Never been iceskating before but I now own a property with 2 small ponds

I want to try to clear the snow off atleast 1 of the ponds once the ice is thick enough and turn it into a small skating rink for my family.

Anyone have any advice on how to maintain a pond ice skating rink? What should I know, what should I be weary of? What makes a pond perfectly smooth?

Any advice is appreciated!