When our lakes freeze over, we don’t just admire them from afar and wait for them to thaw. We lace up our skates and glide across the ice in the crisp mountain air. Skating on a frozen Montana pond or lake offers one of the most scenic ways to enjoy this peaceful winter activity. We also have plenty of indoor and outdoor ice rinks throughout the region.
If you're a beginner, learn to stop and fall safely before you venture onto the ice. Make sure your skates fit comfortably (not too tight, not too loose) and support your ankles. Have a professional sharpen your skate blades. If you're skating at a maintained rink, obey all the rink rules.
When skating on lakes, ponds and streams, be extra careful. Remember that the ice isn't going to be glassy smooth. Watch for cracks, holes, debris or colored ice, which may indicate dangerous conditions.
When there are wildfires, here are a few things to keep in mind: You’re safe. Most wildland fires, when they happen, are in the back country, miles from civilization and any structures. Montana is home to 3,443,038 acres of wilderness, and most fires happen there. If, by chance, a wildland fire gets close to a community, our firefighting experts communicate, evacuate and communicate some more.
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