Ice Resurfacer Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The Global Ice Resurfacer Market was valued at USD 82.36 million and is projected to reach a market size of USD 114.2  million by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of  4.78 %. 

Ice resurfacing has been used to maintain smooth structure in ice rinks and arenas, and facilitate easy operation of ice-related activities such as ice dance, ice skating, ice sports, and others. Conventional ice resurfacers are powered by petrol or diesel, providing increased efficiency and longevity of the equipment. However, changing preferences of the industry towards environment-friendly ice resurfacers led to the development of electric resurfacers with energy-efficient engines. These are widely used today in indoor as well as outdoor rinks for curbing air pollution generated after resurfacing the ice. Furthermore, the future holds positive for the ice resurfacer market, as technological advancements take place in resurfacing technology such as automated ice resurfacers, individual ice resurfacers, remote monitoring, control-enabled resurfacers, and others. Moreover, trends in green technology are predicted to shape the market landscape for ice resurfacers in the market.

Key Market Insights:

• As per the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), snow-based recreation contributes to US $67 billion in the USA, annually.

• As per Morning Consult’s survey poll in January 2022, 54% of US adults were interested in figure skating, followed by ski jumping (50%).

• There are 8300 ice rinks in Canada, which includes the biggest arena of the NHL – The Bell Centre.

• In China, almost 3,000 schools integrated winter sports into their curriculum in the year 2021.

• Furthermore, there are 803 indoor and outdoor ski resorts in China (as of 2022).

• As per an article by Reuters, Canada is the home to half of the roughly 17500 ice hockey rinks on this planet.

Ice Resurfacer Market Drivers:

Growing trends in ice sports have boosted the demand for ice resurfacers in the market.

Ice sports is popular and is the major element of boosting the demand for ice resurfacing in the market. Winter-weather countries such as Canada, the USA, Finland, and others have a wide presence of ice hockey, leading to an increase in demand for ice resurfacers for the maintenance of sports arenas for games and tournaments. Moreover, international competitions such as the Winter Olympics, ice skating competitions, NHL Ice Hockey, and others have further increased the importance of ice resurfacers in keeping the ice surface intact and injury-free.

Technological advancements in ice resurfacing technology have boosted the demand for ice resurfacing in the market.

Technological developments in ice resurfacing have enhanced the performance and efficiency of ice resurfacers. With the help of technology, ice-resurfacers can distribute water more efficiently and maintain the thickness of ice for a longer period Moreover, the trend in energy efficiency has induced manufacturers to incorporate highly efficient electric motors in ice resurfacers. In addition, electric or battery-powered ice resurfacers are gaining popularity in the market due to their environmental impact. Apart from this, the emergence of data analytics has enabled professionals to monitor the ice resurfacer’s performance and control its operations. Moreover, the rise in automation technologies has led to the development of autonomous and semi-autonomous ice resurfacers that help to reduce labor costs and minimize errors.

Ice Resurfacer Market Restraints and Challenges:

Seasonality of ice sports and recreational activities can affect the demand for ice resurfacer in the market. Ice resurfacing and recreational activities in ice rinks such as ice dances and skating lessons are more operational in the winter season, impacting the sales of ice resurfacing in the market.

Furthermore, high maintenance and repair costs of ice resurfacers can reduce the demand for them in ice rinks and arenas, and result in delays in purchasing new ice resurfacers.

Ice Resurfacer Market Opportunities:

The Global Ice Resurfacer Market is anticipated to deliver lucrative opportunities for businesses, which include acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, product launches, and agreements during the forecasted period. Furthermore, rising demand for eco-friendly ice resurfacers and trends in automation technologies have led to the development of autonomous ice resurfacers with advanced tech features such as remote monitoring and control, which are predicted to develop the market for the ice resurfacer and enhance its future growth opportunities.

ICE RESURFACER MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Ice Resurfacer Market Segmentation: By Product Type

• Diesel

• Petrol

• Electric

In 2022, based on market segmentation by product type, diesel occupies the highest share of about 24% in the market. Diesel-powered ice-resurfacers offer enhanced performance, power, and increased efficiency, making them ideal for large ice arenas, sports venues, and large ice-skating clubs. Moreover, they are widely used for outdoor rinks due to their high performance and robustness.

The electric segment is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Rising pollution in ice rinks and arenas has shifted preferences towards electric-powered ice resurfacing, as it helps in reducing CO2 emissions and improves the air quality of ice arenas.  Moreover, they are suitable for indoor ice arenas, as they produce less or no emissions. In addition, they are energy-efficient, as electric-powered ice resurfacers can be charged and store power for future use.

Ice Resurfacer Market Segmentation: By End-User

• Stadiums

• Outdoor Rinks

• Skating Clubs

• Hockey Teams

• Others

In 2022, based on market segmentation by end-users, skating clubs occupy the highest share of about 28% in the market. Ice skating clubs are the prime users of ice resurfacers, as they require smooth surfaces for the ice skating training routine’s purpose. Moreover, skating clubs utilize specialized ice resurfacers that maintain the thickness of the ice layer and reduce injuries. Moreover, electric-powered ice resurfacers are increasingly used in skating clubs due to their environment friendliness and noise reduction operation compared to gasoline ones.

The outdoor rinks segment is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Outdoor rinks comprise public ice skating and recreational areas that have different installations based on people’s requirements. Moreover, they require advanced and efficient ice resurfacers that can withstand and operate during winter months and snowy temperatures. Additionally, diesel- or petrol-powered ice resurfacers are widely used for outdoor rinks, as they are more affordable and offer more power compared to other ice resurfacers.

Ice Resurfacer Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

• North America

• Asia-Pacific

• Europe

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

In 2022, based on market segmentation by region, North America occupies the highest share of about 29% in the market. The presence of a large number of ice rinks with professional skating arenas and widely played ice hockey in Canada and the USA, have contributed to the growth of ice resurfacing for a smooth and intact surface operation in the region.

Europe is the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. Growing trends in ice sports, increased presence of ice recreational arenas, and increased emphasis on environment-friendly ice resurfacers, such as electric ice resurfacers, has contributed to the demand for ice resurfacer in the region.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Ice Resurfacer Market:

The pandemic hurt the ice resurfacer market. Due to the lockdown, ice skating clubs, and arenas were closed, which declined the demand for ice resurfacing in the market. Further, the cancellation of various events such as ice hockey tournaments, recreational events, and others decreased the usage of ice resurfacers. Moreover, a shift in budget allocation towards necessary items during the pandemic declined the usage of ice resurfacers and affected the growth of ice resurfacers in the market.

Latest Development:

The ice resurfacer market is witnessing upward trends due to increased emphasis on electric-powered resurfacers that reduce energy consumption and emissions gradually. Moreover, exposure to non-electric ice resurfacers led to an increase in CO2 and NO2 emissions, posing serious health issues to both people and the ice arenas. Furthermore, advancement in automation technologies has increased consumer demand for automatic ice resurfacers that can speed up the resurfacing process without error. For example, Phaneuf International's automatic ice resurfacer. Furthermore, integration with smart technologies has further increased the efficiency of ice resurfacing and reduced ice-related injuries considerably.

• In March 2023, Canadian company Turo launched an individual ice resurfacing machine – SK8. The product is designed to be used on backyard rinks and is electrically powered.

• In December 2022, Kingston launched electric ice-resurfacing machines in Canada. These machines are battery-powered and are expected to reduce fuel consumption costs by 80% and maintenance costs by 35%.

Key Players:

1. Zamboni

2. Phaneuf international

3. Resurface Group

4. GWL Group

5. TechnoAlpin

6. Ice Profi

7. WM Technics