I'm going to be in South Lake Tahoe in a couple of weeks and was wondering if it was worth skating in the rink down there. Does anybody have an opinion? I'll definetely be skating at the Squaw Valley rink.

It probably depends on what you want to accomplish. If you're looking to seriously skate, I'd rather skate at the South Lake Tahoe rink. It feels more like a real rink. The Squaw Valley rink is beautiful and has a lovely view, but because it's outdoors is more subject to "unusual ice conditions" (i.e. debris and wind and pock marks from rain) and it's VERY expensive to get up there and pay for ice time (well at least I think so). It feels more like a tourist attraction -- although a wonderful opportunity just to say you've done it! Is it even open this late in the year?

I skated at Squaw Valley about 12 years ago in the middle of winter. It was VERY cold and the wind was gusting, so skating was pretty much impossible. The view was fantastic though, just as Thin-Ice said.

I skated at the South Tahoe rink a year ago and enjoyed a nice empty freestyle (only 3 of on it). I was able to practice my programs although the altitude of over 6,000ft was killing me! It was a cold rink but it was early March and snowing outside. It was good for serious practice.

I skated at Squaw once during the summer. It was about 70 degrees and I was the only person on the ice. It was skating Nirvana. One of the three most beautiful places to skate on the planet. When skating downwind you feel like superman. Skating upwind makes you feel like you're skating in sludge. Also, during the summer they have a tent cover over the ice so it is probably more consistent and less windy during that time.

I'm not looking to do any serious training at either rink. I just like to take my skates with me and visit different rinks. I'm thinking about skating as soon as I roll into town and then hit the casinos

Kevin