The winters in The Netherlands are becoming milder and milder. Much to the dismay of the Dutch, for whom ice skating on natural ice is highly sought after. Thanks to the myriad of canals and rivers, skaters can enjoy courses of up to 200km.

The outdoors, ice skating in nature, wafting along reed beds, freedom. That’s the intention behind the multi-functional outdoor recreation centre that opened in December 2007, called “FlevOnice” or “Ice World”. We visited the course on a very busy Boxing Day (2007).

There is a prized competition, called the Elfstedentocht (11 cities tour), where the goal is to cover 200 km’s in just one day. The last Elfstedentocht was held in 1996 i.e. that’s when it was last cold enough. It came close in 2001/2002 …

One of the world’s top 10 skaters (4 times world champion) Rintje Ritsma is the ambassador for FlevONice. “The good news is that this track is suitable for everyone. Whether you are a professional skater training for an alternative Elfstedentocht, or just want to enjoy some leisurely skating, FlevOnice offers something for everyone. Without getting in each other’s way, thousands of ice skaters can do what they enjoy. What more can you ask for?”

Granted, it’s not natural ice and the reed beds hadn’t grown yet, but the 5 km course curves through nature and you still need to keep up your pace to stop Jack Frost from nipping at your ears and nose. Halfway around the course, skaters can enjoy a “koek en zopie” stall where cookies, soup and steaming hot chocolate are served.

Not too sure about your skating skills? Before setting off on the 5 km route, you can practice on the 400 m rink just outside the restaurant. It’s not uncommon to see people skating with a chair while they’re learning to keep balance. Alternatively, you could practice on the “knabbelbaan” … if the children let you.

The five metre wide track has cooling elements that provide real ice, and operates during the Winter months (approx. 100 days in the year), after which the elements are dismantled to reveal a sand track underneath it. This track is used for off-road events like MX cycling, mountain biking and horse riding.

Alongside the ice/sand track, is a six metre wide asphalt track, which is great for skeelers and other events like marathons, biathlons, athletics, disabled sports, nordic walking, and of course, recreation and leisure.

Address: Strandgaperweg 20, 8256 PZ Biddinghuizen, Tel: (0321) 33 11 38, www.flevonice.nl

General information as per 01 January 2008: FlevOnice is open daily from 09.00 – 23.00. Tickets during the week: Adults €12 pp, Children €8 pp and at weekends: Adults €15 pp, Children € 11pp. Skates can be rented from the reception. Please refer to their (Dutch) website for up-to-date information.