Ice Skating Rink Arrives in Chester
Family time ice skating
Kids bundled for ice skating
Staying warm around the fire pitSpecial Holiday Hours for Chester Ice Skating Rink
2024 Hours:
Fridays 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturdays 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The ice skating rink will be open for additional hours during the Holidays. Check lakealmanorarea.com/ice-rink for more information.
The Chester Community ice-skating rink opened at Chester Park on December 2, 2022, and is now in its second year of operation. This much anticipated outdoor venue was met with many smiles from both young and old. Getting on the ice were skating newbies to those who had not worn a pair of skates in 40 years. It took no time on opening day for the rink to be filled with skaters enjoying this popular winter activity. “This has been a project for the past two years as part of The Almanor Foundation’s goal to create a Town Plaza,” says Susan Bryner, executive director. “As a joint partnership with the Lake Almanor Area Chamber, we made it happen. It’s another milestone in seeing the Town Plaza come to fruition.”
The ice skating rink in Chester Park is 60×40 feet and made of a commercial synthetic. The rink allows up to 35 skaters on the ice per session. The fee is $5.00, including skates, for 45 minutes of gliding across the ice to a variety of tunes. Hours are Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm. There are plenty of heat lamps and a beautiful fire pit to keep hands and toes warm. And if that doesn’t do the trick, the Lake Almanor Area Chamber offers adult beverages on Fridays, from laced coffees to hot cider, wine, and beer to warm your cockles.
A Bit of Ice-Skating Trivia
Ice skating was likely invented in 3000 BC as a means of transportation.
The first skates were made from shank or rib bones of elk, oxen, reindeer, and other animals. We promise we only use metal blades.
The first inclusion in the Winter Games was at the 1908 London Olympics. Perhaps some budding Olympians will arise?
The development of refrigerated ice rinks started the transformation of ice skating from a seasonal pastime to a major sport and entertainment. The first rink with artificially frozen ice, the Glaciarium, was opened in London in 1876.
Ice skating is most prevalent in Northern countries such as the USA, Russia, and Canada. And now Plumas County!
Although you might think of ice skating as a sport where you only use your legs, it is also a great cardio exercise that works your core and arms as you try to balance.
The ability to create sheets of ice inside large arenas gave rise to both skating sports and ice shows, which became popular family entertainment. It also allowed for ice skating to spread to regions with warm climates. Some may recall the Ice Follies in San Francisco.
Outdoor Winter Activities a Cornerstone of Plumas County
Guided snowshoe walk
Skiers getting ready for first run of the day
The Plumas Ski Club at the Eureka Ski Bowl
Photo by Mason Werner
Final Plans for snowmobile adventure
Plumas County is a mecca for outdoor activities, offering four seasons of adventure. This latest addition for winter recreation supports the Feather River Tourism Association’s call to travelers, “Destination . . . Plumas County.”
The greater Lake Almanor basin offers skiing at Coppervale. Snowshoers can step out their door or join a ranger-led guided tour through Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen Park Rangers are well-versed in the terrain and snowshoeing – novices and groups are welcome. The Historic Longboard Racing Revival Series is a vintage spin on skiing held at Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl on the third Sunday of January through March (as snow permits). Snowmobiling is available at several locations in the county for those who want something a bit more adventuresome.
From sledding to midnight strolls under the stars (and snowflakes) to making snow angels, there is no such thing as hibernation in Plumas County!
Plumas County is an easy drive from Reno, Sacramento, and the greater Bay Area; enjoy the region’s winter wonderland and open spaces. Check out our Winter Traveler Guide, Events, and outdoor recreation available. Find the best lodging for your next adventure.
