Jim Harris is quickly becoming my favorite winter recreationist. After sharing his recent ice biking exploits with me, he applied yet another novel technique to Utah Lake.
“My wife and I have taken up a new kind of skating on the lake—at least it’s new to us,” he writes. “It’s called Cross Country Skating, and it’s very popular in Sweden. It uses very long, 50 cm blades with specialized bindings that can be used with regular cross country ski boots (as seen near the end of the below video). The long blades, coupled with a sloping front end, allows them to cruise over rough ice with ease.”
Also called Nordic or wild skating, Harris says he an his wife have put about 130 miles into the activity so far this winter. For ideal black ice, they spend most of their time at Goshen and Provo Bay, reaching speeds from 10 to 17 miles per hour.
“It’s absolutely beautiful out there,” he says. “Lots of wildlife, amazing booming and pinging sounds from the ice—it’s like music. And of course, we’re always alone when we go. It’s really a shame that Utah Lake isn’t used more by the public.”
So the next time you’re skating on Utah Lake, look our for Harris as he attempts a full crossing of the lake later this winter. Video courtesy of Jim Harris:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlI9RBtaNbQ[/youtube]
It sounds like a lot of fun! How do you know the ice is thick enough or strong enough, and where do you get on the ice? My kids are taking skating lessons at Peaks Arena. We live close by the Provo Airport and would love to skate on the lake, but, being a mom, I’m a bit worried about their safety. Thanks.
that is great ice!
I just took a trip around eastern oregon looking for ice and found, at best, really bumpy ice.
But judging by what the ice fishermen had told me and looking at their ice fishing holes – there are lakes with 8 to 16 inches thick with ice.
So my question is this: what kind of things do you look for to FIND the really good ice?
Obviously, cold temps to make it, but what about wind, snow, warming and re-freeze? etc?
Howdy, I also have Nordic ice skates, and have never met anyone else in Utah who has them. I moved here from Vermont, home of the Nordic Skater, the company that imports these from Sweden. I’d like to have people to go skating with when the conditions are right. I’d be very interested in connecting with Jim or others who have Nordic skates, and maybe planning some expeditions!
I created a facebook group for Nordic skating in Utah. If you are interested in this topic, please join the group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1530889567230428/
I moved here 2 years ago from NH where a large group of my friends and I did Nordic skating. I have not met anyone here in this state that does that. Are you folks all still involved?
Kathleen,
Great question! If by Nordic skating, you mean ice skating on lakes, yes it happens here at Utah Lake! Ice safety is very important, and we caution you to take someone with you, check the ice thickness and make smart/safe decisions. No municipality or other organization currently offers organized skiing, likely due to the liability and safety issues with fluctuating temperatures and ice conditions. If you head out on the lake this winter, stay safe and have fun!
I’m moving from Sweden with my Nordic skates! I would love to join you.
Kimreedhp@yahoo.com