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- A Winter Experience Like no Other in the World.
A Winter Experience Like no Other in the World.
The Montréal en Lumière Festival Opens a 1000-Foot-Long Aerial Skating Trail with an Ambience of Immersive Sound and Light

Photo credit: Victor Diaz Lamich for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
The Skating Loop, an innovative multimedia spectacle, returns to Montreal every winter season. This unique attraction has quickly established itself as an essential part of the Montréal en Lumière festival. First introduced in 2022, the Skating Loop captivated nearly 25,000 skaters, offering a stunning fusion of art and entertainment. It is set to welcome visitors from around the globe, emphasizing Quebec's engineering prowess and cultural vibrancy.

Photo credit: Victor Diaz Lamich for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Crafted with the spirit of Montreal's winter in mind, the Skating Loop invites people to reconnect with downtown spaces post-pandemic. Elevating 2.5 meters above ground, it offers skaters panoramic views complemented by dynamic video projections on nearby buildings. A spectacular array of 265 LED lights illuminates the icy pathway, while a sophisticated sound system enhances the experience with a tailored playlist. This creative intersection of sensory engagement transforms the urban landscape, making skating a captivating event for all senses.

Photo credit: Victor Diaz Lamich for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Situated in the lively Place des Festivals, the Skating Loop is surrounded by warmth and hospitality. Heated oases, including a cozy chalet and a covered terrace at the SAQ Bistro, ensure skaters remain comfortable despite the chilly outdoor setting. These thoughtful additions create an inviting atmosphere, allowing participants to enjoy and relax after their skating adventures, further cementing the Skating Loop as a prime destination for locals and tourists alike.
While the Skating Loop represents a technical marvel, it also stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its creators. The installation, which occupies the entire Place des Festivals, required innovative engineering to support significant loads, including the weight of an 8,300-pound Zamboni. The successful delivery of this ambitious project has turned Place des Festivals into a winter wonderland. Demonstrating remarkable problem-solving and ingenuity, the festival's team and its partners, have elevated traditional skating to an entirely new level, promising a captivating experience for all who visit.

Photo credit: Victor Diaz Lamich for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Photo credit: Benoit Rousseau for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Photo credit: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Photo credit: Victor Diaz Lamich for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
Project: Skating Loop, part of Montréal en Lumière programming
Place: Place des Festivals, Montréal
Inaugurated: February 2022
Concept: Jacques Primeau, General Manager, Montréal en Lumière
Production Executive: Louise Laliberté, Vice-President of Production and Business Development, Montréal en Lumière
Design: Mélanie Tessier, Director, Experience Design, Montréal en Lumière
Lighting Design: Bruno Rafie, Lighting Consultant, Montréal en Lumière
Production: Vincent Testard, Director, Production Operations, Montréal en Lumière
Suppliers: Nicolas Paulette, Project Manager, Échafauds Plus
Ice maintenance: Loue Froid

Photo credit: Victor Diaz Lamich for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Photo credit: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Photo credit: Victor Diaz Lamich for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE
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