Blades cutting across a glassy surface, crisp mountain air on your face, the rush of gliding over an immaculately groomed pond — is the perfect winter complete without ice skating? When the C Lazy U pond freezes over, we break out the Zamboni and lace up the skates for some fun on the ice. While skating can capture the magic of a holiday movie or put you at the center of the action in a spirited hockey game, it also comes with a bit of a learning curve. If you’re ready to wobble your way through one of your first attempts at skating, we’ve got some tips to help you conquer the ice (and have a blast doing it).
Related: What Makes a Western Winter Remarkable
1. Get the Right Fit
Comfort starts with the right skates. Make sure your skates fit snugly but aren’t too tight. If you can wiggle your toes but your heel doesn’t slip, you’re on the right track.
2. Know the Difference Between Figure Skates and Hockey Skates
Figure skates and hockey skates are designed differently, so you’ll need to choose what works best for your goals. Figure skates have longer blades with a toe pick at the front, which is great for beginners since it provides added stability and helps with smoother gliding. They’re also ideal if you want to try spins or fancy footwork, since they’re designed with that in mind. Hockey skates feature shorter, curved blades that allow for sharper turns and faster movements, making them a top choice for those seeking the thrill of speed on the ice. Both types of skates, as well as hockey sticks and gear, are available at the C Lazy U Outfitter’s Cabin — or you can bring your own!
3. Start Small
Before you dream of Olympic spins, focus on mastering the basics. Start by learning how to stand on the ice with your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed over your feet. Practice shuffling forward in small steps rather than trying to glide immediately. Keep your arms slightly outstretched to maintain stability. The key is to stay relaxed — tense legs lead to unsteady skating.
4. Fall Safely
Keep your knees bent, your back straight, and your weight slightly forward. If you feel like you might fall, try leaning into it rather than back. Falling forward is much safer, reducing the risk of a nasty head injury. When falling, you should also attempt to land on your forearms instead of your hands, protecting your wrists.
5. Learn to Stop
One of the most valuable skills on the ice is knowing how to stop. Beginners often use a snowplow stop, where you angle your toes inward and press gently. Once confident, you can try more advanced stops, like the classic T-stop, for a polished finish.
6. Layer Up, but Not Too Much
You’ll be moving, so you don’t want to feel physically constrained. Wear moisture-wicking layers, a hat or headband to protect your ears, gloves to keep your hands warm, and a coat that doesn’t add too much bulk to your frame (unless you’re looking for some extra cushioning on the ice).
7. Add Some Style
Once you’re comfortable, experiment with turns, balancing on one foot, or even a little spin. Take it slow and remember, it’s all about having fun!
8. Recover Gracefully
Everyone falls, even the pros! Learn to get up safely by rolling onto your hands and knees, then placing one foot flat before standing.
9. Stay Hydrated
Even in chilly weather, skating is a workout! Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated and energized while you’re on the ice. It’s a simple way to skate at your best.
10. Make the Most of the Moment
Skating at C Lazy U isn’t all about skill, it’s about making memories. Snap a few photos under the mountain sky, and don’t forget to soak up the experience. Then, when you’re ready to unwind, come back to the lodge and slide into an evening of next-level relaxation, country-style.
Why Stop at Skating?
There’s no shame if you don’t turn out to be NHL material on the ice. At C Lazy U Ranch, there’s no shortage of winter activities to engross yourself in, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, sleigh rides, winter horseback riding, and more. And maybe a warm hot tub, cozy fire, and a glass of aspen aged rye are more your speed? At C Lazy U, you choose your grand Western adventure — and there’s no wrong answers.
