Like the idea of some idyllic winter ice skating but worried you'll spend most of your time on the ground? We feel you. So we asked Olympian ice skater Anita Östlund for a few pointers
With the Winter Olympics 2026 fast approaching, the world’s attention is once again turning to ice – to the poetry and precision those who glide across it. But you don’t need Olympic ambitions (or years of training) to take part in one of winter’s most enduring pleasures. Ice skating, in its most idyllic form, is one of the season’s simplest joys – provided you can stay upright.
If the idea of skating conjures more fear of falling than visions of frozen lakes and rosy-cheeked afternoons, you’re not alone. So, in the spirit of the Games (and to help demystify the ice) we turned to one of Sweden’s most accomplished skaters, Olympic alum Anita Östlund, for a beginner-friendly guide to finding your balance, building confidence, and actually enjoying your time on the rink.