ice skating was also used as a means of transportation during long freezes - it was an efficient way to cross long distances and safely reach destinations. as ice skaing technology progressed, so did the sporting events - by the early 19th century, europeans in the netherlands, england and scotland were barrell racing around skating rinks.

an american named jackson haines is considered the founder of figure skating - his style of movement on the ice was less rigid and incorporated ballet movements - in the late 1800s he  was the first skater to screw the skate blade permanently into boot and was able to perform stable jumps.

although primarily a cold weather sport, arenas began to pop up that could be kept cold in hot areas.