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You can now buy Capitol Hill ice rink tickets — But we’re giving a few away

The Capitol Hill skating rink debuts next Tuesday morning and we know some of you can barely wait to land your first triple lutz in Cal Anderson Park. Tickets for an hour on the ice went on sale today at nearby neighborhood locations Caffe Vita, Elliott Bay Book Co.,  and Cure. You’ll be able to buy tickets at these venues with cash or credit card through the month. Purchases at the rink will require a credit card.

To help celebrate the new Hill holiday feature, CHS is giving away three pairs of tickets. All you have to do is post a comment with some useful advice for any skating newbies out there — of, if you’re a newbie, tell us what you’d like to hear for your preferred skating routine music. We’ll select three winners randomly Friday 12/2 at noon. Please make sure to use a legit email address. Happy holidays!


Open December 6th – 24th from 11AM – 10PM

Rink is tented – Open rain or shine!

$12 for adults, $6 for children 8 yrs and under for 1 hour – includes skate rental

You are welcome to bring you own skates, however price remains the same

Tickets available for advanced cash purchase at the following locations:

Caffe Vita 1005 East Pike Street 
Mon-Fri: 6am – 11pm

Elliot Bay Book Company 1521 10th Ave 
Mon-Thurs: 10am – 10pm, Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm, Sun: 10am – 9pm

Cure 1641 Nagle Place 
Tues – Sun: 4pm-close

 

Private Events

Rent the entire rink for your company or personal party. $2K for 2 hours – entire rink to yourselves!

Contact Erin for details: [email protected]

http://www.capitolhillicerink.com/

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Kim
Kim
12 years ago

I think the most practical safety advice is to make sure your skates are laced properly and snugly up the ankles.

The most awesome advice, however, might be to live a little and get off the rail. You’ll fall. And hopefully a friend will be there to capture the event and post it to facebook.

Tall socks. Wear tall, thick socks.

Bill Baker
12 years ago

It’s best bully-deterrent out there for your kids. I remember having a bully during middle school. I told him I played hockey. That was the end of the bullying.

Bob
Bob
12 years ago

When Ice skating be sure to always be wearing ice skates. You need ice skates when you want to go ice skating. They are also good for opening coconuts if you are Tom Hanks and really skinny.

Sandra Ponce
12 years ago

best song to skate to..: The Final Countdown! That intro is perfect!

joey v
12 years ago

don’t fall…it hurts!

emilyadi
12 years ago

I’d love to skate to Queen’s Flash Gordon theme, a la Blades of Glory.

Robyn
12 years ago

I think skating to “We are Champions” would be awesome!

Liza
Liza
12 years ago

Last time I went ice skating, my friend told me to spread out my arms like wings… I crashed. Backwards. So, don’t fall!

soyoung
12 years ago

yeah yeah yeahs

js
js
12 years ago

South Park The Movie I’ve wanted to figure skate to “What Would Brian Boitano Do?”

Mandi
12 years ago

Must include Endless Love

Jess
12 years ago

wear thick, high socks. Seriously.

Trish
12 years ago

“Through The Eyes of Love” – I played it on piano in the 7th grade talent show!

NuclearNuts
NuclearNuts
12 years ago

Most important is the be prepaired with hot chocolate, hot toddy’s, hot butter rum, etc. ingredients for when your done. (or in a well insulated travel mug)

Noelle153
12 years ago

PUSH IT – Salt-n-Pepa

James Stipes
12 years ago

It’s a lot like rollerblading. If you haven’t done that either, I can’t help you.

Leah
12 years ago

Two words: neon legwarmers. Also, don’t fall and break your tailbone. That’s really painful, it turns out.

Sara
12 years ago

Get ice skates a half size too big and wear some wool socks!

Edrea
Edrea
12 years ago

Stay relaxed when you’re on the ice. If you’re stiff when you skate, chances are greater taht you’ll injure yourself more. You know you’re going to fall, so wear some comfy pants and don’t sweat it. If you’re far from home, bring a spare change of pants/underwear so you don’t have to go home with a wet butt.

Typical etiquette for a rink is for the more seasoned skaters to go around the outside, and the newbies to stay in the middle where they can skate more slowly without bumping into anyone.

aubrey bach
12 years ago

elbow pads. and knee pads. and a helmet.

pj
pj
12 years ago

Fuel up at Rancho Bravo.

Don’t grab other people when you are losing your balance on the ice.

Drink hot chocolate to warm up.

TAC
TAC
12 years ago

Keep your eyes peeled at all times for children. They have a tendency to come out of nowhere and fall directly in front of you! Also, tuck and roll.

Josh Barnard
12 years ago

My best advice is probably too late to take: Start young! If you’ve never skated before, steel your resolve to have 4-year-old Canadians doing backwards figure-8’s around you all day.

tsktsk
12 years ago

Think about stopping before you actually have to do it! Watch a video of someone doing that thing where you turn your feet sideways and the long edge of the blade will slow you down. Not a good idea to skate full-speed into the rail to stop yourself with your hands.

mo lines
12 years ago

Wear thick socks & tighten the laces tighter than you think you should. It will save your ankles.

Jerome
Jerome
12 years ago

Try to relax – you’re gonna fall anyway.
Don’t grab onto strangers.
Keep your knees slightly bent.
Wear gloves.
Don’t scream.
Skate counter-clockwise (right?)

saha
saha
12 years ago

Keep your knees bent, eyes up. And don’t hug the wall, it’s much more fun out there on the ice.

Alex T
12 years ago

These socks from American Apparel are great for ice skating!
http://www.americanapparel.com/rsask4w.html?cid=205

Brookie
12 years ago

Wear gloves and do NOT wear a skirt!

mo lines
12 years ago

Wear thick socks and lace the skates tighter than you think is appropriate. Your ankles will thank you.

Cf
Cf
12 years ago

After going petrifyingly slow for a couple rounds, don’t be afraid to lift off higher with your legs. Not only longer strides but lifting your legs higher a la dog at the fire hydrant. Definitely helped me last year!

Beth
12 years ago

Disco or “vintage” heavy metal please!

Jeannette
12 years ago

1. You’re going to fall but it’s going to be okay. Go with someone who can laugh with you because they’ll probably fall, too.

2. Do not pay attention to that jerk that can skate backwards, do double axels and whips around the rink. Everyone dislikes him with you.

3. If you had no shame (or are from Florida, same difference) when you were young and roller bladed all over town (like myself), you can ice skate. Take pride in knowing that all that sweet roller blading was not in vain.

Andy
12 years ago

Gonna have to go with Mannheim Steamroller’s christmas for the music.

sash
12 years ago

Learn how to stop yourself! You’ll feel much more in control.

Asher
12 years ago

holding hands with your date while skating will help keep her/him and yourself balanced!

Maggie
12 years ago

and I want to ice skate to the entire album of Christmas Gift for you from Phil Spector! And then I want to drink hot chocolate with marshmallows!

Charlene
Charlene
12 years ago

make sure you wear a little flowy mini skirt. That way, no matter what you do, you will look like an amazing pro.

Alex
12 years ago

Can’t wait!

SeattleBrad
SeattleBrad
12 years ago

I grew up in Michigan and my mom claims I could ice skate before I could walk. My tip: if you don’t mind looking dorky, a folding chair is a great prop for newbies. You just hang onto the back and push it along in front of you.

Aimee
12 years ago

I have never skated before in my life, and am super excited to try it now that it’s right here in my neighborhood. As for music, I want to hear something soothing like Vivaldi, or Swan lake… something to ease my first-time jitters. Yay!

Glasses
Glasses
12 years ago

I grew up in North Seattle and spent many school functions and family trips at the Ice Rink on Aurora. It was awesome. My best memory is being a little girl of maybe 5 or 6 and having two girls (they seemed like, crazy old at the time but were probably in their late teens) ask my mom if they could take me around the rink a few times. My super protective mother actually consented! They stood on either side of me, held each hand, and away we went, glove-in-glove. They were so glamorous, long blonde hair a la the early 90s- I thought they were amazing. I’m 27 now and I remember it vividly.

My point is: I’m so glad that we have still have chances for public, communal recreation like this. I originally balked at the $12 entrance fee, but maybe if this becomes an annual tradition the organizers can take another look at making the price more accessible in future seasons.

$12 or no, I’ll be coming out to skate. I’m nothing fancy on the ice, but I’m looking forward to skating, hopefully to some ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’- the date rapiest song ever. It cracks me up.

Laurie
Laurie
12 years ago

Gloves! Fleece are great. You’ll be glad you wore gloves when your hands hit the ice. And I hope to skate to “Horchata” by Vampire Weekend, followed by horchata at Rancho Bravo.

Patty
12 years ago

If you have roller bladed before, that’s great! Ice skating is similiar, just go slow and stay close to the rink edge until you are comfortable to go faster. Respect other people’s paths and if you fall, get back up and go skate more. Go with friends and have fun. Make memories!

Mark
12 years ago

I’d love to win a pair of tickets!

I have it on reasonably good authority that this rink won’t be ice but rather some type of “synthetic ice” surface coated in a lubricant. (Apparently the generators required for real ice were going to be too loud.) Supposedly it has 7% more drag, so don’t go too fast right off the bat. Make sure you get used to the surface first.

Ragnar Thorisson
12 years ago

Tip for ice skating: stay warm!

Tony
12 years ago

I want to skate to Vince Guaraldi’s “Skating” from A Charlie Brown Christmas.



The whole soundtrack is beautiful!

Ed
Ed
12 years ago

Make sure to wear long thick socks, sometimes the top of the ice skate can dig or cut into your skin as you move.

Lindsey
12 years ago

Always have someone you can hang onto, preferably someone who doesn’t mind if you pull them down with you when you fall.

Elle Heinen
12 years ago

Ice skating for the first time feels like being a fish out of water. Here’s a few handy tips to stay comfortable:

1. Make sure your rental skates are a half size bigger than your regular shoe size (unless you’re used to tight heels). It will keep your arches from cramping.

2. Wear thick socks so your toes don’t freeze!

3. using your toe pick to stop can be tricky and you could end up face planting in the ice (ouch!) Instead, try turning your feet to one side and “pushing” forward with your blades like a ski stop.

4. If all else fails, hold on to the edge, your friend’s arm, or your sweetheart’s hand for support! There’s no shame in taking baby steps.

Gaby
12 years ago

Billy Idol’s White Wedding

90ProofRichard
12 years ago

Enjoy a couple of shots of quality bourbon before you get on the ice. It will help numb the pain from your inevitable fall.

Sterling Blackheart
12 years ago

Most important is to make sure you wear warm and tall socks. Next is to make sure you have someone very strong lace up your skates. Third is to not fall on your wrists…the ice is not as soft as it looks.

Trevor
12 years ago

That way they can skate in front of you and lead you along/catch you if you fall!

clauren
clauren
12 years ago

As Little Richard says, “You get back up and you try again! If at first you don’t succeed, you know what they say, you try and you try and you try!!!” And also that stuff about skinny feet and a little head. Have fun everybody!

Best Pee-Wee clip ever…
http://youtu.be/lOV9kaYU8EQ

nb
nb
12 years ago

– If you haven’t tried it for some reason, this is the perfect time to try it.

– if you can roller skate, you can ice skate with a little practice.

– Start by sticking to the sides, but leave as quickly as possible. Don’t be afraid of falling down. It’s going to happen, better to just get it over with.

– If you do fall down, do not linger. Get up to avoid being run over!

– Have fun!

Margo
12 years ago

Advice for a first time skater: The ice is cold so wear gloves. You will fall, but it isn’t as bad to push yourself up if your hands are shielded from the cold.

Dod
Dod
12 years ago

To stop or slow down bow your feet in toward one another with your legs at hip distance to form a V, like skiing. It will slow you down to a stop.

Now I’ve got the “Zamboni” song by the Gear Daddies on repeat in my head.

Nik
Nik
12 years ago

According to commercial on the VHS tv-recording of Christmas Carol that I watched as a kid, you have to take an entire roll of Quilted Northern and put it in your pants so it doesn’t hurt when you fall down.

Khamis
Khamis
12 years ago

Christmas music, duh.

Andrew
12 years ago

Picking up the 80’s movie soundtrack thread, I think the music from “Tron” would be fun, in a trapped-in-a-skating-videogame way.

may
may
12 years ago

Ravel’s Bolero, or Gaga’s Poker Face(Homage to Johnny Weir)

Duane
12 years ago

1. warmest but thinist socks you can find
2. skates too small are better than too large
3. lace skates tight on foot, a bit looser at ankles
4. GLIDE down the ice don’t walk on the ice
5. bend at knees slightly, arms away from body slightly, mild forward lean
6. GLIDE at angle just a few degree away from center line
7. look well ahead down the ice, not at your feet
8. GLIDE not walk
9. Think: all motion foward
10. Keep center of gravity ahead of you so you must GLIDE to keep pace with it

Amy
Amy
12 years ago

Wear butt pads. You will fall on your butt a lot.

karen
12 years ago

A Charlie Brown Christmas tunes!

Stasia Smith
12 years ago

Make sure you have skates that fit properly and lace them tightly. Take it slow! Oh and wear mittens for when and if you fall on the ice. :)

Catleah Jo Cunanan
12 years ago

1.) Christmas Reggae &/or Christmas Rap
2.) LCD Soundsystem, (any album, all songs)

Yay for Capitol Hill iceskating parties!

xoxo

Tapelibrary
12 years ago

1. Move to Canada
2. Lace up your white figure skates with red and green sparkle laces (Xmas present 1988)
3. Keep your skate guards on until you hit the ice
4. Find a frozen river
5. Skate away

or:

1. Go to the Capitol Hill rink and cue up Joni Mitchell’s The River on your iPod for a similar effect.

Hijinks Jack
12 years ago

I don’t know how to skate and I’m not so coordinated. All I know is that Sondheim makes me glide like a swan. Any Sondheim will do. Sweeney Todd. Passion (yeah!). Merrily We Roll Along (title’s sure appropriate). Pacific Overtures.

If we really, truly believe in the distinctiveness of Capitol Hill, then real-estate developer and skating-rink promoter Michael Malone has got to include Sondheim in the music rotation. Who knows, maybe it will inspire a “Sondheim on Ice” craze.

puck
12 years ago

“aux champs elysées” seems like the perfect skate routine song, somehow.

Zach
12 years ago

Preferred skating song: Psycho Killer by the Talking Heads.

Erica Phelps
12 years ago

when falling during the game, someone will most definitely skate over your thumb. it will bleed and leave a scar, but a good story it makes.

RainWorshipper
12 years ago

I’ve done lots of roller skating but only been ice skating once (I did okay, but my ankles hurt!!!) So my skating advice, as someone with this experience, is to say that other skating skills do help even though it’s not the same, and wear some layers so if you do fall you’ve got a little layering to absorb it. Since I’m an ice skating newbie, I think it would be awesome to have the music “Thus Spake Tharathustra,” (if you don’t know this title, it’s the music you think of when you think of “2001: A Space Odyssey) I think this is great because anyone who gets out there, especially as a newbie, deserves grand celebration music

Kat
Kat
12 years ago

and get some good hot cocoa afterwards…
Excited for the rink!!

Kristina
12 years ago

Hello All, I grew up in Minnesota and had more ice skating opportunities than I could handle. If you are bringing little ones (I’d say 2 or under) bring a sled and pull those babies behind you! SO FUN. My grandpa used to pull us on a ducky sled!

If you don’t have little ones, my advice: buy wool socks and put them on over your regular socks. Rent a bigger pair of skates. Trust me on this one!

Happy Skating!

hpcrossing
12 years ago

Would ice skating in running spandex that shows off my surprisingly toned ass with Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” on repeat be inappropriate? Even if I added Christmas lights to said spandex?

Ella
Ella
12 years ago

LMFAO party rock anthem because everyday I’m shuffling!!!

Ernest Tee Bass
12 years ago

So many people here have said to wear socks but I’d like to ad that if you want look like a professional and hot at the same time wear tights or hose under the numerous pairs of socks and legwarmers. Nancy Kerrigan, Oksana Baoul, and Tonya Harding all wore them and look how their lives turned … nevermind that. At least they look good while skating and skate well as well.

I’ll be on the sidelines myself but I will be cheering everyone else on.

Head Ice
12 years ago

Good call Ernest Tee. Hang by the sidelines in case of a skater pileup. The good news is that the morgue/funeral home is right next door.

Kyle
12 years ago

Thick socks are a must..or you will have huge blisters like I did.

MING ZHENG
12 years ago

Ice skating is fun! But you must wear gloves, because you will use your hands to catch your fall. And learn how to fall correctly, so you will fell the least amount of pain the next day. Other than that, you will get better as time goes on. It is not very hard.

Meredith
12 years ago

1. Bundle up! Wear more than you think you’ll need and you can always take off layers. Nothing worse than being cold. A bonus: Fingerless gloves. That way you are warm but you can still lace/adjust your skates easily!
2. Try skating backwards. It’s really quite easy. Just start with your feet about shoulder width apart. Pull your feet in and back out like you are drawing an hourglass with your skates!!

Chris
12 years ago

The worst thing that can happen when you’re skating is that you fall. As long as you don’t hit your head, you’ll be alright. Stay relaxed. And learn to stop. :D

Britta
12 years ago

How many hours do you think it would take to skate to all 69 Love Songs by the Magnetic Fields? I think winning three passes would put a good dent in my goal!

Perpetual Newb
12 years ago

As someone who has to remember how to skate the once every three years they don a pair of skates I say, go out there, have a blast, you’re going to fall, but it’s going to be fun!

Yes, pretend you are a figure skater. I like to whip around wildly and think I am turning in graceful circles. Win that gold medal you knew you would get when you were a kid!

Kate
12 years ago

Think side to side instead forward and backward. Wear water proof clothing and drink lots of hot chocolate!

Colleen
12 years ago

I guess my tip to myself (since I am so shaky!) is skate with a buddy!
And keep those knees bent!
Really excited for skating in Cal Anderson!
(I should watch “The Cutting Edge” for inspiration!)

Julia Kaplan
12 years ago

Yeah for this new and fun and wonderful addition to Cal Anderson for the holidaze! As a newbie skater I think that I would prefer somewhat slow music and a somewhat large pillow to attach to my butt as I am more than somehwat sure I will be falling down a lot until I cang et the hang of it:)

Jake
12 years ago

Using a nice neon color for your laces really highlights the beauty of your footwork.

Marley
Marley
12 years ago

Falling can be fun, but wear gloves- the cheap stretchy ones work great!

Bryce
12 years ago

Originally from Hawaii… Been living in Seattle for about 2.5yrs. Would live to hear some Earth Wind and Fire while “trying” to skate.

Chris Johnson
12 years ago

Minnesota, where I grew up, is really cold and flat, so skating is one of the few fun outdoor winter activities.

My biggest tip, mentioned by a few others, is to keep your knees flexed, almost like you’re starting to sit down. That puts your leg in the right position to push off with your skate. When people first get on the ice, they tend to hold their legs ramrod straight, thinking that’s going to help them keep their balance. And it works pretty well, but only until they try to move.

Keeping your whole body more relaxed also makes it hurt less when you fall down.

Ken
Ken
12 years ago

If you’re going to fall, reach out and grab as many people as you can. Experienced skaters love the challenge of being thrown off balance or having to stop suddenly to avoid running into a pile of newbies on the ground. If no one is around for you to grab, just lie on the ice until someone shows up, then grab them.

Eli
Eli
12 years ago

If “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” were to come on, I might finally dance my way off of the wall…

Ashley
12 years ago

If you’ve never skated before TAPE YOUR ANKLES! The rental skates have no support in them and chances are your ankles are not strong enough to give you the support you need and your feet will wobble. Grab a roll of hockey stick tape and tape em tight! Makes learning to balance much easier!

Best tip for kids learning (5 and under) get a pair of 2-blade skates! Gives them a chance to get out there and have fun without terrifying their mama with them falling every 5 seconds!

Audrey
12 years ago

Not sure what the set up will be for storing your stuff while you skate, but usually you will need quarters for a locker (and they tend to be small). Alternatively, you can probably leave your stuff by a bench, but don’t wear nice shoes to the rink, or else you’ll be staring at them the whole time making sure someone doesn’t steal them, instead of enjoying yourself.

Reebs
Reebs
12 years ago

For a beginner to pick up momentum going backwards have your skates make footballs on the ice. This will give you a little speed and show off your skills to your friends.

julie
12 years ago

For new ice skaters, the first step to success is to tighten your skates, with the help of another person, as tight as possible, and then some. Ankle support is key to not breaking an ankle bone or to just reducing muscle tension. You will understand this the next day when you can hardly get out of bed. Second tip is to purchase some bubble wrap and put it on the inside of your bum. You will fall and you’ll appreciate some padding. Other than that, have fun and don’t knock too many small children down.

Katrina in Seattle
12 years ago

Keep your knees bent, and I think it helps to keep your weight slightly forward.

emily
12 years ago

Remember that skating is not like walking. Glide along the ice, and make sure you’re not letting your ankles waver around everywhere.