lot closer with the recent development of three new liquid synthetic ice "Slip" products by PolyGlide Ice.

Relying strictly on the synthetic ice surface alone to mimic the feel of natural ice is fine for training and conditioning but when you add surface conditioners and finish coats you achieve a real "ice-like" feel.

PolyGlide Ice has developed three new liquid synthetic ice products that are stable and safe to use, making it the perfect choice for amateur and professional athletes alike.

Slip Conditioner

PolyGlide Ice Slip Surface Conditioner was developed to provide a slip agent conditioner that can be used regularly on any synthetic ice rink surface.

This non-toxic, environmentally safe conditioner can be used on infused and non-infused surfaces and achieves ice-like results with just a light application.

Simply mix with water and broadcast an even mist across your synthetic ice surface to enhance the performance of your rink.

It can also be applied along with a cleanser to keep your rink from "gumming up" with dust and dirt, which can slow down any synthetic ice skating surface.

Implementing Slip Surface Conditioner as part of your weekly maintenance will reduce skate blade friction and help protect your skate blade edges from dulling too quickly.

Slip Frost Coat

Slip "Frost Coat" by PolyGlide ice provides the latest technology in liquid synthetic ice surface. 

Frost Coat is simple to apply, and just a light application goes a long way to improving the performance of any synthetic ice skating surface.

This proprietary formulation utilizes the same infused slip agent compound used in all PolyGlide Ice synthetic ice skating surfaces. 

Frost Blade Coat

Did you know that using a synthetic ice glide enhancer can help protect your skate blades?

PolyGlide Ice "Blade Coat" is a  liquid protective coating that you apply to your skate blade before each skating session. 

Liquid synthetic ice products by PolyGlide Ice are revolutionizing off-ice Figure skating and ice hockey training. 

Conclusion

If you're looking for a maintenance program and product to help maximize your rink's performance, then liquid synthetic ice products by PolyGlide Ice will help you get there.

No matter the age, brand, or surface condition of your ice, we can help design a plan that will reap maximum results.

Reach out to us today, and we'll put you on a path to a clean, conditioned, and coated surface that will bring the glide back to your surface AND skate blades!

Take a look at some of our most popular rink packages!

PolyGlide Ice - Home Ice Tiles

PolyGlide Ice - Pro-Glide Panels

 

Keep on Skating! 

Jim Loughran, PolyGlide Ice
www.polyglideice.com

 

If your ready for an elite hockey training program, then you need to start training on synthetic ice plastic. plain and simple!

This unique polymer surface offers a slight resistance when compared to natural ice that you can use to your advantage and help you build a solid off-ice training program.

It provides "positive resistance training", that will help make you a stronger, faster, better conditioned athlete and player.

To make an analogy, think of it like the weighted "doughnut" a baseball player will throw on the bat head while taking their warm-up swings in the On Deck Circle.

This type of resistance training has been around forever and a growing trend in the hockey community that has become a mainstay throughout the industry and quickly moving it's way into many player's homes.

Elite hockey players have always been looking for new ways to improve their game and get a jump on the competition and synthetic ice training has proven itself as the ideal training tool!

Choosing the Right Synthetic Ice Surface:

Synthetic ice is a type of material that mimics the properties of real ice, making it ideal for practicing skating and stick-handling.

While it may not be exactly the same as playing on real ice, players quickly adjust to the surface after just a few minutes of skating and can make all the save maneuvers (hockey stops, mohawks, T-Stop) that they can on natural ice. 

For Elite players it's important to select the right type of surface to train on that will will give them the most realistic "icelike" feel without losing their edge too quickly.

At PolyGlide Ice we have designed the ideal "Pro-Glide" infused synthetic ice panel that checks all the boxes and provides a solid-core surface that is durable and built to last all throughout any hockey players career!

 

 

Geting Started

By using synthetic ice, you can improve your skating speed and agility while also working on your shooting accuracy. Here are some tips to help you get you started and make the most out of of your elite hockey training

1 - Ice Time

The more time you spend training on the ice, the better you will become at skating and andvance your overall game.

Having easy and unlimited access to ice is a huge advantage to any hockey player looking to use this extra time to advance their skills by working on all their individual weaknesses.

With regards to the surface itself, the more you use and break it in, the better it skates as the slight imperfections form the skate ruts actually provide less contact with the skate blade and the surface

Keep in mind, being in cotrol of your own ice time is only advantage if you use it so be sure to plan out your schedule to allow yourself enough time to work on all your skills to round-out your game.

 

2 - Power Skating Drills

Power skating is a fundamental part of hockey and it is important to practice your skating drills regularly. This will help you improve your speed, agility and balance. 

Implementing synthetic ice training at home allows you to improve your skating technique regularly and push yourself to point of failure and get more comfortable on your edges.

Proper Technique: When skating on synthetic ice, be sure to keep your knees bent using a smooth, even stride. It's important to break down your stride to be sure your using the proper technique to maximize your results with the least amount of effort.

Having bad skating habits or improper stride can waste energy which in turn will have a negative impact on your performance.Focus your drills on improving your skating technique and speed. 

Train ot the point of failure and see how low you can get to the ice. Don't be afraid to fall as it's all part of the learning process! The more you skate on synthetic ice, the more comfortable you will become.

3 - Stickhandling Drills

Stickhandling is an important skill for all hockey players to work on and can sometimes be hard to do once your leave your local rink.

The great thing about training on synthteic ice is you get to stickhandle with a regulation rubber puck which helps simulate real game conditions.

Stickhandling with a rubber puck on synthetic ice can is a great way to improve your hand-eye coordination and control in real game conditions which you wouldn't get with a dryland puck or golf ball.

Plan some small area stickhandling drills with cones using a rubber puck and implement it into your workout program and watch just how quickly your skills and speed advance as you get more comfortable with the puck.

4 - Shooting

In order to score goals, you need to be able to shoot the puck accurately so practice shooting regularly so that you can develop a good wrist shot and snap shot. 

Synthetic ice is a great place to practice your shooting because, just like stickhandling it gives you a realistic feel for the game shooting a regulation rubber puck while wearing your skates.

The fact is that shooting with your skates on is a huge advantage than simply wearing sneakers while training as you want to continue those same gamelike conditions while working on all of your skills.

So set-up your targets and create some fast-moving drills and shoot on the fly not just while standling flat-footed as the key is to develop both quick hands and feet!

5 - Passing

In hockey, it's important to be able to pass the puck effectively as you're not the only person on the ice and it's also a skill that needs to be worked on so make sure not to overlook this.

This will help you set up your teammates for scoring opportunities and also create space for yourself on the ice when you don't have the puck.

Practice by setting up passing targets and implementing rebounders on the surface while working on your passing skills.

Remember, you can train mutilpe skills at the same time throughout any drill which will maximize the results of each workout and make the most of every minute you spend training on your synthetic ice surface.

6 - Get Creative

Get creative with your synthetic ice training program and come up with new ways to challenge yourself and improve your hockey skills.

Incorporate other types of training into your program that involve fun new ideas to help keep it fresh and motivate you to keep hitting the ice.

Research different training programs online by checking out different training techniques and see which ones may work for you.

Staying creative is a good way to keep your head in the game and on top of your skills as you continue to become a better hockey player.

7. Have fun!

Remember, hockey is a game and it should be fun!

Try not to take things too seriously and enjoy yourself while training and you'll find yourself enjoying the game even more.

They players that get the best results are the ones you have a hard time getting off the ice because they love it so much.

The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to stick with it and see great results by advancing your skills at home and on the scoreboard. 

Conclusion

As synthetic ice becomes more and more popular, more and more elite hockey players are using it to hone their skills and take their game to the next level.

As you can see, there are a large variety of skating and shooting drills that can be done on synthetic ice to help you maximize your skills and ability as a player.

If you want to be the best, you need to train like the best to play at an elite level and synthetic ice is a great tool thta provides you unlimited ice time right in the comfort of your own home.

Not only that you can use it all year round, it's super versitile, portable and way less expensive than refrigerated ice to set up!

So if you’re looking for a way to take your game to the next level, consider investing in a synthetic ice rink.

Check out our website for more information on our rink packages and start training today!

  

Ever since I picked up a hockey stick and skated around in the cold, I’ve daydreamed of playing hockey in skates, outside, in the warm summer air.

It was always a dream though, like the idea of warm summer snow.

Impossible.

But, this year, my life long dream is finally becoming a reality as I am starting the construction of my backyard summer ice rink.

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Start Your Own Backyard Rink Project WIth The PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide Panel

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In this post, plus a whole series I am planning, I am going to share the process of planning, building, and using our backyard summer synthetic ice rink.

I’ll share what I do right, and i’ll admit to what I do wrong (there will be a lot I am sure!) so that hopefully if you choose to do the same, you can learn from my mistakes and successes.

Who Am I

My name is Ryan and I’m a Minnesota hockey dad.

I currently have 4 kids playing hockey, two twin 4 years olds just starting out, a squirt, U15, and a high school player.

With this many kids playing hockey, we are always looking for ways to get more practice time in that is convenient and inexpensive.

Convenient is really the main thing for me.

With 7 kids total (2 are out of the house), we are running around all the time.

I wanted the ability for my kids to simply go into the back yard, play hockey, and honestly, not bother me sometimes!

1. Research the Product 

I first learned about synthetic ice in late 2019 and thought it sounded pretty cool.

I had a big shop in the back yard and thought synthetic ice could be a great way for my kids to get some extra practice time in.

After researching all the different brands, talking to sales reps, and even testing out some synthetic ice, I ended up purchasing about 400 sq ft of Polyglide’s home ice tiles.

I placed these tiles in my shop amazingly about 2 months before the Covid 19 lockdown shut everything down.

While the tiles were a hit, my hockey playing kids were much younger and honestly, they weren’t nearly as into hockey as they are today.

My current U15 and squirt players are extremely into the sport at the moment.

My U15 plays in every camp and league possible and doesn’t miss a day of shooting 250 pucks into the backyard net (note: she’s on pace for 30,000 this summer due to her amazing new backyard rink!).

As my kids got bigger, the problem we started experiencing was that 400 sq ft wasn’t really big enough to really skate aggressively on and we really wanted something the kids could practice better with skates on.

Also, my wife decided last summer to turn my shop into her own “pool house” (we don’t have a pool…), so there’s that….

2. Create a Plan

My plan is to up my synthetic ice to 640 square feet and create a 16’ x 40’ outdoor rink.

This is roughly the size of our winter real ice rink, which is great for shooting and skating.

I also decided to sell my original home ice tiles and invest in Polyglide’s Pro-Glide Panel.

Synthetic Ice tiles update:

I chose not to sell them and rather create a basement stick handling pad for rainy days since the kids can’t handle a day off from hockey….

Because the home ice tiles last so long, I should have no problem selling them as they still have a lot of life left in them.

3. Find The Right Location

We have an area that is about 20’x40’ on the north side of our home that we use for our winter rink.

It works great because it is in the shade and the ice doesn’t get hammered by the sun on sunny winter days.

This will be the location for our synthetic rink as well.

If the synthetic outdoor rink goes well, I’m not 100% sure that we’ll continue with a real ice rink as the work vs the number of days we can actually use the rink is just so lopsided.

This location should work perfectly for the synthetic rink.

It’s not perfectly level, but close enough that I don’t think creating a level surface will be too difficult.

 

4. Choose the Ideal Base

I looked into a lot of different options and tried to find other people who had done the same as I plan on doing.

First, not many people have built something like this.

Most people that I found who invested in an outdoor synthetic ice rink typically put it on top of an existing basketball court.

We don’t have one of those sadly.

So I had to come up with my own plan.

I figured I could do concrete, a sport court, or a shed base.

Concrete is expensive, a lot of work, has no give, and is permanent.

This option would likely have cost me in the range of $6,000 - $8,000 (or more).

This would be more than the synthetic ice and make the whole project far too expensive.

A sport court would be ideal in my opinion, but is even more expensive than concrete.

So finally, I decided to go with a shed base.

I figure that I can build it since it isn’t complicated, requires no permit, and is drastically cheaper than the alternative options.

 

5. Choose Quality Grade Materials

This step for me was a bunch of trail and error.

Admittingly, I was on a budget and even worse, I have very limited knowledge with this sort of thing.

So… I’ll share with you what I did right and what I wish I had done differently.

As with almost all projects I’ve ever done, If I had to do it over again, I know how I could make it a lot better!

After looking all over the internet and finding next to nothing about building a backyard synthetic rink, I decided to go with a shed base for my foundation.

A shed base is a simple wooden framework with construction lumber and plywood to make a base.

I figured that since I am not building an actual shed on top of this base, I don’t need to over-engineer the base (note from future Ryan, this was both true and false!).

 

I decided to go with a simple 2x4 base construction and ½” tongue and groove plywood…..

Nope.Terrible idea.

Edit: I had to delete this section out of the post it was such a bad idea.

The cheap version of Ryan came out and nearly ruined this project!

After building a small section with 2"x4"s on a block base,

I knew immediately I had screwed up!

It was time to suck it up and do this project right or not at all.

The new plan was to build out a 16’ x 40’ rink base using treated 2"x6" and space them every 16”.

On top of that, I’d cover it with ¾” tongue and groove OSB with exterior glue.

Lastly, I’d coat the whole thing in exterior primer and top coat to give it an extra seal against the weather.

This new plan created a much sturdier base and costing roughly $1000 in materials.

Rink Project Update

We’ve been using the rink for about 2 full months so far (about 2-3 hours a day) and it is holding up great.

I’ll get more into the build in a future post for those of you who want to know more details.

A few issues I saw in my small sample of building with a 2x4 frame and ½ plywood:

• The platform had far too much “give” and would sink under your feet. This would inevitably create issues where the synthetic ice panels connected as well as create a bad skating experience.
• There’s no chance the plywood would have held up long term to the Minnesota weather.

My current base should last me many years as long as I take care of it.

Even though the OSB is made with exterior glue, I am thinking that I may remove the synthetic ice once every year or two and recoat the platform with exterior paint just to make sure I don’t have any issues with the OSB.

Follow Along

Sign up for emails from Polyglide to follow along.

I am planning on creating a series of posts involving my rink.

I’ll take you along as I build it and share what worked well and what didn’t.

Once the rink is up, I’ll share with you my up keep routine, how I maintain the rink, and switching it from a summer rink to a winter rink.

Finally, I’m planning on sharing our practice plans and drills that we’ll be using on the ice once completed.

So make sure not to miss a post and sign up for the Polyglide email.

Purchase:

If you'd like to start your own backyard synthetic ice project, you can grab some PolyGlide Pro-Glide Panels right here (and tell them "Ryan" sent you ;-)

POLYGLIDE SYNTHETIC ICE - PRO-GLIDE PANELS

 

 

Winter brings cold temperatures and lots of snow. 

But it also brings the Holidays, hot chocolate, and winter events, like Winterfest.

If you've never been to Winterfest, you're missing out on days of fun ice and winter activities. 

And if you're a part of a Winterfest committee, you know that ice skating is a must-have attraction.

Planning and installing a rink that accommodates hundreds, if not thousands, of people is no small task. 

It's all about choosing the best Winterfest ice rink for 2022 participants.

So what rink will work best for a successful event?

What is a Winterfest?

Winterfest is a multi-day festival held in different cities across North America.

Winter festivals aren't new.

Some of the first events were held in Minnesota in 1886 and in places like Montreal, Canada.

Despite the state's prosperity, people were still turned off by its harsh winters.

The Saint Paul festival was an ingenious way to have fun events while marketing the state's beauty.

Ice castles, sculptures, sledding, and ice skating evolved into one of the more popular events of that time.

Soon, other states started winter events, eventually becoming 'Winterfests.' 

Today, almost all Winterfests are held by Communities, Carnivals, and County Fairs.

It's a way for them to stay open throughout the year, transforming the space into a Winter Wonderland that creates a lot of foot traffic.

Some Winterfests run for select days during the entire season.

Others are a few full days of fun. 

Most focus on Holiday themes with competitions that combine ice with the things unique to that county, town, or state.

Winterfest attracts thousands of visitors to many small towns and is a huge revenue source. 

Some of the popular Winterfest programs include Oregon's Winterfest,

Winterfest at Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Fair Amusement Parks, Winterfest in Pennsylvania, and much more.

Now, you can find some form of Winterfest in almost every state and province in Canada and the US.

What should you expect at a Winterfest?

It's everything you love about the Holidays and winter all in one space. 

• Fantastic music and live entertainment
• Great food (Gingerbread, eggnog, and Christmas-themed funnel cakes, anyone?)
• Holiday-themed games and attractions
• Tree-lighting ceremonies
• Competitions based on local traditions
• Carnival rides (if weather permits)
• Sledding, tobogganing, curling, and of course, ice skating

Vendors, businesspeople, and other stakeholders set up shops and booths, all coordinated and managed by the owners of the county fair, amusement park, or community. 

The Best Winterfest Ice Rinks For 2022

An ice skating rink in Winterfest is non-negotiable.

It's often a centerpiece of the event, surrounded by tall, beautiful pine trees, lights, and holiday decorations.

Ice rinks are in high demand during Winterfests, so skaters must book time in advance.

They pay a cover charge for a short time on the rink (about 30 minutes) and extra for skate rentals.

Hundreds of people may visit the rink each day during some Winterfests, with some staying for hours.

Ice rinks should be large enough to accommodate multiple skaters at the same time.

If you're in charge of setting up a rink for Winterfest, the type of rink is a vital step in the process. 

Here are some of the surfaces you should consider.

These are the best Winterfest ice rink surfaces for 2022:

Natural ice rinks

The original ice rinks in cold climates came from a body of frozen water thanks to the surrounding ambient temperature.

The water remains frozen, and we can have our ice-skating fun on the surface.

Today, this process can be duplicated in an outdoor space. 

First, you'll need to prepare a flat surface to accommodate the liner.

Once the liner and rink walls are set, you will need water – sometimes well over 5,000 gallons – to fill the space a couple of inches high.

The cold weather that's common during Winterfest freezes the water, creating an ice rink.

You will need to resurface the rink periodically to clear shavings and buildup from snow and rain. 

Refrigerated ice rinks

Refrigerated ice rinks use water and a refrigeration process to keep water frozen in almost any climate.

Refrigerated ice can be set up indoors and outdoors and can withstand most temperatures. 

The rinks start with a flat surface made of concrete or compact sand.

Pipes are placed on the surface, and a coolant or brine water flows through constantly being pumped through a large chiller.

This keeps the base at a set temperature, freezing any water applied to the surface. 

From there, you apply layers of water – sometimes over 10,000 gallons – to create the frozen surface.

Refrigerated ice rinks use machines for the coolant and to keep the rink frozen at a consistent temperature. 

Synthetic ice rinks

If you're looking for a water-free way to ice skate, synthetic ice may be the answer.

This option is growing in popularity, with more synthetic ice rinks popping up around the country. 

Synthetic ice is made of polyethylene, a strong plastic designed for using metal blades for skating. 

Each piece is called a tile or panel, cut at a specific square foot based on its size and weight. 

Multiple pieces are connected like puzzle pieces to form a large, skateable surface.

Synthetic ice is appealing because of its ease of installation, durability, cost, and use in any space or climate. 

Some synthetic ice is infused with a unique slip agent to help with skating.

Others need the agents to be sprayed and reapplied periodically.

Both tend to have slightly more friction than natural and artificial ice.

However, most skaters are recreational and just love the experience of skating on an artificial surface if they never tried it before.

Synthetic ice rinks can come in multiple colors and shapes, making rink builders more creative.

It's important for buyers to do their research prior to purchasing an artificial ice rink as some surfaces may not stand up to the skating traffic at Winterfest.

Curling Rinks

Synthetic ice curling rinks are the ideal interactive Winterfest attraction for people of all ages that like a little competitive fun.

It provides a lower entry cost with regard to the overall budget and has been growing in popularity over the last few years.

Winterfest planners can schedule league games if the event is planned for multiple weeks or months throughout the Holiday season.

It's also a great add-on to attraction to event planners that are looking to add some new fun and excitement to their annual Winterfest activities.

Which rink should you choose?

You must consider location, budget, weather, and traffic for rink setup. 

Some towns or states have perfect weather for natural ice rinks.

They have a tradition of freezing a particular space, so natural ice rinks are the best bet. 

Larger spaces that cannot depend on the weather have the option of refrigerated and synthetic ice.

Refrigerated ice requires the set up of the location and several thousand gallons of water and along with the additional electrical cost of running the chillers.

There are refrigerated ice rink rental companies that will help with setup. 

Synthetic ice is cheaper, so the committee can focus on decorating and designing.

Like refrigerated ice, you can rent or purchase these rinks, reducing the space's cost. 

Synthetic ice rinks are trending more and more as an option for Holiday Events for both its affordability and for providing a green energy solution for ice skating. 

Here's how to maximize your investment

Rinks aren't just at your local Winterfest for guests to enjoy.

They are also opportunities to generate income for the organizers of the event.

Thousands of people look forward to ice rinks, but there are still ways to maximize your investment.

Here are some examples:

• Set a day pass or season pass for your rink. Some groups want to skate at any time without the hassle of booking and paying every time.
• Guests can bring their skates, but most have not been maintained for years. Charge for skate sharpening services.
• Have a volunteer who can teach kids a 30-minute skating crash course. Charge for the service.
• An ice show can bring extra income through merchandising.

With an ice rink, the possibilities are endless. 

Set up your next Winterfest ice rink

Preparing for Winterfest can be stressful yet challenging.

Adding an ice rink is one of the most significant projects but one of the most rewarding.

The type of ice rink matters as it affects cost, performance, and durability.

While natural ice rinks may be effective in some spaces, others that can't depend on weather will benefit from synthetic ice.

Do you need help planning and building your rink?

Are you thinking about a long-term rink rental?

Or maybe it's time to invest in your rink to use year-round.

If you are interested in a quick quote to get an overall idea of what a synthetic ice rink surface may cost to invest in for your event simply >CLICK HERE<

Give us a call here at PolyGlide ice to make the next Winterfest one to remember.