Ahh, winter in Colorado. Hitting the slopes, sipping hot cocoa, cozying up in a mountain cabin, flying down local sledding hills, festivals galore…you truly can’t go wrong.
Another favorite way to enjoy Colorado’s crisp bluebird winter days is lacing up your skates and hitting the ice. Gather up some friends, say a little prayer for your balance (and ankles!), and head out for a day of ice skating in Denver.
Where to Go Ice Skating in Denver
From seasonal rinks in the heart of the city to frozen lakes in state parks, there are several places to go ice skating in Denver.
1. Downtown Denver Rink
This pop-up rink downtown at the 16th Street Mall is one of the best places for free ice skating in Denver. Much loved by locals, the rink typically opens on Thanksgiving weekend and closes in mid-February.
Ice skating is free and skate rentals are available onsite for a fee. Rentals are always free for Colorado 4th-grade students, as well as anyone with a My Denver Card. In addition to skating, Downtown Denver Rink offers benefit Broomball Challenges in January and February.
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2. Ritchie Center at the University of Denver
One of the only places to go indoor ice skating in Denver, the Ritchie Center has two arenas. Between the two, the center hosts public skate sessions, drop-in hockey games, youth and adult hockey leagues, and skating lessons. You must make reservations for all sessions, and skate rentals are included in the cost.
3. The Pond at Southlands
Situated in Aurora’s major shopping and entertainment destination, the Southlands, “The Pond” is one of the best places to go ice skating in Denver outdoors. Plus, the rink is bordered by decorated Christmas trees, creating a magical winter wonderland scene. The Pond is open seven days a week through February and skate rentals are available.
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4. Cherry Creek State Park
While skating at Cherry Creek State Park can be hit or miss — it’s only possible when the water is frozen completely over — it’s one of the best places for free ice skating in Denver.
Because the ice must be thick enough to safely skate on, you should take some precautions. As a general rule, don’t skate if you’re the only person there. There may be a reason no one else is on the ice! Also keep in mind that this is an undeveloped ice skating area, not a rink, and no skate rentals or concessions are available.
5. The Ice Ranch, Littleton
If you’re looking for a place to go ice skating in Denver indoors, The Ice Ranch is a great option. Come for open public skate sessions, hockey lessons and leagues, curling, and much more. One of the most unique (and popular!) options here are the Zamboni driving lessons. The Ice Ranch also has a coffee shop, bar and grill, and pro shop onsite.
6. Evergreen Lake
8.5-acre Evergreen Lake is one of the largest outdoor ice skating rinks in North America. It’s also widely considered one of the best skating rinks in the entire world! Between the Front Range scenery and the 11 (!!) ice rinks, it’s easy to see why. Aside from ice skating at Evergreen, you can play hockey or broomball, or ice fish on the lake. There’s also some excellent sledding at the adjacent Evergreen Golf Course.
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7. Longmont Ice Pavilion
This covered, open-air pavilion in Longmont’s Roosevelt Park is a fantastic place for both ice skating and hockey. Enjoy public open skate sessions, adult and youth hockey leagues and lessons, broomball equipment rentals, and private facility rentals. For the 2021-22 season, you must reserve your ice time and skate rentals in advance.
Bonus: Longmont is in the Boulder area, so make a day trip of it. Enjoy some uniquely Boulder activities including hiking the Flatirons and shopping the Pearl Street Mall.
Is ice skating in Denver on your winter bucket list this year? Which spots are you planning to hit? Tag us in your social media photos so we can see you in action!
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