Winters are all about building snowmen, having epic snowball fights, and savoring steaming cups of hot chocolate beside a crackling fire. But if you want to add an exhilarating spin to your frosty frolics, wheelchair-accessible ice skating might give you that adrenaline rush!
Now, you might wonder, is it safe to glide across slick ice in your mobility equipment? If yes, where can you find arenas with wheelchair-friendly access? Luckily, Michigan has some of the most accessible, ADA-approved ice rinks ready to welcome you into a world of ice-cool excitement. So leave your worries behind and prepare to carve, spin, and shred across the ice!
Benefits of Wheelchair Ice Skating
Most people see ice skating as a simple recreational activity, something to fill winter days with fun and laughter. However, it can actually be quite beneficial for your mental and physical well-being.
Research shows that ice skating trains both your aerobic and anaerobic systems, which ultimately improves your cardiovascular health and enhances lung capacity. The upper body movements involved in propelling and balancing on the ice enhance bone strength and density over time.
Ice skating works various muscle groups in the arms, shoulders, back, and core, improving strength and endurance. It helps maintain joint flexibility and enhance fine motor skills and coordination. The aerobic activity also releases feel-good endorphins that can lift your mood and stave off winter blues.
Where to Go Wheelchair Ice Skating In Michigan
Below are some of the most accessible wheelchair ice skating spots in Michigan:
Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink, Grand Rapids, MI
Operating from November 30 through February 24, Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink is a wheelchair-accessible rink located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This isn’t your typical ice rink; it has a fascinating fiber-optic lighting system that beautifully illuminates the ice, giving your experience an extra touch of enchantment.
Once here, you have the freedom to bring your own skates or rent a pair conveniently on-site. Besides skates, they offer ice balance aids to help ensure that everyone, regardless of their mobility or skating proficiency, can safely enjoy this activity.
The Rink at Royal Oaks, MI
Located in the scenic Centennial Commons, The Rink at Royal Oaks is a charming 60 by 90-foot skating rink that delights its visitors with lively music, stunning lighting, and a host of events throughout its three-month run.
This outdoor skating rink offers skate assistance for those who need a little help to steady themselves on the ice. They uphold strict rules regarding safety decorum, so you won’t have to worry about irresponsible skaters pushing you around or engaging in unsafe practices that could potentially spoil the fun.
Skating passes are priced modestly at $10 on weekdays, Monday through Friday before 6 pm. For those who wish to enjoy the thrilling night lights or come over the weekend, a pass would be $12. Skate rentals are available at an additional $5, but here’s a tip: plan your skating adventure on a Monday and enjoy free skate rentals!
Adding warmth to the winter chill, the rink also offers outdoor heaters and cozy fire pits. It’s the perfect spot for a quick break between your skating sessions or roasting marshmallows to make the most of your experience.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, MI
With two acres of natural ice, Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is a popular draw among spritely newcomers and rusty skaters who’ve let their blades gather more dust than they’re willing to admit. This park provides skate trainers that not only provide guidance and support but also help you glide across the rink without losing your balance.
If you want to add a unique twist to your outdoor skating experience, the park features a one-of-a-kind ice skating trail. This 1/4-mile figure-eight loop weaves through a white pine forest, offering a captivating nature experience. The 5-foot-wide trail is well-maintained, with smooth ice and lighted paths for safe nighttime skating.
Perhaps the standout feature of the park is its commitment to inclusivity. The park offers adaptive skate sleds and a transfer station to individuals with limited lower-body mobility. The lodge has widened pathways and ramps, making it easy for everyone to navigate throughout the facility.
The majority of trails have a carefully packed dolomite surface for maximum accessibility. But the park doesn’t stop at ice skating. You can even engage in other adaptive sports, including zip-lining, cross-country skiing, luge, and ice sledding. Now, that’s what we call turning the chill factor up to eleven!
Like What you're reading? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get new updates directly to your inbox
Wheelchair Ice Skating Lessons and Competitions
Many ice rinks and organizations in Michigan offer lessons, classes, and competitions for adaptive and wheelchair ice skaters. For example, the Figure Skating Club in Ann Arbor offers tailored lessons to aspiring athletes that not only polish their competitive skills but also improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
Across town, the Shores School of Skating equally advocates for inclusive fun on the ice by offering adaptive ice-skating lessons to individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities. To learn more about their curriculum, just click here.
Additionally, the Universal Access Program also provides adaptive ice skating from November to March each winter. In this program, you can learn by using conventional skates or opt for an ice sled that lets you enjoy the action while seated. Likewise, if you’ve got your power chair or manual chair, you can even roll onto the ice with that. You can even bring your blanket or sleeping bag to stay warm in your wheelchair.
They also provide skate walkers and ice grippers for those who find walking easier with a bit of support on the ice. Best of all, there’s absolutely no charge to attend their programs. But just be sure to preregister with the program provider to get your spot locked.
How to Get Started with Wheelchair Ice Skating
Here are some tips to boost your confidence and satisfy your adventurous side while wheelchair ice skating:
- The rink will be chilly, so dress in layers. Avoid bulky clothing that could get caught in your wheels.
- Some rinks may not have adaptive equipment or the ideal accessibility features. Call ahead about the availability of ice sleds, walker ice skates, theater, or easy transfer seating. If the rink is inaccessible, ask if they can make accommodations like portable ramps. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs.
- It’s natural to feel apprehensive about falling, but safety gear like helmets and padding can give you confidence. Start slowly on the ice and have an assistant or railing to hold on to. Also, consider a sport-grade wheelchair with spiked tires for better grip on ice.
- Certain moves like jumps, spins, and backward skating may be challenging or impossible for some sitting skaters. Focus instead on forward strokes, crossovers, and creative arm movements.
- Let a rink attendant know you are a new wheelchair skater. They can provide pointers and keep an extra eye on you.
- Many instructors haven’t worked with wheelchair ice skaters before. Be patient and clearly communicate your needs. Suggest adaptations if certain techniques don’t work for you. Supplement lessons with online tutorials from other adaptive skaters.
- Ice skating can be tiring, even for experienced athletes. Take regular breaks and listen to your body. Use this time to stretch tight muscles. If possible, hydrate and fuel up on healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Hit the Rink With Clock Mobility
While the idea of sliding on the ice might be exhilarating, you must have the proper means to get there. That’s where Clock Mobility comes in, providing reliable and secure wheelchair-accessible vans to embark on your icy journey. With everything from minivans and luxury converted vans with lowered floors, power kneeling systems, and tie-downs, to wheelchair van rentals, you’ll find just what you need to travel far and wide.
Plus, in addition to vans, we have mobility scooters and portable ramps for short- and long-term rental. Call us at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of our locations in Michigan to explore our extensive range of services and adaptive equipment.