After almost 100 years it’s over: the ice skating rink in the Mödlinger Stadtbad will be permanently closed after the current winter season. The city can no longer sustain operations financially – this is what the “Kurier” reports.
According to city councilor Markus Gilly (SPÖ), the decision was “not easy” but was unavoidable given the high costs. The ice operation costs the community around 2,500 euros in electricity per day. Energy costs rise enormously, especially in mild weather – on two warm days, as much electricity is used as a single-family home in a whole year. In addition, there are outdated systems whose compressors have not been overhauled for over 40 years. A comprehensive renovation would cost 6 to 8 million euros – which is currently not affordable for Mödling.
With the closure, the south of Vienna will lose its second ice skating rink after Bad Vöslau. Ice skating continues to be popular: places like Perchtoldsdorf and Tulln are recording increasing numbers of visitors. Nevertheless, they also struggle with rising energy and maintenance costs as well as shorter seasons due to milder winters.
