Aspen Skating Club to host national and international stars

The Aspen Skating Club is set to welcome top-tier talent for its annual ice show, Land of Oz on Ice, on March 15 at the Lewis Ice Arena.

Headlining the event is Olympian and two-time Canadian champion Keegan Messing, known for his dynamic performances and infectious energy. While Messing has competed on the world's biggest stages -- including the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Games -- he finds his true passion in show skating.

"Shows are fun," he says. "I have the freedom to do anything I want. It brings me back to my roots, why I started skating, the reasons I love the sport."

His career has taken him across North America, Europe, and Japan, where he continues to captivate audiences.

Also joining the lineup are Aspen Skating Club alumna Klara Belle Kowar and her ice dance partner, Thomas Schwappach. The duo, who began competing together in 2022, train under Olympic silver medalist Ben Agosto and choreographer Katherine Hill. Last season, they medaled at the Chesapeake Open and Lake Placid before claiming bronze at the Midwestern Sectional Championships. They made their U.S. Nationals debut in January, finishing 12th in senior ice dance with a season-best score.

This year's Land of Oz on Ice will showcase more than 90 local skaters, ranging from toddlers to adults, performing routines inspired by The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. Olympic medalist Paul Wylie will serve as master of ceremonies, adding to the star-studded lineup.

Beyond the performances, the event will feature a fundraising auction and bake sale, benefiting the Aspen Skating Club, a nonprofit organization, and the Aspen Youth Center.