What are ice conditions in Figure Skating?

Section 3: Playing Area

Competitions are held on regulation ice rinks conforming to ISU specifications:

Ice surface: 56–60 m × 26–30 m (184–197 ft × 85–98 ft).
Preferred Olympic/ISU Championship size: 60 m × 30 m (197 ft × 98 ft).
Corner radius: 7–8.5 m (23–28 ft), producing rounded corners.
Board height: Approximately 1.17–1.22 m (3.8–4.0 ft) above the ice surface. Boards must be padded at the top edge.

Ice temperature: Maintained at -3°C to -5°C (23°F to 27°F). Slightly harder ice is preferred for figure skating to provide better grip for edge work and jump landings.
Ice thickness: Approximately 3–5 cm (1.2–2 in) of quality ice over the refrigerated slab.
Resurfacing: The ice is resurfaced with a Zamboni (ice resurfacer) between warm-up groups and between the Short Program/Rhythm Dance and Free Skating/Free Dance segments. The ISU may order additional resurfacings if ice quality deteriorates during competition.

The rink must have adequate lighting (minimum 1400 lux for televised events) distributed evenly across the ice surface.
A dedicated Kiss and Cry area adjacent to the ice where skaters and coaches await scores.
Separate warm-up area or practice rink recommended for ISU Championships and Olympic events.
The Technical Panel and Judges sit on opposite sides of the rink for independent assessment.

Competitions are held on regulation ice rinks conforming to ISU specifications:

Ice surface: 56–60 m × 26–30 m (184–197 ft × 85–98 ft).
Preferred Olympic/ISU Championship size: 60 m × 30 m (197 ft × 98 ft).
Corner radius: 7–8.5 m (23–28 ft), producing rounded corners.
Board height: Approximately 1.17–1.22 m (3.8–4.0 ft) above the ice surface. Boards must be padded at the top edge.

Ice temperature: Maintained at -3°C to -5°C (23°F to 27°F). Slightly harder ice is preferred for figure skating to provide better grip for edge work and jump landings.
Ice thickness: Approximately 3–5 cm (1.2–2 in) of quality ice over the refrigerated slab.
Resurfacing: The ice is resurfaced with a Zamboni (ice resurfacer) between warm-up groups and between the Short Program/Rhythm Dance and Free Skating/Free Dance segments. The ISU may order additional resurfacings if ice quality deteriorates during competition.

The rink must have adequate lighting (minimum 1400 lux for televised events) distributed evenly across the ice surface.
A dedicated Kiss and Cry area adjacent to the ice where skaters and coaches await scores.
Separate warm-up area or practice rink recommended for ISU Championships and Olympic events.
The Technical Panel and Judges sit on opposite sides of the rink for independent assessment.