It is -20º c (with the windchill factor). Is it too cold to go ice skating for an hour?

Question

Keep in mind this is an outdoor rink (a pond), not an indoor rink.

Answer 1

It's definitely too cold.  Below freezing is one thing, but when you can get frostbite, that's entirely another!

Answer 2

I've skated that cold before. My ice rink is semi-enclosed. In other words, there's a roof, but no walls. So when it's windy outside, it's windy on the ice, too. And cold.

When it gets that bad, I still skate. Have to keep moving while you're out there, though. Wear something to cover your ears, and a hat may be good, to prevent heat loss. I also wear my skating tights, sweater tights over those, then my skating pants. On top, I wear long underwear, two long sleeved shirts, and a thick fleece. On my hands, I wear Thinsulate gloves. And over my boots, I have BootGloves. On my face, I wear moisturizer. I'm not sure if that helps, but I feel like it does.

As you're skating, be sure to be careful of your extremities - cheeks and nose and etc. Go inside occasionally to get warm, then step back out. Keep moving when you're on the ice. Dress appropriately and do these things, and you'll be okay.

Answer 3

No, you should be alright if you wear proper clothes , i.e. toque, gloves, coat, neck warmer, warm pants + socks. ::)

Answer 4

I wouldn't do it. At a regular ice-rink, like mine, it's not that cold, and I am FREEZING by the time I get out. So I wouldn't take the chance out there.

Answer 5

Too cold for me, sorry. I'd rather stay in.