Crashed Ice returns to St. Paul this weekend with its mad icy run that starts at the Cathedral of St. Paul and ends downtown.

Mayor Melvin Carter tried out the course on Thursday, following in the skate-steps of former Mayor Chris Coleman.

On Friday and Saturday, groups of hockey skaters will scream down the luge-like course, with its bumps, curves, hills and jumps, flailing and sailing down the 1,600-foot track, 12 stories to the finish line. The event draws more than 100,000 spectators.

Lifelong St. Paul resident and Fox 9 reporter Todd Walker has attended every Crashed Ice in St. Paul and is a roaming reporter for Red Bull, sponsor of the speedy, slidey event. He shared some insider tips.

Best place to watch (start or finish or …)? At the center of the track, there’s a big knoll across from the Cathedral. From there, you can see the athletes at the top as they come out of the chutes and take the first big jump. (That area is mostly designated for ticketed viewers, see below.)

Should you move around or get there early and stake out a good spot? “I tell this to absolutely everybody: Do not miss the opening ceremony,” Walker said. “Red Bull is so about getting the crowd going.” The Cathedral bells ring, the national anthem plays and there’s a pyrotechnics display.

Friday or Saturday? Again, the opening ceremony at 8 p.m. Saturday is a must-see. But there’s plenty of action on Friday night, too, with the freestyle and juniors competition. Doors open both nights at 6 p.m. and the races end by 10 each night.

What if I don’t want to fight the crowds at night? You can see people on the course during the day on Thursday and Friday, testing the course.

Crashed Ice is free, but there are new ticketed levels this year. What does that get me? Tickets range from $20 for exclusive viewing of the lower track and finish line for one day to $350 for an “Ice Club Ultimate Weekend Pass,” which gets you elevated viewing, open bar, snacks, a heated tent, private bathrooms and the after party at the Palace Theatre in downtown St. Paul. But you don’t need a ticket. Most of the Crashed Ice viewing is free. Get tickets at redbull.com/crashedice.

Where should I park? Parking is free in the J and H lots at the Capitol and in the neighborhood. St. Paul College, the Minnesota History Center and Sears are charging $20 for parking. Metro Transit rides are free with a pass downloaded at visitsaintpaul.com. There will be shuttles from a number of places, including Alary’s, Tiffany’s, Wild Onion, Tav on the Ave and O’Gara’s in St. Paul.

Who should I cheer for in the races? Lakeville native Cameron Naasz has a big fan base and is leading in the Red Bull Crashed Ice series coming into the St. Paul races. The woman racer to watch is Amanda Trunzo from Blaine.

Where is a good spot to see some Crashed Ice action? There’s a new jump over John Ireland Boulevard. “It will be great for action and seeing the athletes take this amazing jump.”

What else is new this year? The rest of the course is the same. The viewing tickets are new this year. And expect more security and bag checks.

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The Lectric XP electric bike is a bit crude, but has quality where it counts Where should I go after Crashed Ice — maybe some place I might see some of the athletes? There’s a street party on West Seventh Street. Red Bull Crashed Ice Village is from 4-11 p.m. The street will be closed, and bars and restaurants will offer specials.

IF YOU GO