Frosty the Snowman glides on the ice.
On Friday, December 18, Tucson's west side JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa kicked off a weekend holiday extravaganza that included ice skating, Christmas carols by local choirs and - best of all - Santa Claus himself.
The 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland hosted a couple hundred families enjoying the sounds of the Palo Verde High School Choir and the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus with a huge Christmas tree and the lights of Tucson as the gorgeous backdrop.
Throughout the evening, adventurous souls skated around a 1500 square foot rink that was made of synthetic ice. Resident Manager Chris Wilkinson, citing the resort's participation in Green Initiatives, said "We're trying to be eco-friendly so the amount of real ice and electricity it would take for an actual ice skating rink didn't fit. This composite lasts 10 years and is easy to maintain. Plus, it's good for first time skaters." The skates lent by the resort to its guests are hockey skates, which provide more ankle support than other skates and appeared to be comfortable for all. Even those who fell down never seemed phased.
Though the arrival of Santa Claus via helicopter wasn't as eco-friendly as the Arctic Pass Skating Rink, it was super exciting - even to this somewhat Christmas curmudgeon. The kids clamored as KXCI's Bob Girth, who emceed the event, announced Santa's arrival over the din of the helicopter.
Friday's Santa landing was toasted with a spectacle of fireworks.
On Saturday, activities also included skating - along with sledding on snow made out of chipped ice, live holiday music, children making crafty gifts in Santa's workshop with help from the elves, plus breakfast with Sponge Bob along with family holiday portraits.
Resort guests can enjoy the faux ice skating anytime through February 15 with the rink open to the public on the weekends of January 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are also Dine & Skate packages available by calling (520) 792-3500.
