Nothing compares to ice skating as a family activity. Another amusing way to embrace the Quebec winter.
You have never skated before, and the thought of being on the ice skating rinks makes you shiver? Here are some useful tricks.
It is expected that your body stiffens the first time you step onto a skating rink. However, in order to maintain balance, you must be flexible to avoid falling. You will develop confidence by gently leaning on the edge of the rink and taking small steps. Look far ahead and away from your feet. Once you feel ready, lean slightly and gently bend your knees. When you feel more confident, release the rink’s edge without straying off.
Always keep in mind that to skate smoothly, maintaining a proper posture is the key; knees gently bent and body slightly leaning forward.To move forward, press on the weaker leg and generate momentum with the other one. Keep your legs parallel and let yourself slide, then alternate legs and repeat the movement. Now it is time to learn how to break immediately. There are two types of braking techniques; snowplow and skid.The snowplow technique is the easiest to master. First spread your legs apart, then place the heels outward and the toes inwards just as you do when skiing.
Falling is inevitable, that is why it is important to learn how to fall. You will certainly fall several times so let’s make sure it goes off without a hitch. As soon as you feel that you are losing balance, bend your knees and crouch by placing your hands in front of you to cushion the fall. It will be easier to get up if you fall on your knees.
That’s about it, all set! But where to go? Here are some suggestions of places to practice ice skating approximate to the chalet you are staying at. As we all know, the weather can swiftly worsen according to mother nature’s whims. In this case, it is always advisable to inquire about these places conditions before heading there.
Parc John-H.-Molson, Saint-Sauveur
A must-see attraction in the region! For many years, skaters have enjoyed the skating trail in the John H. Molson Park Forest. We even skate there at night and athletes also have access to three additional rinks provided by the municipality of Saint-Sauveur.
It is worth noting that access to ice rinks and trails is limited to residents of the ‘MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut’ during peak hours so inquire in advance.
Address: 20, rue Viviane, Saint-Sauveur
Ligne Info-patinoire : 450 227-0000, poste 4099
Covered skating rink, Wentworth-Nord
Skate away from inclement weather under the covered rink of WENTWORTH-NORD! The older children will be able to glide on a 37-meter by 22-meter covered ice rink, while the younger children (12 and under) will enjoy the 8-meter by 15-meter ice surface.
Address: 3488, route Principale Wentworth-Nord
Phone: 450 226-2416
Website: wentworth-nord.ca
Parc régional éducatif Bois de Belle-Rivière, Mirabel
Skaters will absolutely appreciate the Bois-de-belle-Rivière Regional Educational Park’s 2.5-kilometre trail that runs through the forest. On top of that, you can try hiking, skating, and snowshoeing. On the weekends, we highly recommend guests to show up early since this site is well-known!
Address: 9009, route Arthur-Sauvé, Mirabel
Website: boisdebelleriviere.com
Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson
On Masson Lake, there is a four-kilometer trail where parking and access to the ice rink are free of charge. However, the number of skaters is limited to 80, so it is in your best interest to get there early.
Online reservations are available for non-residents too.
Address: 70, chemin Masson, Sainte-Marguerite-du-lac-Masson
Website: lacmasson.com
Parc du Domaine Vert, Mirabel
Activities such as skating, hiking, sliding and fatbike are accessible to non-residents only on weekdays. If you are lucky enough to go on a weekday, this one-kilometer ice ring will definitely fascinate you. There are fees required too.
Address: 10 423, montée Saint-Marianne, Mirabel
Website: domainevert.com
Post Ice Skating
That’s it! You have now taken off your skates and your feet may be a little sore, it’s time to spoil yourself! A sauna session followed by a dip in the hot tub’s warm and soothing water is what you need for a therapeutic getaway. Make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, take a seat next to the fire pit and unwind. Enjoy the flickering flames, the crackling of burning logs, and especially the smell of burning wood.
You absolutely deserve it!
