The Forks — a 9.3-kilometre track in Manitoba, was for years boasted as being the World's Longest Skating Rink. Their record fell to Invermere and Windermere Lake on May 28th, 2014 with official confirmation from the Guinness Book of Records.
At 30 kilometres in length, the new record holder, officially known as the Lake Windermere Whiteway, is over three times as long as is the old record holder. Lake Windermere is a local tourist attraction year-round. During the summer, sandy beaches offer swimming, kayaking and lounging in the sun. Come winter, once the lake is frozen ice skating, cross country skiing, hockey games, ice ring or just building a snowman are activities partaken of in the lake.
Any small town newspaper would be remiss in not capturing a story such as this and the Invermere Valley Echo did not disappoint. Read their article below. The Columbia Valley Pioneer did its part, as well.
Valley boasts longest ice skating trail
by Steve Hubrecht - Invermere Valley Echo
posted Jun 4, 2014 at 12:00 PM
The Whiteway has officially earned the Guinness World Record for longest ice skating trail.
Confirmation of the title came on May 28th, to the immense satisfaction of members of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, which created and operates the Whiteway, and other members of the community involved with the record bid.
“This is absolutely outstanding; great for the community and great for the club,” said club vice-president Darren Tamelin. “We’ve been trying for about three years now; it’s always been a goal.”
This year’s extended Whiteway season (the season can vary from just a few weeks to several months depending on the conditions) was a big boon to successfully getting the record application in for 2014, said Mr. Tamelin.
The club is working with the District of Invermere to put up some interpretive signs at Kinsmen Beach, explaining the record and promoting the Whiteway, he said, adding there will likely be a big celebratory party to mark the record once the lake freezes up again.
“This winter we’ll be planning an opening ceremony or grand event to really pump it up, sometime in mid-December or around Christmas time,” said Mr. Tamelin.
See this
Friday’s Pioneer for the full story on the Whiteway’s new world record status.
From the Invermere Valley Echo