Skating Against the Manhattan Skyline

There's nothing quite like ice-skating in New York from its packed rinks to its awe-inspiring backdrops no matter which rink you choose.

This year, armed with our very own ice skates, we headed to Wollman Rink on a Saturday afternoon. Having never taken part as a child in this most quintessential winter pastime, and having only three previous trips to the ice under my blade, I was once again bubbling over with nerves, afraid that an innocent attempt at some good old-fashioned fun would turn into a trip to the emergency room. (And for the record, it didn't help that the referee/emcee dictating the rink's rules actually mentioned the possibility of a trip to the emergency room.)

Wollman Rink, located in the southern part of Central Park, is usually our rink of choice. While its admission prices can be a bit steep -- especially once you add in fees for skate and locker rentals -- we like that it keeps the number of "ice torpedoes," our affectionate term for those skaters -- God love them -- who choose to hurtle themselves with abandon across the ice, to a minimum. Plus, with our own skates and lock, we only needed to pay the admission.

Upon securing for the umpteenth time my husband's promise not to let go of my hand, I gingerly stepped onto the ice. Thankfully, I remembered enough of my "technique" -- knees bent, upper body forward and butt out slightly -- to get the hang of gliding over the ice and dodging those taking a spill. It was crowded, and the "referees" appeared more interested in hanging out with their friends than "reffing." Nonetheless, I slowly gained my confidence and skated until my cheeks were rosy ala Kristi Yamaguchi (at least that's what I tell myself).

Now, here's what you need to know before you go: Wollman Rink is open seven days a week, starting at 10 a.m., and closes at 2:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 p.m. on Sunday. The general admission is $10.50 per skater Monday through Thursday and $15 per skater Friday through Sunday. There are discounted rates for children, age 11 and younger, and seniors. Skate rentals are an additional $6.25, and locker rentals cost a total of $10.50, $6 of which is just a deposit and returned. The rink is open through April 2011.

Of course, Wollman Rink isn't the only rink in the city, so here are a few others on which you can try out your moves:

Citi Pond at Bryant Park: You better hurry up if you want to skate at this midtown rink, as it's open only until Feb. 27. Skating starts at 8 a.m. daily and ends at 10 p.m. on weekday nights and midnight on the weekend, weather permitting. (Keep track of the rink's open status via their Twitter feed.) While general admission is free -- yes, you read that right, it's free -- skate rentals are $13, and if you use a locker (which is free) but need a lock, that's an additional $9. There is a baggage check, which costs either $7 or $10, depending on the size of the satchel. This rink is often crowded, with many attracted by the promise of free admission. And I'm sure the backdrop of the stunning New York Public Library doesn't hurt.

Rockefeller Center: Recently dubbed one of the city's "most quintessentially romantic spots" by the New York Times, the rink is open daily, starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday, and closes at 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday. For details on sessions, aka when the Zamboni will not be putting a damper on your plans, go here. Admission is $12 for adults Monday through Thursday and $16 Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Of course, if you can postpone trying out your triple lutz until after Feb. 27, you'll pay only $10 and $14, respectively. And there are also reduced rates for children under 11 and seniors. As for the skates, they cost $8 a pair.

Lasker Rink: The uptown cousin of Wollman Rink, Lasker Rink is open daily with a list of its public sessions under "Hours" on its website, which also includes updates to its schedule. Adults skate for $6.50 while children skate for $3.50 and seniors for $2.25. Skate rentals go for $5.50 and locker rentals cost a total of $7.25, $4 of which is refunded once the lock is returned.

So grab your coat and cap, lace up your skates -- be sure to make them tight around the ankles -- get out there, and give them your best impression of Brian Boitano!

Post and Photo by Krista K. Schmidt
Contributor to New York Insider