A winter flurry delivered a hodgepodge of snowed-in sidewalks and icy roads early this month. The frosty weather that left MHS closed for a day only gave students more of a reason to have an “ice” day at the Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park.

“I went to the rink last weekend with a group of friends,” Alexa Thein, senior, said. “It was a really pretty rink. I went late, and all the lights were on.”

According to STL Today, the Steinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor rink in the Midwest, offering public skate time all day, everyday. During the week, the rink is open 10-9p.m., while on the weekends, it remains open until midnight. This pattern will continue through Feb. 27, with some changes due to holidays.

“At night it gets pretty crowded, but when I was there, it cleared up around 11:30,” Thein said. “If you go for all day, you should probably wear thick socks and tuck your pants into the skates, especially if you get the skates there. I have huge cuts on my ankles because I didn’t.”

Sam Marlow, junior, had a similar experience of being ill-prepared.

“I still have scars from the skates,” Marlow said.

While he said he fell a few times, Marlow still enjoyed the experience.

“I think it was easier than it would have been because I ski, but I liked the fire pit and warm cafe more than I like skating,” Marlow said.

Sydney Aaronson, senior, also said she savored the other perks of the rink.

“The ice rink is a really cool place to visit,” Aaronson said. “They string lights everywhere and even have a bonfire. If you need a place to go with a big group, go check out Steinberg.”

While the rink isn’t host to many professional performances, it has definitely borne some postulant skaters.

“Alexa and I might consider being in the next Winter Olympics,” Aaronson said.

“But I’ll beat Sydney,” Thein said.