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One of my favorite things to do during the winter in the Hamptons is go ice skating. It’s so much fun, reminds me of being a kid, and is much more enjoyable than going to the gym~ blah. Because we have had such mild winter weather thus far, none of the picture perfect local ponds have any ice to skate on, so the Buckskill Winter Club in East Hampton is the only game in town for practicing your triple salchow! Yup~ that’s how it’s spelled. [Definition: A salchow is a figure skating jump done from the back inside edge of one foot to the back outside edge of the other foot. A half revolution is done in the air. Hey, I’ll try anything once.]

Buckskill Winter Club is a seasonal ice rink and club house, located on the Buckskill Tennis Club grounds. The Tennis Club has been home to the Buckskill Winter Club since late 2004. Every year they make the transition from summer to winter by converting four tennis courts into a NHL regulation size ice rink offering a variety of activities that are sure to keep everyone in the family happy during the winter season: You can skate on your own, or sign up figure skating or hockey lessons [pssst~ Timmy is the best instructor!].

When you’re not skating, head inside the club house and cozy up next the fireplace with a cup of Buckskill’s famous hot chocolate or homemade soups!

Buckskill is now using the U.S. Figure Skating Association approved Basic Skills Program for its new & improved skating program. Each student enrolled will become a member of the U.S.F.S.A. and will receive membership patches and a Record Book to track individual progress. Jockey Hockey Camp is offered during the February Winter Break: The camp is for kids of all ages and abilities and will run from Monday February 20th to Friday February 24th, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Price includes lunch and admission to the public skating session that day. A flexible schedule means you can come for just one day or all five.

Location: 178 Buckskill Road, East Hampton; 631.324.2243 or go to www.buckskillwinterclub.com for more information on costs and schedules.