My Colorado

Nature's Rink

Ice skaters on Evergreen Lake. Ron Ruhoff

by Diane Varner

When someone says, "Winter in Colorado," generally the first thought that comes to mind is skiing. My first thought is ice-skating. It started when I was 2 years old, wearing strap-on skates and swooshing around on Evergreen Lake, holding my father's hand. I recall how he would warm my hands when they were cold. I also remember the warm mug of cocoa we would enjoy around a fire after a day on the ice. The best part was being on the frozen lake surrounded by pine trees and looking up to see the beautiful blue sky.

My father continued to foster my love of skating and saw to it that I could skate on my own rink built in our backyard with two-by-fours and plastic. The neighbor kids could always be found in our yard during the winter months skating to music blaring from my old 45s on a record player. My enjoyment of ice-skating took on new dimensions when I could take the bus to downtown Denver and skate at Zeckendorf Plaza during the Christmas season. I loved hearing the holiday music and watching the shoppers scurry to buy those last-minute gifts.

In recent years, my love for the sport has taken me to Keystone to spend the day cutting an edge on the lake there. The ice as smooth as glass, the sounds of the blades gripping the ice, and the fish, frozen in time below the surface, make for a unique experience.

Today, we have indoor arenas that shelter patrons from the elements, but I believe that the elements are part of the mystique of ice-skating. To truly enjoy winter in Colorado, one needs to skate in the fresh outdoors under a brilliant blue sky.

Diane Varner is a native of Colorado and resides in Elizabeth with her husband of 24 years. She has two sons, one in the Air Force and one in college, and is the owner/operator of a long-arm machine quilting business.

o you have a special memory or humorous story about living in Colorado? The Motorist is looking for original essays that capture the uniqueness of our state. Payment is $60 upon publication. Entries must be typed, double spaced and 200-300 words. Please include a daytime phone number. Entries will not be returned.

Mail to: The Motorist, Attn: My Colorado, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver CO 80222, or e-mail: keastlund@colorado.aaa.com

Return To Top