« Clotheslines | Home | Suburbia and the American identity »
January 25, 2008
Crashed Ice: Every city needs a unique event
Quebec City, founded in 1608, is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. The historic buildings and the spectacular setting make it unique and special. But in the 21st century, a place seems to need more than this to be a source of household conversation. That’s why so many cities compete for major events like the Olympics.
Quebec City has what is arguably the most unique sporting event around: Crashed Ice. 
People dressed in full hockey padding race on a steep, downhill ice track that winds through the historic old part of the city. Here’s a description.
Racers will reach speeds of over 60 km/hr before hitting a steep right turn in front of the Post Office, which sits across from the Parc Montmorency . . . This is where the real fun starts.
Skaters will battle for position as they shoot down Côte de la Montagne and directly under Porte Prescott, one of the remaining arches of the original fortifications that surround Vieux-Québec. Then, in the middle of the steepest part of Côte de la Montagne, the track will make a sharp left at the level of the infamous Escalier Casse-Cou, otherwise known as “Breakneck Stairway”. Before hitting the bottom of the hill, skaters will literally fly over the Parc de la Cétiere before careening down on Place Royale where, fittingly, scenes were shot for the Hollywood blockbuster “Catch Me If You Can”.
It’s also home to the oldest church in North America. No time for prayer however, as one last sprint down the stairs of rue de la Place and the skaters will hit the finish on Place de Paris, only a few yards from the powerful currents that seemed so peaceful atop the course, the waters of the Saint Lawrence River.
Yes, Quebec City also has the Quebec Winter Festival, somewhat unique and special. But in this era of extreme sports, Crashed Ice could become as big a draw.
Oh, the 2008 event is on. The final heats will runs Saturday night, January 26. In Canada it will be broadcast live on TSN.
Watch footage of the event and last year’s final here:
Topics: public spaces, economic development |
February 13th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
wow. If seen more broadly, maybe it could bring back hockey. (E.g., I just saw part of the documentary “Dogtown and the Z-boys” about skateboarding.)