Nestled in the vibrant Village at Northstar, the Northstar Village Ice Skating Rink is a delightful destination for winter fun and relaxation. The centerpiece of the Northstar village is a 9,000 sf skating rink encircled by cozy fire pits, picturesque alpine lodges, and live music. The rink is located in the upper part of the Village at Northstar.
Winter scene with snow-covered street and mountain resort buildings at Northstar Village, Placer County, California.
Why Visit Northstar Ice Skating Rink?
- Enjoy hours of entertainment on the ice while creating priceless family memories.
- Experience cozy vibes by warming up at fire pits after skating.
- Opportunity to learn or improve ice skating skills in a friendly environment.
After an exhilarating day on the slopes, visitors can unwind with a glass of wine at nearby Petra Restaurant & Wine Bar, which offers a delectable menu featuring salads, pastas, and hearty stews alongside an impressive selection of wines from around the globe.
Outdoor ice skating rink with skaters and surrounding alpine lodges, Northstar Drive, Placer County, California.
Visitor Experiences and Reviews
Northstar Village Ice Skating Rink offers a perfect mix of icy fun and cozy relaxation, making it an ideal winter outing for families. Reviewers highlight the joy of learning to skate, the entertainment value despite rental costs, and the charming fire pits and lounge area that provide warmth after skating.
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One visitor shared, "We came to Northstar Village looking for fun, and let me tell you-we found it! Between the ice skating and the cozy vibes, it was the perfect winter outing. My boys? They finally learned how to skate! The ice skating rink was the highlight of the day."
Another reviewer noted, "Got here at 6pm on a Friday and it was the perfect time to ice skate. Ring wasn’t too crowded and everyone was nice! They have a super cute Christmas tree for your pics."
There are fire pits with relatively uncomfortable seating and couches with very comfortable seating, ringing the rink. The rink has a large skate rental area. The full rink area with seating. Unlike some skating rinks here in the Bay Area, there was no time limit on the rink at Northstar.
Overall, skating at the rink at the Village at Northstar felt like a really chill and fun experience. It’s a lot more low-key (and cheaper!) than hitting the slopes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Consider bringing your own skates if you prefer to avoid high rental costs.
- Pack snacks to save money on overpriced food options available nearby.
- Visit during off-peak times like Friday evenings for a less crowded experience on the rink.
- Take advantage of Black Friday deals for discounted passes if planning multiple visits.
Prices are fairly reasonable. For me and my son to both skate, the skates and helmets came to $44 total. Even when I visited over a holiday weekend, the rink was not crowded.
Read also: Northstar Ski Resort Hotels
Other Activities at Northstar Village
Northstar is one of Tahoe's premier skiing and boarding destinations. The resort is perfect for families because it offers something for all skill levels: Mom and Dad can zoom down black diamonds or blitz through trees off Look Out, while the teens lap Northstar's world class and star studded Terrain Park, and the kiddos take lessons on one of several Magic Carpet or Beginner lifts.
All Northstar properties are connected by a free, on-demand shuttle to the Northstar Village. Just call when you need a ride and you can enjoy great eateries, peruse dozens of stylish stores and art galleries, or simply relax at the beautiful pools, saunas and spas.
During the summer Northstar-at-Tahoe's ski slopes transform into world class mountain biking trails. Northstar's serene trails and guided tours make horseback riding a great way to absorb the beauty of Tahoe. A short shuttle ride from your cabin is a beautiful 18 hole, par 72 golf course.
Tips for Saving Money
While many visitors enjoy the Northstar experience, some note that costs can add up. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Bring Your Own Skates: Rental costs can be significant, so bringing your own skates can save money.
- Pack Snacks: Food at the Village can be expensive, so packing your own snacks is a great way to save.
- Visit During Off-Peak Times: Visiting during less crowded times, like Friday evenings, can make the experience more enjoyable and potentially less expensive.
Cost of Skating at Northstar Village
While the experience is generally positive, some reviewers have noted the high cost of skate rentals. One visitor mentioned, "Nice rink. Super expensive rentals. It cost $50 for two of us to skate for 40 minutes. This is the most I have ever paid to rent skates anywhere in the world full stop. More than double the cost of New York City!"
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Another reviewer noted the cost of skate rentals at $25, but highlighted the hours of entertainment and priceless family memories that came with it.
Ice Condition Concerns
One visitor expressed disappointment with the ice conditions, stating, "However, I couldn’t believe how terrible the ice conditions were today. Where is the ice maintenance crew? Where is the supervision? It’s extremely concerning that the resort would allow people, especially small children, to struggle on ice full of crevices and bumps."
This highlights the importance of ensuring proper ice maintenance for a safe and enjoyable skating experience.
Overall, the Northstar Village Ice Skating Rink offers a memorable winter experience with its charming atmosphere and family-friendly activities. While costs and ice conditions may be a concern for some, the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile destination for winter fun.