Abstract: The ice phenomena on the Arctic rivers often cause hazardous hydrological conditions and processes: ice-clogging floods and ice dams; damage of hydraulic structures and the fleet during the spring ice run. In winter, the rivers are used for navigation and construction of ice crossings. The article demonstrates the key stages in studying the ice regime of Arctic Zone rivers in the XX century. The author examines the peculiarities of establishment of the monitoring system and methods of ice forecasts in the conditions of limited network of hydrological posts. The research presents the main approaches for assessing the possible changes in the characteristics of river ice regime, flowing in the severe climatic conditions, with variable anthropogenic impact and different scenarios of climate change. The most promising directions of the modern river ice research of in Russia and foreign countries are highlighted: the use of satellite imagery data; the development of new approaches in ice forecasts; assessment of the response of ice regime to the climate change. It is demonstrated that the advancement of these directions is possible on the basis of national and global experience.