Waterloo, ON, Jan 16, 2013 — An Ontario environmental studies professor has created a website to track outdoor rink conditions across North America. It's called RinkWatch, where backyard rink creators can help track weather conditions.

According to the website, scientists in Montreal are predicting fewer outdoor skating days in the future, based on the results of data taken from weather stations across Canada over the last fifty years. So, Robert McLeman, at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, is asking for regular, systematic observations from kids and families about outdoor skating on local ice rinks this winter. He told Todd Moe that it's another example of a citizen-scientist project to help track climate change.  Go to full article

Jan 11, 2013 — Two new books by writers with ties to the Adirondacks feature girls in elite level sports. Betsy Kepes reviews Soccerland by Beth Choat and Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner.  Go to full article

Lake Placid, NY, Feb 15, 2011 — Fifty years ago today, a tragic jetliner crash in Belgium killed the entire U.S. Figure Skating World Team. Three of the victims had North Country connections: Coach Daniel Ryan and his ice dancers Larry Pierce and Diane Sherbloom trained in Canton and Lake Placid. Last month, Daniel Ryan, and the rest of the 1961 team, were inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame in Greensboro, North Carolina. A new movie, Rise, which premieres around the country on Thursday, pays tribute to the 1961 team and the world of figure skating. Todd Moe talks with Terry Ryan Sullivan about her father's legacy and the new film.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Feb 07, 2011 — Winterlude opened in Canada's capitol over the weekend. The annual celebration of winter in Ottawa continues for the next couple of weeks with music, food, art and skating on the world's largest skating rink -- the Rideau Canal. The Skateway opened for it's 41st season in early January.

Skating on the frozen waterway is such an eagerly-awaited event that Lucy Martin got a happy surprise when she easily found good street parking on opening weekend. That made her wonder how residents feel about living in the impact zone?

The first one she encountered said he doesn't really mind.

Oliver Bayer is today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Elgin, ON, Jan 31, 2011 — Mention skating the Rideau Canal and it's hard to not think of Beavertails. But there are other comfort foods associated with outdoor skating. In the Netherlands one would be "snert." That's Dutch pea soup, thick enough to stand a spoon and considered even better a day or so after it's made.

Snert is an old stand-by for some, for others it's a brand new experience. Tracey Boyd copied an expert and finally got the hang of it, in time to feature hot snert at a busy fund-raising booth for last Saturday's "Skate the Lake" event in Portland, Ontario. She's today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Elgin, ON, Jan 25, 2011 — Marco Smits grew up skating outdoors in the Netherlands before he married a Canadian and settled in the rural lake country of Portland, Ontario.

Smits thought the area's excellent natural ice should do more than just hold up ice fishing huts. So, back in 2004, he inspired a bunch of hearty volunteers to clear a one kilometer oval track and launch a noteworthy community sporting event.

The 7th International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon - affectionately nicknamed 'Skate the Lake' - is back for 2011, after taking a breather over the Vancouver Olympics.

This Saturday, January 29, skaters of all ages and abilities will descend on tiny Portland for 5, 10 or 25 kilometer events.

Ottawa correspondent Lucy Martin caught up with Smits by phone to hear how this year's preparations are coming along.  Go to full article

Jan 11, 2011 — In a perfect world, Ottawa's Rideau Canal Skateway would be open early enough to enjoy during school vacation over the holidays. But with a mild winter like this one, skaters just hope for the best and take what comes.

They got that chance last Saturday, when the first section of the Canal opened to the public. Ottawa correspondent Lucy Martin spoke with skaters and walkers that weekend and sent this round up.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Jan 14, 2010 — Today's the day for those eager to enjoy Ottawa's Rideau Canal skateway. The 40th season of the highly popular destination opened this morning. Lucy Martin has more.  Go to full article

Winnipeg, , Jan 14, 2010 — Ottawa's Rideau Canal opened to skaters this morning. It's the 40th season of winter fun on the famous outdoor rink. Meanwhile, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, something called the River Trail is open, and growing. It may be on the narrow side, but for the last two years it topped Ottawa to claim the title of world's longest skateway. When it comes to ice, does size matter? The River Trail's Paul Jordan is someone who would know. Ottawa reporter Lucy Martin reached him in Winnipeg.  Go to full article

Dec 31, 2008 — A benefit skating event will be held at the Olympic speed skating Oval in Lake Placid tonight. Christie Sausa is organizing "Skate into '09" from 10:30pm-12:30am. She told Todd Moe that last year's event drew 600 skaters and raised $2,600 for local youth sports clubs, and she's hoping to raise $3,000 tonight.  Go to full article