Run, Don’t Walk To This New Winter Wonderland
Valley Sports Academy opens massive outdoor skating destination

The Valley Sports Academy is, year-round, a hot destination to keep active through all sorts of recreation activities. But this winter they’ve stepped up the game with a huge new addition to their space, including some attractions you won’t find anywhere else this season.
As of Jan. 18, the Valley Sports Academy’s brand-new Winter Wonderland attraction, an outdoor skating destination, is open to the public. The area behind VSA now has six distinct skating ponds, covering about 1.25 acres. In addition to rinks, you’ll also find nearly 2,000 feet of skating trails, a new attraction to the region. The trails include an array of options including a figure-eight track and an innovative elevated track, with uphill and downhill sections. "The idea for the trails came from a lot of different influences," said Phil Swiler, Community Engagement at Valley Sports Academy. "Other communities like Green Bay and Neenah, as well as the player entrance track during the last NHL Classic."
Winter Wonderland will be open all day and into the night, when lights will illuminate the trails. To help enjoy the cold between bouts of blading, they’ve installed several fire pits and an igloo that can be reserved for group outings.

The whole skating super spot was created with the help of a handful of area businesses, including HAAS, who graded and formed the terrain; Bohl & Proulx, who flooded the rinks; First Choice Landscaping, who help keep the snow clear; Trustpoint, who provided the igloo; and Wisco Metal Works, who provided the fire pits. "Our business partners grabbed the sponsorships in less than a day. It's a sign of how gracious and involved the community is," said Phil.
Don't flake out – check out the Winter Wonderland before it melts! If the attraction goes as planned, VSA plans to bring it back next year as well.
On Feb. 22, The Valley Sports Academy also plans to host a Pond Hockey & Boot Hockey tournament at the attraction. Check their website for more information.
Winter Wonderland at Valley Sports Academy • 1855 125th Street, Lake Hallie • valleysports.academy • Monday-Friday, 11am-9pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm • $10 day pass or $75 year pass • $10 skate rental