The pond has yet to freeze and the mountain has yet to open, but the Woodland Park Ice Rink is in full (frozen) swing.
Above the 22 miles of plastic pipes that chill the surface is a 185-foot by 85-foot frozen playground. In its second year, the rink is an ideal place for ice skaters of any ability to practice and perform.
It’s the new home of the Flathead Flames hockey teams – for information on the youth hockey league contact Flathead Valley Hockey Association – and also offers adult pick-up hockey three times a week as well, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Although dodging a pine needle or two is common during some parts of the year, skating on a groomed surface in the open air is unbeatable.
The Woodland facility is equipped with stadium lights, a comfortable locker room and team benches. Rental skates are available, but even with that extra expense, an afternoon of gliding the frozen surface is extremely reasonably priced.
For larger occasions – or a textbook romantic surprise – the rink can be rented by the hour. Punch cards are also available for open skating and adult hockey.
For more information, such as specific times and costs, contact the rink at 758-7813.
How to get there: From downtown Kalispell, go east on Second Street East. Continue on Second Street East through the intersection with Woodland Avenue. The entrance is on the left just past the cannon.