Audio By Carbonatix
Like almost no other piece of heavy equipment, the Zamboni carries with it a mystique — a cachet that makes most people want to drive one and everyone else watch, mesmerized, as the Zamboni slides onto the rink, magically smoothing out the ice behind it.
Luke Taylor, president of Littleton’s Ice Ranch, understands that mystique, which is why the facility offers two-hour Zamboni Camps that provide students with the history of ice resurfacers, safety instructions and, yes, a few laps around the ice.
“It’s the exclusivity factor,” Taylor says. “There are nine rinks in the metro area and only eighteen Zambonis. There are probably more Ferarris than Zambonis. It’s also a kid thing. They love to watch. It’s their favorite thing about coming here.”
The classes, each of which pairs four to six students with two instructors, fill up fast, and so far, “knock on wood, we have not had an accident,” Taylor notes. Today’s class runs from 9:40 to 11:50 a.m. The cost is $100, and attendees must be at least eighteen. Other scheduled Zam Camps take place April 24 and May 6, and Taylor says more may be added. The Ice Ranch is at 841 Southpark Drive. For information, call 303-285-2110 or visit www.theiceranch.com.
Sat., April 10, 9:40-11:50 a.m.; Sat., April 24, 9:40-11:50 a.m.; Thu., May 6, 9:40-11:50 a.m., 2010
