YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif., November 19, 2009 – Yosemite’s Curry Village ice rink, one of the last remaining outdoor ice skating venues still operating in California, officially opens on Friday, November 20 for the holidays and 2009 -2010 winter season.

A long-time favorite for Yosemite’s winter visitors, the Curry Village ice rink was first established in 1928 when the Yosemite Winter Club flooded an unused parking lot.  Now a permanent fixture, the rink is located in the western part of Curry Village, below the cliffs of Glacier Point.

“The picturesque views from our ice rink of Tenaya Canyon, with North Dome and Washington Column on the left, and Half Dome and Clouds Rest on the right, are truly breathtaking,” said Mike Poisson, manager of the ice rink for DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, the park’s official concessionaire.  “The natural beauty that surrounds this ice rink is unparalleled.  Adults, teens and children alike can skate in the crisp, mountain air, while gazing skyward 3,000 feet straight up at Glacier Point.  It’s an experience that creates memories lasting a lifetime.”

 Despite its long history, the Curry Village rink boasts all the amenities of a modern skating surface.  A large supply of rental skates is maintained, and skaters can take advantage of a warming hut and cubbies for shoe storage.  Between each session, a professional Zamboni machine keeps the ice surface fresh for new skaters.  For those not skating, a warm fire pit adjacent to the rink is perfect for socializing, watching other skaters, sipping hot cocoa, apple cider or coffee, or just reveling in the beauty of Yosemite in winter.

 Daily skating sessions (subject to weather conditions) are offered from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. weekdays.  On weekends, the rink is open for an additional morning session from 8:30 to 11 a.m., afternoon sessions from noon to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m., and an evening session from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Ice-skating in Curry Village is $8.00 per adult, per session, and $6.00 per child. Skate rental is $3.00 per session. Helmets are available at no additional cost.

For more information on winter activities and lodging in Yosemite, visit the DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite web site at www.YosemitePark.com or call 559-253-5676.  For current ice rink conditions, call 209-372-8319.  For road and weather conditions, call the automated National Park Service information line at 209-372-0200.

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