Skate with Stars in Sun Valley
2006 Skating Schools and Ice Shows in Southern Idaho
Jul 24, 2006 Timbre Beck-Murphy
Figure skating and Sun Valley are historically synonymous. This Idaho hot-spot has come a long way from its meager beginnings to being one of the premier destinations for figure skaters and enthusiasts.
When summer ice shows first began here in 1937, Sun Valley visitors were treated to only a few people who actually knew how to skate. Beyond a handful of "real" skaters, "Young people employed by Union Pacific to work at the resort in other capacities were given a costume, a pair of skates and instructions that were often as sketchy as, 'just move around!'"
Sun Valley is also the place of great moments on ice. Anybody who's anybody in the sport has skated at Sun Valley. As the ice rink grew, so did the entertainment. Peggy Fleming, Tai and Randy, and Dorothy Hamill were some of the first famous performers in those days. Scott Hamilton, Kitty & Peter Carruthers were amateurs when they frequented the shows here.
Locals, amateurs and professionals still enjoy skating Sun Valley for many reasons. "The top skaters love to perform in our shows because they love skating outdoors, looking up and seeing the stars," says Rainer Kolb, Director of Recreation at Sun Valley. "It is low key here and they like to combine the work with time for vacation."
Sun Valley Summer Saturday Ice Shows
Haven't seen much lately of your favorite skating stars? Here's a chance to see what they've been up to. Sun Valley Saturday nights shine a little brighter when at least one figure skating headliner takes to the ice. Beginning at dusk, each show offers a high-altitude thrill in a setting more intimate than larger tours of champions.
Some of this summer's famous skaters include: Jumpin Jozef Sabovcík ,Drobiazko & Vanagas, Philippe Candeloro, Evgeni Plushenko, Inoue & Baldwin, Belbin & Agosto, Shen & Zhao, Ilia Kulik, Alexei Yagudin, Todd Eldredge, Evan Lysacek, Sasha Cohen, Irina Slutskaya, Salé & Pelletier, and Leonova & Khvalko. Usually only one famous couple or single skater featured at each show. Their names and dates of appearance are listed on the website.
General admission and reserved seating runs from $29-$52, depending on the date and seat. There is also a dinner buffet and show seating option. Buffet tickets cost $63-$88, depending on seat, date and age of spectator. For cheaper ticket prices, attend early or late in the tourist season. Prices are always subject to change, so email recreation@sunvalley.com or call (208) 622-2135 for more information about the summer ice shows. Purchase buffet tickets at the Recreation Reservations Center. General Admission tickets may be purchased either at the Recreation Reservations Center, online, or at the gate before the show. Advance reservations are required, and all bleacher seats are reserved.
Sun Valley Playschool offers daycare during the ice show too, so it's a great opportunity for Mom and Dad to get some alone time. Advance reservations are required for the daycare. You can contact the Playschool at (208) 622-2288.
Recreational Skating at Sun Valley
Whether or not a Saturday ice show fits in your travel plans, take advantage of the opportunity to skate in Sun Valley. "Stroll through the Sun Valley Lodge Lobby to the Terrace and watch the skaters twirl around the rink. Rent a pair of skates and rub elbows with Olympic and world class skaters practicing their routines. Professional skater and Olympic silver medalist, Linda Fratianne heads an excellent staff of skating professionals for group and private lessons."
For public skating, adult admission is $9.50; children 12 and under are $8, while kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Skate rentals are available for $3.50, and a full-service skate shop is on the premises. Private lessons are also available and start at $20.
Skate times vary, and the rule is that you can skate as much as you want, but you can't come and go as you please. Monday through Friday sessions are 9:40-11:10am, 1:25-3:00pm, 4:35-6:05pm, and 7:15-9:00pm. This last session may be canceled due to special on-ice events. Sunday's session is your best bet if you need to expend some energy or get in that high-altitude training I was talking about. Sunday public skate time is 10:00am-9:00pm. Again, the schedule is subject to change, so always check ahead of time if your plans depend on absolutes.
The Sun Valley Ice Rink contact information is as follows: (208) 622-2194, skatingcenter@sunvalley.com.
The 2006 Sun Valley Skating School runs from June 19th through August 25th. Their large outdoor rink and Olympic-size indoor rinks accommodate skaters of all ages and abilities. Training can include use of the ballet studio and harness. Choose from up to 20 sessions a day led by an international staff and top professionals, including numerous champions. All USFSA skating tests will be held August 26 & 27.
New Adult Skaters Weekend
August 17-20 is an adults-only training clinic. The four-day weekend includes 12 sessions with on-ice seminars, world-class coaching in freestyle, dance and choreography, off-ice discussions and skating films, dinner and dancing, chairlift ride and lunch at the top of Bald Mountain, Sun Valley ice show, and Sunday brunch. The fee for on-ice activities and clinics is $225. Download a registration form here, or visit www.sunvalley.com for more information.
Pros include, among others, World Professional Pairs Champions Anita Hartshorn and Frank Sweiding, Disney on Ice choreographer Gia Guddat, and US National & World Champion Linda Fratianne.
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