Ice isn't exactly what comes to mind when thinking of Phoenix, but Arizonans are skating into the holiday season with a variety of rinks offering the classic winter experience, despite record December heat. The City of Goodyear, for example, has turned to the innovation of a synthetic ice rink. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Kristen Figueroa with the City of Goodyear explained the synthetic surface, "It's a little bit more work. You're not gliding as much. It takes a little bit to get used to when you first get on. You're wobbly, but after the first few tries, you get into a groove."
Meanwhile, more traditional icy ventures are also open, such as Desert Ice at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which stays frozen thanks to extensive engineering. As John Glynn from the resort told FOX 10 Phoenix, "There's about 5 miles of coil that run underneath it that pump refrigerant. That's how the ice stays that cool." He adds, regarding the facilities' Zamboni, "And of course, the all-important Zamboni runs every hour." For those seeking an alternative to the heat, these ice rinks come as a welcome oddity of the Arizona winter.
The outdoor rink experience is varied, taking on different shapes and price points across the metro Phoenix area. As highlighted by AZ Central, rinks like the Desert Ice Rink at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Westgate's Skate Westgate provide a traditional feel with real ice, while more budget- and environment-friendly options are also available, such as Goodyear's synthetic rink. The emphasis is on offering a piece of winter that suits a variety of tastes and budgets, ensuring the tradition of ice skating is accessible to as diverse a crowd as possible.
Among the offerings is the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Mesa, boasting 6,000 square feet of real ice for the classic skating experience, as well as the Desert Farm Lights Ice Rink in Surprise, which provides a unique Christmas atmosphere amongst the desert landscape. While many of the rinks require advance purchase of tickets due to capacity limitations, they promise a slice of winter festivity in the heart of the desert. As always, these ventures are not just about staying cool but also about creating holiday memories, a sentiment that resonates with visitors and locals alike, as they glide—or wobble—into the spirit of the season.
