In Aalter, ice master Patrick (71) feels the pressure to grant skating permission: “These are ideal weather conditions, but…” | Aalter

De Kraenepoel in Aalter is still hoping for a weekend of skating fun. Ice master Patrick Vervaele (71) feels the pressure, because he is the ice expert who determines whether the ice is thick enough. “You used to be able to skate here every winter, but that is no longer the case.” How does he determine when the puddle is safe? And will skating enthusiasts still hear the redeeming words? We went to Aalter, where Vervaele walked on thin ice especially for us.