Ice skating is a beloved winter activity, offering a magical experience as you glide across frozen ponds or professionally maintained rinks while enjoying the crisp winter air and snowy scenery. From iconic outdoor rinks in New England to the wild ice skating adventures in Colorado, there's something for everyone. This article explores the unique aspects of ice skating in rural areas, including the necessary gear, safety precautions, and picturesque locations.
Iconic Ice Skating Rinks in New England
New England is home to some of the most picturesque outdoor ice skating rinks, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just looking for a fun winter activity, these rinks deliver an unforgettable experience.
Frog Pond in Boston, MA
One of the most iconic outdoor ice rinks in New England, Frog Pond is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of downtown in the Boston Common, the Frog Pond transforms each winter into an ice rink with the bustling backdrop of the city skyline. Ice rink admission is $10 for skaters over 48-inches. There are skate rentals, skating aids, lockers, and restrooms available on site. After skating, you can grab a delicious hot chocolate and fresh croissant from Bakey Bakery + Cafe and take a stroll through Boston Common. It’s a perfect way to experience the best of Boston in winter.
Lake Morey in Fairlee, VT
For those looking for more wild and wide open spaces, Lake Morey in Fairlee, Vermont, offers an experience that’s hard to beat. Touted as the longest ice skating trail of its kind in the country, this four-and-a-half-mile loop follows the edge of the lake with panoramic views of the Vermont countryside. Parking is available at the beach and surrounding area, and ice access is free and open to the public.
Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, NH
Nestlenook Farm has one of the most charming outdoor ice skating rinks in New England. Skaters glide on the frozen Emerald Lake that meanders across three acres and under picturesque bridges. A quaint warming hut sits at the center of the ice, the perfect spot for lacing up skates or thawing frozen fingers with a mug of hot cocoa near the large stone fireplace.
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Skatium Ice Rink in Waitsfield, VT
For a fun, family-friendly winter destination, Skatium is a true hidden gem. This outdoor rink is nestled in Vermont’s beautiful Mad River Valley, providing skaters with gorgeous mountain views. One side of the rink offers open skate and the other is reserved for stick and puck. Skatium is owned and operated by a non-profit organization governed by a group of local volunteers.
Wild Ice Skating in Colorado
This year’s mild winter has hindered other winter recreation, but wild ice skating flourished in the early part of the season. Skating on wild ice requires a constant conversation with it about its current condition.
Seibold puts on her figure skates and prepares her towrope and ice picks at Rifle Gap Reservoir, north of Rifle, Colorado. The newly frozen ice, about 2 inches thick, is so clear that the lakebed beneath is visible. Skating along the reservoir, Seibold tossed a round rock about 15 feet onto the ice that lay ahead. The sound the rock makes when it lands and the geometry of the resulting crack tell her how thick the ice is. Seibold skates along the edge of the Lake Fork Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir, near Gunnison, Colorado.
Exploring the surface of the reservoir is much like appreciating the flora and fauna on a hike.
Seibold’s decision to start skating on wild ice was made for practical reasons: As a student at University of Colorado Boulder, she found it hard to find ice time at the university’s rink, and she needed somewhere to prepare for figure-skating competitions. Now she’s based in Montrose, on Colorado’s Western Slope, but her rationale is similar as she trains for the sport of ice cross downhill, where skaters race down an ice track full of turns and jumps. There’s no ice rink in Montrose itself, and the closest one, filled with recreationists circling and kids chasing each other in the wrong direction, is over an hour away.
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“It’s a bit of a game with wild ice,” said Kottlowski, who enjoys keeping track of the myriad factors at play. Reservoir levels and the previous year’s snowpack add to the complexity of when bodies of water freeze.
Before a body of water is fully frozen over, the water freezes in sections, thicker portions abutting thinner. Wherever they meet, a ridge forms, similar to those created by the tectonic plates of the Earth’s surface. “I love standing on cracks and seeing them break,” said Seibold, a skater who frequents these stretches of ungroomed ice. When tectonic plates shift, we experience earthquakes, but we can’t always hear smaller adjustments.
Skating wild ice has also given Seibold a new community. Figure skating tends to be a solo activity, and teammates compete even with each other. But wild ice skating feels like more of a team sport. “It’s nice to have a ton of people who enjoy the same things as you and want to do the same things as you but there’s no stakes,” Seibold said. Soon after, they started skating together. “Mountaineering and figure skating are kind of polar opposites in most people’s minds,” Kottlowski said.
Seibold shows Landry a frozen methane bubble that she fished out of a hole in the ice. Even in thick ice, methane bubbles can form holes where the freezing water is covered with just a thin layer of ice. Methane bubbles are one of the hazards of wild ice.
Safety and Gear for Wild Ice Skating
Compared to other winter sports, wild ice skating is relatively affordable. A life vest borrowed from summer storage, ice picks, an ice corer, tow rope, skates and a trusty round rock are all that’s needed. There are even blades that can fit onto Nordic skiing boots. Still, it comes with its share of danger.
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In 2022, after 14 years of skating without incident, Kottlowski watched two friends fall through the ice; two other skaters plunged in as well. Kottlowski was able to help rescue her friends and one other skater, but the fourth person died. Kottlowski was the only one skating with safety equipment that day. The experience left her angry at the wild ice skating community for not widely sharing the knowledge that could have prevented the accident. Her first two workshops sold out, and she is working on an online course. “The danger can be mitigated just like any other sport,” Seibold, who has helped with the workshops, said. “Just like you take your avalanche courses and know how to go to safe terrain.
Secret Joys of Skating on Wild Ice
Ice Skating Rinks Across the United States
Across the US, there are many outdoor ice skating rinks that open seasonally and year-round. Here are some notable examples:
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center (New York): High on the list of essential New York winter activities. Many happy couples have popped the question under the dazzling Christmas lights here.
- Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink (New York): Officially known as The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village, admission is free if you bring your own skates.
- National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (Washington, D.C.): Skating here is more rewarding because of the Sculpture Garden, which is decorated with twinkling lights.
- Sugar Mountain Resort (North Carolina): This rink, with its endless rows of pine trees, is a must-see attraction.
- McCormick Tribune Plaza (Chicago): Completely free to the public, this venue gives you a full view of the Chicago skyline and the Chicago Christmas Tree. There are also free ice skating lessons on most Saturdays.
- Mahoney State Park (Nebraska): Attached to a children’s playground, this rink offers fun outdoor activities for families.
- The Cosmopolitan (Las Vegas): Features a toasty fire pit that adds to the festive atmosphere and winter fun.
- Nancy Lake Loop (Alaska): Offers 13 rinks for a mystical Alaskan winter landscape experience.
- Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink (Idaho): One of the few year-round outdoor ice rinks in the country.
Essential Information for Planning Your Ice Skating Trip
When Do Rinks Open?
It depends heavily on the local climate. In colder northern states like Alaska or Minnesota, rinks can open as early as November or even late October if temperatures stay below freezing. In cities like New York or Chicago, the season typically begins in late November or early December and runs through February or early March. In warmer climates, such as Las Vegas or southern California, most outdoor rinks are artificially maintained and operate on flexible schedules, sometimes staying open well into spring.
What Gear Should You Bring?
Most city rinks offer skate rentals on-site, making it easy for tourists and first-timers. However, if you plan to skate on a natural lake or a more remote rink, you may need to bring your own gear. Dressing appropriately is also key - wear layered, waterproof clothing, gloves, and a hat, and consider wearing a helmet if you’re a beginner.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary widely depending on the location. Popular spots like Rockefeller Center in New York can range from around $11 to $70+ per session, depending on the season and time slot. Some rinks, like Chicago’s McCormick Tribune Plaza, are free to access, though you’ll usually pay a small fee for skate rentals. Natural or local community rinks are often free but may lack amenities like lockers or heated rest areas.
Safety Tips
Weather plays a major role in outdoor skating safety and quality. Temperatures above freezing can soften or crack the ice, while heavy snow or rain can make the surface uneven or waterlogged. Rapid temperature swings - like warm days followed by freezing nights - can also create dangerous cracks. Natural rinks are the most affected by these changes, while artificial rinks are usually well maintained regardless of weather.
Many rinks offer beginner-friendly sessions, free lessons, or group classes - for example, Chicago’s McCormick Tribune Plaza hosts free skating lessons on weekends. Look for rinks that provide child-sized skates, skating aids, or family packages. Safety gear such as helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads is highly recommended, especially for kids or those new to skating. It’s also smart to plan shorter sessions to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of falls.
Ice Skating Adventures in Idaho
Idaho is home to several amazing ice-skating adventures:
- Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink: One of the few year-round outdoor ice rinks in the country.
- Indian Creek Plaza (Caldwell): Can sometimes take more than 3 weeks to construct.
- LC Ice Arena (Lewiston): Home to LATE NIGHT ice-skating on Fridays and Saturdays during the entire winter season.
No matter your skill level, there’s plenty of Idaho ice to enjoy. Lace up your skates and glide onto Idaho’s ice rinks. Get up close and personal with nature on a rink in Stanley surrounded by mountains. In Sun Valley, ice skate year-round with the whole family or work your way across the ice while enjoying views of Payette Lake in McCall.
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