Snow place like the rink: Locals enjoy first evening of public skate at Berger Foundation Iceplex

What better way to kick off the holiday season than going to the ice rink!

It was the first evening for public skating at the Berger Foundation Iceplex in Acrisure Arena.

Dozen of people lined up, laced up and took to the ice!

“It's like special for everybody. It's amazing," said Nick De Santiago of Indio.

De Santiago has been waiting years to welcome back another ice rink so close to home.

“Now that it's here, I hope there's like a junior league where everybody could play and they could just like skate around, have fun," he explained.

There were people of all ages and skill sets on the ice, including first-timers.

“Been waiting for this, my kids are skating in the rink," said Julio Loyola of Desert Hot Springs, "Waiting for this so this is really good for everybody.”

Trained figure skaters also made their way onto the ice, like 8-year-old Melia Brooks who was visiting the area with her family from Phoenix, Arizona.

“It feels great because you get to like do moves and other cool stuff," Melia said.

She showed off her skills, from axels, to gliding, to spinning and even leg lifts!

But she didn’t just keep her skills to herself, “My most favorite part is like being able to teach other people about it," Melia explained.

She says it’s all about having fun and the ice rink is the perfect place to do so.

“It’s kind of nice for other people to experience it.”

The 36,000-square-foot NHL Rink will be open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It will offer public skate, CV Skate Academy, Adult and Junior Hockey Leagues, Birthday Parties and more. 

All ages and levels welcome.

• $15 per session – Kids under 4 skate free and are not required to sign up on DaySmart.
• $5 skate rental
• Digital Lockers are available to rent, with limited availability.
• $10 skater aid rental. Skater Aids must stay in designated area. 
• $280 for a 20x punch pass   

You can find the Berger Foundation Iceplex, within the Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Rd., Palm Desert, CA 92211.