The Winter Olympics begin next Friday as close to 2,500 athletes from around the world join together in the spirit of sportsmanship for the opening ceremony. Each Winter Olympics brings with it a renewed interest in figure skating.  The first of the figure skating events takes place on Sunday, February 14, which, coincidentally, is Valentine’s Day.  You may wish to celebrate with your date in front of the TV watching the figure skating or you may want to try it yourselves.  Is there a more romantic date than ice skating outdoors with your boyfriend or husband?   With so wonderful places to skate in New York, we think it must be the most romantic place on earth.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

With Prometheus keeping watch, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is still the most romantic place to skate in New York City. While the rink is small, the crowds are also small so you can practice that spin or double toe loop with room to spare. You will have an enthusiastic audience since the rink is a major tourist attraction.

And here is something to consider: You can get engaged at the world’s most famous rink! For $250, you can buy an engagement package allowing you five minutes of private skating time at the end of your session while you listen to your favorite romantic song and contemplate saying “yes.” If you do and your significant other has planned ahead, you will receive a floral bouquet and be able to drink a champagne toast in the Rock Center Café.

If you are not quite ready to get engaged but are looking for a romantic date, the rink offers Date Skate, a VIP skating session for two followed by dinner at the Rock Café, for $80.  Sounds like a perfect Valentine’s Day date.

The rink is open seven days a week through April 2010. Lessons can be arranged. For times and rates, call 212-332-7654, or go to the website, www.therinkatrockcenter.com.

Wollman Rink at Central Park

Wollman Rink is tucked away in Central Park and surrounded by trees with the brightly lit buildings of Central Park South twinkling in the distance. This rink has the ambiance of an old-time skating pond, with music blaring through loudspeakers and hot chocolate and other snacks available when you need to recharge and warm up. Skates are available for rental and there are lockers to hold your belongings. The teaching staff is experienced and patient, even with the balance-challenged and those who haven’t mastered the toe pick. Wollman Rink is a popular venue for school skating parties and corporate events. The rink can be closed just for your group keeping the crowds reasonable. You can even have your own disc jockey to play requests. What could be better?

For hours and rates call 212-439-6900, or go to the website, www.wollmanskatingrink.com.

Lasker Rink

Located at the northern end of Central Park off Fifth Avenue, Lasker Rink gets a lot of use from school hockey teams. (In the summertime, this space magically transforms itself into a large, city pool). While the rink does not have the charm of Wollman, the space is large enough to accommodate a practicing hockey team and others just wanting to skate. Like Wollman, Lasker offers classes in instructions for hockey and figure skating. You can also book parties and private events.

Call 917-492-3857, or go to Wollman Rink website and click on the link for Lasker Rink. (Both rinks are managed by the Trump organization).

Skyrink at Chelsea Piers

If you think it’s too cold to skate outdoors, head for Skyrink at Chelsea Piers. The rink is open year round, so if you get hooked, you can keep skating- even in your shorts. The facility is full-service, offering instruction for figure skating and hockey. There are really two rinks so skaters are not competing for the ice with hockey practice like they do at other rinks around the city.  There are places to eat, buy equipment, clothes—you name it. You can also schedule a birthday party for your son or daughter. The children skate then enjoy refreshments in a room off the rink. Located in the large sports and entertainment complex on 23rd Street and the Hudson River, Chelsea Piers has a parking garage.

For more information, call 212-336-6100, or go to the website, www.chelseapiers.com.

Wollman Rink at Prospect Park

Wollman Rink in Prospect Park is located near the Parkside Avenue/Ocean Avenue entrance of Park and is open for ice skating from late November through March 14. The Rink features a snack bar, skate shop, skate rental and free lockers. There’s a skate school that offers group or private lessons. The Rink is also a great place for birthday parties.  Through March 14, if you rent one pair of skates or make a purchase of $15 or more at the snack bar, you receive a coupon good for one free future rink admission.

Abe Stark Rink, Coney Island

If you thought Coney Island was just for summer fun, think again. There is a skating rink there, too! Open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the rink will close on March 28. The rink is located on the boardwalk, a famous place to visit any time of the year.

Call 718-946-6536 for more information.