Wild ice skating, or Nordic skating, is an exhilarating way to explore the natural beauty of frozen lakes during the winter months. Unlike traditional indoor or outdoor rinks, wild ice skating immerses you in the raw elements of nature, offering a unique and thrilling experience on natural ice. In this blog post, we will introduce you to wild ice skating, discuss the best practices for safety, and mention some of the best places for this invigorating winter sport.
What is Wild Ice Skating?
Wild ice skating involves skating on a frozen lake, river, or any natural body of water that has frozen over. This form of skating allows you to glide over ice surfaces that can range from glass-like black ice to rough and snow-covered ice. The appeal of wild ice skating lies in its combination of physical activity, connection with nature, and the thrill of exploring vast, open expanses of ice. They are usually not monitored or prepared by authorities and require therefore a good level of expertise and experience.
Understanding Ice Conditions
The foundation of safe wild ice skating is a solid understanding of ice conditions. Ice thickness, type of ice, and overall ice quality are crucial factors to consider:
Ice Thickness
A minimum of 4 inches of solid ice is recommended for skating alone, but thicker ice is necessary for larger groups. Always measure ice thickness with an ice pole or ice screw as you progress. Be wary of snow patches, ice bubbles, cracks and stream outlets at lakes. They are signs of weaker ice and need to be assessed prudently.
Type of Ice
Black ice is the best ice for skating due to its strength and clarity, but it's rare. Be cautious of white ice or snow ice, which is weaker. Depending on the ground characteristics and the depth of the lake the surface will reflect in different colors. It is always special and so unique for each lake.
Checking Conditions
Before heading out, check local reports or live webcams like those from Lake Louise Cam. Local knowledge, such as insights from local is or experienced people is always helpful. In some locations you can count on regular updates from like-minded wild ice skaters. There are also Facebook Groups and chats that will help you heading out at the right time to the right place.
Safety Equipment and Precautions
To ensure a safe wild ice skating experience, proper preparation and safety equipment are essential:
Safety Gear
Equip yourself with ice picks, a life jacket, and a whistle. Carrying a rope and ice rescue claws can make a significant difference in an emergency. Have also a second pair of clothes with you, so in case you get wet, you can change into dry stuff.
Companions & Wild life
Never skate alone. Skating with others not only enhances the fun but also ensures that help is at hand if needed. It is truly dangerous to head out alone and simply not worth the risk. We noticed that it is also super essential to know the conditions of each place. In Alaska you might encounter a bear on the way to a mountain lake or in Canada you could be sighting Cougars and other wild animals. Have bear sprays etc. with you! PS: wildlife will also be able to cross the ice...
Planning
Inform someone about your skating plans and expected return time. Of course if you are a group it is safer but still in areas without signal, have your plans shared.
Best Practices for Wild Ice Skating
To get the most out of your wild ice skating adventures, consider these tips:
Skates
Use Nordic skates for long-distance tours on natural ice or hockey skates for more agility and control on smaller lakes. Figure skates or rental skates are ideal for fun skating on lakes too. It depends what you already have or what you have the easiest access to. Consider to keep your feet as warm as possible.
Clothing
Dress in layers to manage body temperature. Have also good coverage around your head since exposed skin can really hurt if staying long hours outside or you encounter strong winds. Hand warmers are always a plus and I couldn't go without them :)
Weather Considerations
Ideal conditions are often found in early mornings or during stable cold spells. Avoid times of thaw or when the temperature fluctuates around freezing. Spring is usually the worst time to head out wild ice skating, since the days are longer and more sunlight that will weaken the ice.
Food
Have some snacks and a hot drink with you. You will burn quite a bit of energy when skating, so refuelling is essential to keep your body warm from within.
Where to Go Wild Ice Skating
While this post aims to remain general, highlighting a few notable locations can illustrate the global appeal of wild ice skating
- Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies: Known for its beautiful scenery and unique glacier backdrop.
- Lake Mälaren, Sweden: Sweden's largest lake provides extensive areas of frozen surface, popular for long skating tours.
- Pyramid Lake, Jasper National Park: Offers pristine ice against the backdrop of snowy mountains and pine trees.
Essential Gear and Skates for Wild Ice Skating
When setting out for a wild ice skating adventure, choosing the right pair of ice skates is crucial. Hockey skates are often preferred for their agility and speed, making them ideal for navigating the varied surfaces of outdoor ice. For those covering longer distances across small lakes or large lakes, Nordic skates offer a longer blade for stability and comfort. Ermine skates, known for their innovative design, provide an excellent option for those looking for a comfortable Nordic skate experience.
Timing and Seasonal Considerations
The time of year significantly affects ice conditions and safety. The early winter season generally offers the perfect conditions for wild ice skating, particularly in colder regions where black ice forms reliably. Early mornings during the winter season are often the best time to skate, as the ice is typically at its hardest. It is impossible to predict timings as there are so many factors coming into the ice formation, like summer temperatures, wind, cloud coverage, lake size and depth and so many more. It's always good to observe from year to year and draw conclusions while monitoring the weather forecast.
Safety Measures and Preparedness
Skating on open water that has frozen over requires stringent safety measures. The Canadian Red Cross offers guidelines on how to assess ice conditions and ice thickness, which are vital for ensuring a safe skating experience. Additionally, it is always a good reason to consider taking an online course on ice safety before venturing out. Luc Mehl offers a comprehensive Wild Ice online course that covers essential safety techniques and survival strategies, making it invaluable for both novice and experienced wild ice skaters.
As the winter time beckons, the allure of wild skating on natural ice becomes irresistible. While the charm of an ice rink—be it indoor rinks or managed outdoor spaces—offers its own set of pleasures and conveniences, there is something uniquely captivating about venturing onto the expansive, frozen surfaces of shallow lakes and rivers. Whether you’re bringing your own skates to a local pond or traveling to renowned spots with an expert guide, understanding ice depth and conditions is crucial for a safe experience. Remember, wild ice skating combines the thrill of exploration with the serene beauty of nature's icy artistry, making each glide a memorable adventure. Embrace this chilly pursuit with respect for its risks and rewards, and carry the spirit of adventure into every corner of the frozen landscape.
