Skiers know that hitting outdoor slopes easily beats ducking indoors to an artificial hill with fluorescent lights and fake snow. Still, so many recreational skaters rely on indoor rinks without realizing the plethora of open-air venues. From rinks at city parks to the numerous spots on Lake Champlain, the Queen City alone wears a crown of crystalline spaces for ice-skating. And then there’s the rest of the state.
- Check out some good safety tips
- Ice-testing poles.They should have sharp enough tips and strong enough shafts to withstand the impact of ramming straight down into the ice without shattering. “For Nordic skaters, these double as propulsion so you don’t have to do all the work with your legs,” says Hess.
- Self-rescue equipment. These are typically ice “claws,” as you won’t be able to grip the slippery ice with your hands should you fall through the surface.
- A pro bag, or Nordic lifeline. It’s essentially a small bag containing a 75- to 80-foot rope that skaters can use to rescue someone else without breaking through the ice themselves.
- A backpack with a change of clothes. This can also help maintain flotation if you fall into the water.
Nice Ice, Baby
The original print version of this article was headlined “Nice Ice, Baby”
This article appears in The Winter Preview Issue 2015.
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