Wild Ice Skaters Return to Bow Valley Lakes as Rangers Urge Caution

As temperatures drop and lakes begin freezing across the Bow Valley, wild ice skaters are already heading onto the ice. But a local park ranger is reminding residents and visitors that a frozen lake isn't necessarily a safe one.

Joe Ramsdale, a park ranger in Kananaskis, says Alberta Parks is seeing more people venturing onto frozen lakes, raising concerns about early-season ice conditions.

"We are definitely seeing an increase in number of people on the ice," Ramsdale told Bow Valley Insider.

While he says there have been no ice-skating-related incidents recorded in his area in recent years, the growing popularity of the activity is creating new challenges, including increased demand for parking and access to recreation areas.

More importantly, Ramsdale says skaters need to understand the risks before stepping onto natural ice.

Alberta Parks does not monitor ice thickness or determine when individual lakes and ponds are safe for skating.

Instead, visitors are responsible for assessing conditions themselves.

"We do definitely recommend that when ice is less than 15 centimeters thick, folks don't go out," Ramsdale said.

That minimum is particularly important early in the season, when ice may still be forming and thickness can vary significantly across a single lake.

Why Seeing Other Skaters Doesn't Mean the Ice Is Safe

One of the biggest mistakes people can make is assuming a lake is safe simply because others are already skating on it.

"Just because other folks are out there does not mean it's necessarily safe," Ramsdale said.

He recommends checking ice thickness using an ice screw, similar to those used in ice climbing.

For example, if someone drills into the ice using a 15-centimetre screw without reaching water, they know the ice is thicker than 15 centimetres at that location.

However, one measurement is not enough.

"Just because it's 15 centimeters thick in one spot doesn't necessarily mean it's 15 centimeters thick everywhere on the lake," Ramsdale explained.

He recommends checking multiple locations before heading farther onto the ice.

According to Parks Canada's ice skating safety guidelines, several environmental factors can affect ice strength, including changing temperatures, water currents, fluctuating water levels and objects such as rocks or logs that absorb heat.

The colour of the ice can also provide clues about its strength.

Clear blue ice is generally the strongest, while white or opaque ice is approximately half as strong. Grey ice, which indicates the presence of water, is considered unsafe.

Parks Canada recommends a minimum thickness of 15 centimetres for individuals walking or skating alone and 20 centimetres for groups skating or playing games.

Neither Alberta Parks nor Parks Canada routinely monitors natural ice surfaces for skating safety.

What Happens If Someone Falls Through?

Falling through ice presents several dangers beyond the initial shock of entering freezing water.

Ramsdale says skaters can suffer injuries from striking sharp ice during a fall, while prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to hypothermia, an inability to climb out and potentially drowning.

If someone breaks through the ice, Ramsdale recommends first trying to control their breathing before attempting to climb out.

The best approach is generally to turn toward the direction they came from, where the ice had previously supported their weight.

For anyone witnessing another person fall through, Ramsdale says personal safety must come first.

"As tempting as it can be to run up and try and pull somebody out of the ice, obviously that ice is thin because that person's falling through."

Bystanders should call 911 immediately rather than rushing onto unstable ice.

If it is safe to do so, they can attempt to help from a distance using a throw rope, long branch or another object the person can grab.

Parks Canada also recommends carrying ice picks, which can help someone pull themselves out of the water, and wearing a personal flotation device when uncertain about ice conditions.

Planning Ahead Before Heading Out

With more people taking advantage of wild ice skating opportunities, Ramsdale says preparation extends beyond checking the ice.

He encourages skaters to visit during less busy periods when possible and to park only in designated areas.

Vehicles should never block roadways or emergency access routes, particularly in popular recreation areas where parking can become congested.

For those travelling to more remote locations, Parks Canada recommends telling someone where they plan to go and when they expect to return.

Ultimately, Ramsdale says the responsibility falls on individual skaters to make informed decisions rather than relying on the presence of others as an indication of safety.

Anyone experiencing an emergency on the ice should call 911. Parks Canada also lists 403-762-4506 as an emergency contact number for Banff National Park.