Thanksgiving is symbolic for skiers and snowboarders as the beginning of the ski season. The first snow has arrived in many parts of the country. Even a few mountains have snow starting to stack up, helping to build their bases. This is also a time to spend precious moments with your family and friends. An opportunity to enjoy some turkey, cranberries, and of course – dessert! With only a ribbon of snow at most resorts and a ton of crowds, what else is there to do? Why not get on a pair of ice skates. It’s a great way to burn off that heavy meal, and you can get those balancing muscles warmed up for the season as well. Here are the top 5 outdoor skating rinks in North America in a ski town near you.
Sun Valley Ice Rink
Where: Sun Valley, Idaho
Being America’s First destination ski resort, celebrities like Earnest Hemingway, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, and Ingrid Bergman came here to enjoy the fantastic winter wonderland known as Sun Valley. From the beginning in 1937, ice skating was deeply entrenched in the culture here. This must be why Sun Valley has one of the few outdoor rinks that is open year-round. This rink even gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself and skate with former and future Olympians. If you do make it here, be sure to check out one of their famed ice shows as well. It will not disappoint.
Leon Black Family Ice Rink
Where: Beaver Creek, Colorado
Coziness is the word that comes to mind for the Leon Black Family Ice Rink, lying in the center of the town of Beaver Creek. Named after the executive who brought Vail out of bankruptcy, the ice rink is like the main jewel in the Vail Resorts crown. Surrounded by buildings that fit in a European village, this is a fairy-tale-looking resort town. If you’re a bit chilly, don’t worry… there are plenty of fire pits to warm up at. Also, with many themed events happening, it’s definitely a good option if you’re looking for that typical Colorado vacation.
Olympic Ice Pavilion
Where: Palisades Tahoe, California
Palisades Tahoe was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics. Even though the original ice skating rink, Blyth Arena, collapsed from the snow in 1982, you can still do your best impersonation to be an Olympian at the Olympic Ice Pavilion. Situated at the top of the Cable Car, the panoramic views at 8,200’ are to die for. They are even considered to be some of the best in the country.
The next two ice skating locales may not be able to be skated over Thanksgiving, but the list wouldn’t be complete without them due to their unique look and feel.
Lake Louise
Where: Lake Louise, Alberta
The massive Canadian Rocky Mountains cup the lake as you whisk past on your skates. The silence is deafening like a church with only the sound being your skates slashing against the ice. Looking around to the scenery, you suddenly understand why ice hockey was created in this country. In fact, it can be argued that there isn’t a more beautiful place to go ice skating anywhere in the world.
Town Square
Where: Jackson Hole, WY
Located right smack dab in the center of the town of Jackson Hole, this rink brings a feeling of the Wild West to it. The George Washington Memorial Park, locally known as the Town Square, is adorned by four elk antler arches that are lit up over the winter months. The ice skating rink itself is dotted with trees and other fixtures that make it feel like you are taking a walk in the park with a pair of ice skates.
No matter what type of snow exists on the slopes, you can have an amazing vacation if you embrace winter and enjoy all the activities available. Is ice skating on your list or do you enjoy something else as well? Let us know – we love to hear from our readers.
How about LAKE PLACID NY in the Adirondack Mountains. Olympic USA Gold in 1980?