Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide

Southern Nevada's only outdoor, year-round rink opens at New Mt. Charleston Hotel, Event and Conference Center

(Mt. Charleston, Nev.) - Ice-skating enthusiasts of all ages will now have a new place to enjoy their hobby.

This week, Southern Nevada's first ever year-round outdoor ice-skating rink debuts at the New Mt. Charleston Hotel, Event and Conference Center. The 75' by 35' rink, situated in the hotel's backyard overlooking the canyons and surrounded by the Spring Mountains, is the latest addition to the property since it changed ownership in late 2004.

The rink, open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., features a small hot chocolate stand, perfect to warm up fingers, and a large fire pit for warming up the rest of the body during the winter months of snow and cold temperatures. The rink, constructed of plexi-foam, which is used in certain professional ice-skating shows, requires special ice skates that the hotel rents hourly. Currently, the hotel offers general skating with plans to host special events in the future.

"The location for the rink is amazing," said Harold Johnson, general manager for the hotel. "There is no other place to skate outside where you have views like this, an atmosphere like this, and snow. I expect the rink to be a major attraction, especially during the weekends, for adults and children alike. Not only does it provide entertainment, it provides a change of scenery from the desert."

The rink, designed by hotel owner, I. Zaidman, took two months to complete. It is available for birthday parties and holiday event parties throughout the year. For information regarding rink rentals and ice-skating parties, please contact 702.872.5500.

The New Mt. Charleston Hotel, Event and Conference Center, located at 2 Kyle Canyon Road, is 30 minutes from downtown Las Vegas. Situated high in the crisp, clean air of the Toiyabe National Forest, it is unlike anywhere else in Southern Nevada for taking time to get away or holding events. Since changing ownership in late 2004, it has undergone extensive renovations, including a new outdoor patio, sparkling duck pond, a year-round outdoor ice-skating rink and upgraded rooms featuring cozy fireplaces, flat screen televisions, DVD players, hooks-ups for video game systems, featherbeds, balconies (in select rooms) and views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel, known for its gorgeous location, attracts hundreds of destination weddings, corporate meetings and events, as well as private functions yearly, planned by Èlan Events, it's exclusive event coordination firm specializing in full-service event planning. Amenities include The Bistro with homemade foods and gourmet coffees, The Steakhouse, The Lounge featuring signature drinks, overstuffed leather couches and a plasma TV, spa services, special discounted ski packages and more. Perfect for those in need of time away from the normal routine, couples looking for a romantic getaway or for the outdoor enthusiast, it is conveniently located near numerous hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. During the week, the hotel welcomes those in the hospitality and casino industry to enjoy half-price stays. The hotel can be reached at 702.872.5500. The Web site can be viewed at www.mtcharlestonhotel.com