The cold weather brings with it a whole host of outdoor activities. Luckily, you don’t have to have a four-wheel drive vehicle and a pair of skis to get out and have fun. Ice skating still remains one of the simplest and enjoyable pastimes during the winter months.

RRRink – Medford

Open year-round, RRRink provides an awesome opportunity to the public for a convenient way to get on the ice. Self-proclaimed as the fastest-growing youth hockey program in Oregon (it’s also home to the JR Spartans) there’s no doubt RRRink is filling the niche as a much needed outlet for young hockey players. If figure skating is more your thing then you’ll be pleased to know that RRRink has several coaches for both recreational and competitive levels in addition to being an affiliate of the US Figure Skating Association. Don’t forget to come for a night of cosmic skating under the disco ball! 541-770-1177

Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink – Ashland

Get your skate on while it’s cold. Located at the base of Ashland’s watershed in Lithia Park, the Centennial Ice Rink is a fun place to meet friends, take lessons, or just hang out and watch people skate and fall down. Don’t have your own skates? No problem! With rental sizes from toddler size 9 up to men’s 15, there’s a good chance they’ll have your size. Thursdays are student discount days and if you time it just right and hit rec skate time, it’s free! Open until February 28th 2016. Call the APRC office at 541-488-5340

Cascade Mountains

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, our nearby Cascade Mountains house some pretty sweet spots for the ice-skating purists. Weather depending, of course, Hyatt Lake, Diamond Lake, and Lake of the Woods are just a few of the places you’ll most likely find safe ice to skate on. As a general rule, stay off ice only 3” thick. 4” is safe for walking, skating, and cross-country skiing. 5” is suitable for a snowmobile, 8” for a car, and 12” for a light pickup or van. If you must skate on thin ice, make sure the water depth is no more than 2-3 feet.