Embrace the ice

With the cold weather comes many new opportunities for adventure. With varying degrees of risk, pick from these three activities that require ice.

Outdoor ice skating

Difficulty level: 1

Come winter, a long outdoor roller-skating park called Numerica Skate Ribbon turns into the most unique ice-skating rink in Washington. Located on Riverfront Spokane, it’s “a 16-foot wide and 650-foot-long pathway with a 3,500-square-foot attached pond. Skaters can experience slight inclines and declines as they make their way around a path of ice surrounded by beautiful Northwest-inspired landscape,” according to the website. Those who opt out of skating, can cozy up around the large firepits.

>  For more information, visit my.spokanecity.org/riverfrontspokane/attractions/skate-ribbon/.

Ice fishing

Difficulty level: 2

Ice fishing is fairly accessible in Washington. And you don’t even need that may tools to get started. According to The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the following gear list will work:

• Freshwater or combination fishing license

• Fishing rod (any old rod will do or ice fishing
    rods are very inexpensive)

• Bucket (to carry gear and sit on)

• Auger and scoop for drilling through ice.
   A chain saw will work as well.

The best spots are usually found on the eastern side of the state, which tends to get colder, or in the North Cascades. Best Fishing in America lists the following eight spots as great fishing holes: Patterson Lake, Curlew Lake, Bonaparte Lake, Fish Lake, Roses Lake, Fourth of July Lake, Moses Lake, and Potholes Reservoir.

>  For more rules and regulations, visitwdfw.wa.gov/fishing/basics/ice-fishing

Ice climbing

Difficulty level: 3

Thrill seekers can easily find world-class spots for ice climbing right in our backyard. For those new to the sport, hiring a guide is a must. American Alpine Institute has various programs that range from beginner to advanced. The beginner levels will teach you everything you need to know to try this exhilarating sport safely and with good technique. The advanced courses will take you to scale some of the most gorgeous, challenging peaks in the state.

>  For more information, visit alpineinstitute.com.