In 2002, the Winter Olympic Games were held in Salt Lake City. I was lucky enough to be living in the area as a girl and I remeber all of the excitement of those games. Our school held special programs. My family and I went to lots of the venues and activities around the Salt Lake and Utah valleys. It was really an amazing experience.
While those Olympics have long since passed, there are still lots of Olympic venues that are now open for public use. While my family was in town a few weeks ago, we went up to Utah Olympic Oval where the long track speed skating events were held.
With a 1/4 mile long track that is claimed to be the fastest ice on earth, the Utah Olympic Oval is a fun place to ice skate. The track is easy to get on and off of; there is no stepping down/up like a traditional ice rink. There is also lots of space. Even if there are lots of people skating, you have plenty of room to not run into anyone.
In addition to the skating rink, there are two smaller ice rinks in the middle. One is used for youth hockey games and the other is used for figure skating practice. We loved watching the figure skaters practice, especially with a special harness for them to practice their jumps without falling down. Also, for the non-skaters, there is an indoor track that goes around the length of the ice skating rink as well.
Only 25 minutes southwest from Salt Lake City, the Utah Olympic Oval is a fun, inexpensive entertainment option for families where everyone can find something fun to do.
To see the most current public skate times see their calendar here.
For rates, look here.
