Make the Ice Your Friend

The freezing temperatures around our fair city conjure up images of that veritable wintertime tradition, ice skating. Luckily for those with an itch to strap on a pair of skates and strut their stuff, options abound. Skating is not only fun but also a good workout, and a great way to get “out” and active despite the cold.

For your urban skating pleasure, Seattle Center has once again turned Fisher Pavilion into a skateable winter wonderland. The so-called Winterfest Ice Rink is open through January 3 (Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.). Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6-12, with skate rentals available for $2 (cash only). And why not take a ride on the Winter Carousel après-skate?

Nary a native-born Seattleite has grown up without attending at least one free skate or birthday party at Highland Ice Arena on Aurora Ave. in Shoreline (18005 Aurora Ave. N. 98133; 206.546.2431). While the 40-year-old facility may be showing its age, Highland still delivers the goods, with public skating sessions seven days a week. And if you’re a displaced Canadian or East Coaster, dust off the musty old pads: Highland offers pick-up hockey several evenings a week, with the Wednesday and Saturday sessions especially spirited.

Another option for Northenders is the swanky Lynnwood Ice Center (19803 68th Avenue West 98036, 425.640.9999), which also offers public skating sessions seven days a week, as well as dedicated “stick and puck” skates for those looking to sharpen up their hockey skills. Eastsiders can make their way to Kirkland’s Kingsgate Ice Arena (14328 124th Ave NE 98034, 425.821.7133). While this newer facility focuses on figure skating, it offer public skates Tuesdays-Thursdays and Sunday afternoons as well.

Later skater!