Cold from the ice up.
How to stay warm at the ice rink
An ice rink is cold by design. Skaters keep moving and manage. Parents at the boards, coaches and fans in the stands sit in that cold for hours. This is how to stay warm at the ice rink without wearing your whole wardrobe.
Who gets cold at the rink
Hockey and figure skating parents
Early ice time, late ice time and a bench by the boards in between. You spend more hours at the rink than you ever planned.
Coaches at the boards
Standing on rubber matting with the cold coming off the ice. You need your arms free, so a vest under your team jacket.
Fans in the stands
Three periods plus intervals on a cold seat. Check the arena's own rules on power banks before you go.
Skaters and curlers
On outdoor ice and speed-skating ovals the wind does the damage. On the curling sheet it is the waiting. Heat on low while you move, higher while you wait.
What to wear rinkside
- A vest under your jacket. A heated vest warms belly, back and neck and leaves your arms free for filming, clapping or tying skates.
- A parka for the stands. The Pølar heated parka for women has 6 heating zones up to 60 °C and a reflective thermal lining.
- Your own team jacket. The Øney heating insert attaches inside it with adhesive Velcro strips. No sewing.
- Warm hands. Øven gloves heat on three levels, and the thick lining is warm even when switched off. For watching, not for playing.
- Something to sit on. The bench takes your warmth too. Gløde does not sell seat cushions, but we compare the types: best heated seat cushion.
- Power for a tournament day. On a vest the large power bank lasts about 6–12 hours. The parka runs shorter: about 3–6 hours.
Honest about the limits
Heated clothing warms your core and your hands. It does nothing for your feet, and the floor is the coldest place in the building, so wear thick socks and proper shoes. It is a warm layer, not protective equipment. Watching outdoors as well? Read how to stay warm watching football.
Warm at the boards and in the stands
Three heat levels, warmth around your core and your hands free.
Pølar heated parka6 heating zones, up to 60 °C. Windproof, with rain hood.View →
Høgge for women5 heating zones, up to 50 °C. Power bank included.View →
Høgge for menFront and back controlled separately. Detachable hood.View →
Øven heated glovesThree heat levels, 35–50 °C. Thick, warm lining.View →
Browse: heated vests for women · heated vests for men · heated gloves
Frequently asked questions
How cold is it at an indoor ice rink?
Cold enough to keep the ice hard, and it feels colder the longer you sit. The air near the boards and low in the stands is the coldest. Dress as you would for a winter day outside, even when it is mild out.
What should I wear to watch ice hockey?
Layers: a base layer, a warm mid-layer, a coat, a hat, gloves and warm socks. A heated vest as the mid-layer adds warmth for the hours you sit still. Bring something to sit on as well, because a cold seat takes warmth too.
Can I wear a heated vest while skating?
For recreational skating, yes. Wear it under your jacket and keep it on a low level while you move. It is a warm layer for laps and for the breaks, not protective equipment.
How long does the heat last on a tournament day?
On a Gløde vest the small power bank lasts about 3–6 hours and the large one about 6–12 hours, depending on the level. The Pølar parka runs shorter: about 1.5–3 hours or 3–6 hours. For a full day at the rink, take the large power bank.
More: Who is heated clothing for? · All heated clothing comparisons · Heated clothing for skiing
Gløde — warm the person, not the room.
