DESI CADE | guest writer

Winter in Los Angeles may be a joke to many of APU’s Midwest transplants. However, these local winter activities can still be enjoyable in Southern California.

ICE OFFERS OPTIONS
A mere 12 miles east of Azusa, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers numerous activities that appeal to students wanting to fee; the ice cold chill of winter.

“We have a great night session Friday and Saturday night from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., which is $10 and includes a skate rental,” Pasadena Ice Skating Center manager Nancy Carbajal said. “There is music and sometimes they will turn the lights off.”

These night sessions are open to anybody and last all year long.

On Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., they hold a Coffee Club which includes a half-hour lesson and refreshments. For only $7.60, Carbajal said many of the Coffee Club skaters stay through the afternoon public session to practice the moves they learned in their lesson.

The ice rink is also available to rent for large group activities such as broomball and ice soccer. This could be a great outing for a D-group, residence hall or student group.
For more information about the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, call 626-578-0801.

GET THAT “MOUNTAIN HIGH”
If scaling the slopes is more appealing, then Mountain High Resort is the ideal place to enjoy the last days of winter. On a good day, the powdery snow covers the mountain and rails and jumps ofter the ultimate challenge.

Only a short 45 minute drive from APU, the resort offers group discounts so round up your friends and enjoy a day on the slopes. The mountain has a variety of terrains to fit varying skill levels. For those who want to pick up a new snow sport, the resort also offers lessons.

Ticket and lesson prices and other deals and information can be found online at www.mthigh.com.

WINTER NIGHT OUT
Ice and snow activities are always associated with winter; however, there is more to the season than bundling up, tying up the skates or securing the skis. The theatre industry has much to offer in celebration of winter.

The Covina Center is a newly remodeled theater and hosts many shows year round. It boasts state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems while still maintaining its charm with wood paneling and elegant chandeliers. A quick ride down Citrus Avenue, the performing arts theater is conveniently located in the heart of pedestrian-friendly Covina, surrounded by restaurants and quaint “ma and pa” stores.

The winter show, “Kiss Me Kate” is showing Feb. 8 through March 8. The classic musical, written in 1948, is about a pair of divorced actors working together on Broadway. With a fight in the first scene and mafia involvement, the show promises to be entertaining.

Make a night out of it with friends. Enjoy dinner at one of the many Citrus Avenue restaurants before catching the show.

For more information call 626-331-8133 or check out their website at www.covinacenter.com.