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Local Information

Our Community
Originally published in Seasonal Guide, September 29, 2011
As the weather turns…

It may seem too early to start talking about ice, but the “sweet spot” for pond ice skating typically happens once ice forms but before the heavy winter snows coat the ice and make it difficult to skate or play hockey.

Of course, early ice can mean thin ice. According to Maine Warden Service guidelines posted online, new, clear ice should be at least four inches thick to guarantee safety on foot (or skate!) Five inches usually allows for snowmobile or ATV travel, and a foot of new, clear ice is recommended to hold a car or a medium-sized pickup.

Keep in mind these guidelines are only for new, clear ice, not for ice that has thawed and refrozen. As the warden service notes, “Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.” Another key thing to keep in mind is that ice seldom freezes uniformly, and can be thick in one spot and thin in another.

The Lily Pond in Deer Isle is a perennial favorite for pond skating. Ames Pond in Stonington is another skating gem.

If ponds aren’t your thing, try the ice skating rink in Blue Hill on Union Street.

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