Every summer and winter, thousands of ice skating enthusiasts in Arizona, from Scottsdale and other areas of Phoenix, come to Ice Den. Whether you are a first-time ice skater or have spent hours of fun skating on ice, you’ll benefit from these handy tips.

Remember that while ice skating is really cool and offers a unique thrill and excitement, it is important to be careful in order to really enjoy this sport.

So before you sign up for Ice Den’s  learn to skate program or plan an ice skating birthday party at the best ice skating facility in Phoenix, think about:   

You need strong ankle support. If your skates are larger than they should be, you will not only be uncomfortable, you could injure yourself badly. Be extra cautious when you are buying a pair of previously used skates as they may have loosened up with use and over time. 

Leather skates are preferable to vinyl, as they are easier to break into.

Always remember that your skate boot should fit like a glove, with no extra room for your foot to slip into awkward, injurious positions.

For beginners at Ice Den, we ask that helmets must be worn. This mandatory requirement along with recommended face masks help new skaters feel and stay safe on the ice.

When buying a skating helmet, make sure that it fits snug. An ill fitting helmet can do more harm than good! Look for one where the strap and helmet are adjustable.

At Ice Den in Scottsdale, we have seen kids bring along a cycling helmet for ice skating birthday parties. However, we highly recommend using a hockey helmet for ice skating because it covers more of the head. When signing up your child or yourself for any of our skating programs, speak to one of our expert staff members who can help you decide which helmet to buy.  You can purchase a hockey helmet at Coyotes Ice Sports located at the Ice Den.

Keeping your skates clean and the blades sharp is important to see great results on ice and to prevent injuries. Make sure your skates are sharpened before your first lesson. Once you have completed around 18-20 hours of skating, bring them in to the skating experts at Ice Den or to our Coyotes Ice Sports Shop. We’ll take a look and let you know if they need re-sharpening.    

Be careful not to cut yourself when you dry your blades each time you use them.

Always use skate guards when you are off the ice or not on a rubber mat. Before you store away your skates until the next time, remove the skate guards to prevent rusting.

Come and visit the Coyotes Ice Sports Shop and talk to our knowledgeable staff. They’ll offer you great tips for skate maintenance. We can even do custom rockering and sharpen the blades if required before you get on the ice. That way you can be sure to always have the coolest ice skating experience in all of Arizona!   

It is easier to take off clothing than to put it on, so dress in layers. Wear breathable fabric that allows your skin to absorb and rid itself of normal levels of heat and moisture.

Loose fitting clothes are not the best as they restrict your movement. Snug fitting clothes help your body’s aerodynamics and are lighter to glide along the ice.

Wear gloves and a warm sweater so you’re not too cold on the rink.

Long hair should be tied up to keep away from the face.

You can find the best and trendiest ice skating apparel in Phoenix at our Coyotes Ice Sports Shop.