duration that CHILL was up and running. The 2013 version has been moved to atop the lawn of the WET pool deck which will leave the heated pool open throughout the month. This will allow for guests to choose between a dip in the water before or after a little bit of time on the ice. Installing the sheet of “ice” is a tad bit like putting together a really big puzzle. Each piece is brought in and laid side-by-side, and then the entire surface is sprayed down with a solution that blends away all the seams and leaves the surface slick. Friction from the skates does the rest, as it heats up and helps to make skating across it just a bit faster. Maintenance is as simple as sweeping throughout the day to keep obstructions off the top and an occasional thin coat of solution to smooth away the scrapes and gouges of general wear and tear. With the entire WET pool deck area decorated and lit-up for the season, CHILL will be open to ages over five years old to enjoy during the day. But when the sun goes down the scene will shift to a much more adult-oriented vibe, complete with live music, DJs, and a variety of specialty, winter-inspired cocktails to keep the soul warm and toasty as the thermostat drops.
“There really is an amazing scene out there as people are enjoying the pool deck and lounge alongside people that are there to try the skating,” adds Hirose. “And then there are those who are there to do both. They get there early to skate, and then end up staying for some cocktails and end up just really enjoying themselves.” CHILL will be open to guests and non-guests at the W Scottsdale from December 5-29. No advanced reservations are required, and guests are free to bring their own skates, though they are available to rent at the hotel. Admission to CHILL is $10 per hour. Times vary by day and event, so it is recommended to call before heading out just to make sure they are open for business. Special room packages are available starting at $199, and include a stay for two, unlimited skating, use of the pool, and two complimentary drink tickets. Visit W Scottsdale at WScottsdaleHotel.com or calling 480.970.2100 for additional details. Leave it to the W Scottsdale to bring their version of Rockefeller Center to Metro Phoenix--a version that trades in scarves and puffy coats for bikinis, board shorts and cabanas. Here is to a hunch that the eggnog might pack a bit more punch as well.
December 2013 | North Scottsdale Lifestyle 21