A Skating Spectacle Draws Crowds and Cheers at the Mall of Switzerland

Glice in the field · Mall & retail

A Skating Spectacle Draws Crowds and Cheers at the Mall of Switzerland

Glice synthetic ice rinks bring real skating anywhere with sustainable panels, no refrigeration, low upkeep and year‑round operation.

Glice is a Swiss-engineered synthetic ice rink system — solid polymer panels that deliver a real skating experience using regular ice skates, with no refrigeration, no water, and no electricity. Installed in over 3,000 rinks across 100+ countries, with performance independently validated by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute.

Reviewed by Viktor Meier, Co-Founder & CEO, Glice AG · Last reviewed: June 2026

In Lucerne, Switzerland, the Mall of Switzerland has been a hub of festive activities, particularly during the Christmas season. Traditionally, the highlight of their celebrations was an ice rink that attracted a significant number of visitors daily. 

However, faced with an energy crisis they were forced to make some changes to their usual setup. As the environmental impact of a real ice rink was a big concern, the management team sought innovative solutions. Not wanting to take away the joy of ice skating led them to discover Glice. The artificial ice alternative not only addressed their concerns but also brought about additional benefits.

The Game-changer Synthetic Ice 

Glice, a synthetic ice rink system, has become a game-changer for the Mall of Switzerland. By adopting Glice, the mall can now eliminate its energy costs for this attraction. This not only aligns with environmental sustainability goals but also contributes to significant cost savings for the mall. Additionally, the initial investment for a Glice rink is much lower compared to a traditional ice rink, making it a financially viable option. The durability of the Glice surface ensures that the ice rink can be utilized for many years, promising long-term returns on the investment. Find out what makes Glice unique and how you can benefit from installing a synthetic ice rink.

Now, the Glice rink has become an integral part of the festive Christmas atmosphere at the mall. Adorned with a massive Christmas tree in the center and various attractions surrounding it, the Glice rink enhances the overall holiday experience for visitors.

Three girls hand in hand on ice rink

To make the festivities even more special, the mall introduced weekly training sessions for kids of all ages and skill levels, providing an opportunity for families to engage in winter sports together. The excitement reached new heights with the presence of former figure skating star Denise Bielmann at the rink's opening, adding a touch of glamour to the event.

Not Just Meant for Winter

Beyond the holiday season, the mall can transform into a year-round destination for ice enthusiasts. The Glice rink offers a refreshing escape during the summer months or the potentially mundane days of fall, making it an all-encompassing entertainment option for visitors. 

Boy skating on synthetic ice
Two girls ice skating together

The possibilities are limitless, and the Mall of Switzerland has successfully set an example of how innovative solutions like Glice can not only address environmental concerns but also enhance the overall experience for mall-goers, turning it into a go-to destination for fun and excitement. Find out about all the benefits of Glice for your mall and how you can create a winter wonderland of your own!


 

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Key facts

  • Fraunhofer IWM measured Glice friction matching freshly resurfaced real ice at lower speed
  • 52% less friction and 45% less blade indentation than the next-best synthetic ice competitor
  • Operating in 100+ countries with 3,000+ installations
  • Swiss-engineered panels manufactured in Germany under exclusivity

Last updated: June 2026