Ice Skating

The story behind the 1st Annual Charley Worley Speedskating Marathon begins with a tale about an individual who earned the respect of many across the community for his selflessness and commitment to the skating world. Turns out Charley Worley was extremely instrumental in his contribution to the High Altitude Skating Center for many years and was even deemed the "Ice Meister" by those who knew him. He spent many hours grooming the ice at the Butte High Altitude Skating Center, which led to a significant amount of world records gracing the rink. It would be safe to say that his understanding of the rink came from his time as a speed skater himself. He knew what and how it needed to be maintained and he took pride in the process.

...And now for something completely different and right in the middle of winter! Bring your friends, family, and anyone who's game to this year's Festival of the Winter Moon in Anaconda! The event, also known as Anaconda's Winterfest, is the brainchild of Discover Anaconda and gets underway on January 14th! Yes, for one day only, you can participate in activities that you most likely won't come close to entertaining for the rest of the year. But that's what makes it so fun, right? In this article, you'll find information about what to expect at this year's Winterfest in Anaconda, with direct links to sign-up for events! Alright, the suspense is too much! Frozen Turkey Bowling is just one of the events planned! Lol! Below, see a complete schedule for Anaconda's Winterfest on January 14th!

As part of their participation in Anaconda's Festival of the Winter Moon, Pintler's Portal Hostel will host their annual Winter Market! The event is open to the public and happens Saturday, January 14th, at the hostel (218 W. Park in Anaconda) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you haven't been to Pintler's Portal Hostel, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The site, once home to the Masonic Lodge, was completely remodeled and refurbished a few years ago to serve as a "boutique" style lodging facility. This European-inspired lodge offers accommodations to travelers interested in discovering the amazing Anaconda-Pintler backcountry or those coming to town for tournaments and family gatherings. Click here at pintlersportal to see their incredible layout.

Old School Speed Skating is coming to the Butte High Altitude Skating Center, January 13th through the 16th! The name of the event quickly caught my eye. "Old School", which I am...to a point, so don't get it twisted. Lol. As for the "skating" part, our family hit the ice quite often at Kennedy Common in Anaconda growing up, so I definitely consider it a favorite pastime. As described by the organizers of the event, SkateNOW, LLC, Old School Speed Skating is a casual social gathering on ice. You can wear wooden skates, hard-tails, nordic blades, or whatever you can find to help glide your (covered) feet across the ice.

If you're a fan of winter and all the activities and festivities that go along with it, then you'll love what organizers in Butte-Silver Bow County have planned for the community over the holiday break! Happening December 21st through the 23rd and then again December 26th through the 30th, the Butte-Silver Bow Parks and Recreation Department and the Butte Amateur Hockey Association are making it possible for family and friends to enjoy FREE skating and skate rentals at the Butte Community Ice Center (1700 Wall Street). All ages are welcome to get in on the action! Hours of operation for the FREE eight-day skating excursion are 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.