It is no surprise that The Vail Valley is a hub for all winter activities, or that the area has long been deemed a must-visit spot for outdoor lovers everywhere. After skiing and snowboarding (of course), ice skating is a favorite way to spend a day amongst locals and visitors, and there are several rinks to choose from. The skating atmosphere and amenities vary from rink to rink. That’s why we compiled a list of our favorite spots in the valley, complete with all the “need to know” information.
Edwards Ice Rinks:
Within Edwards, there are two outdoor ice rinks maintained by Mountain Recreation. Brought to the neighborhood in the winter of 2023, these rinks are a great spot for families and hockey players to check out.
Both rinks are located near the Mountain Recreation Edwards Field House. Beginner skaters can try out the smaller ice rink, and more intermediate skaters and hockey players can skate at the bigger rink to brush up on their skills.
The Details:
Outdoor rinks
Limited supply of figure skates are available free of charge
Both rinks are lit up and open till 9 pm each night
Goals on both rinks for shooting practice
Mountain views
Located just a three-minute drive from the shops and restaurants of Edwards’ Riverwalk, The Inn At Riverwalk’s guests can easily walk to the ice rinks from the hotel by way of the Eagle River Trail. Enjoy a few hours of skating, then enjoy s'mores around the fire back at the hotel.
Vail Valley Ice Rinks:
If you are looking to skate a bit later into the night, or want to lake skate, check out a few of the rinks in the greater Vail Valley area. Be sure to keep rental costs and distance from your hotel stay in mind.
Nottingham Lake
This rink has all the mountain views, with all of the amenities. Enjoy lake skating or warm up next to the fire pits around the lake.
Details:
Rentals available
Beautiful lake and mountain views
Firepits
Lake skating
Open weekdays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and weekends 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Beaver Creek Ice Rink
Just a few minutes down the road from The Inn at Riverwalk is the Beaver Creek Ice Rink. This outdoor rink is right at the center of Beaver Creek Village with a lively skating environment.
Details:
Rentals available
Admission fees
Fire pits and couches available to sit and relax on
Pay for two hours of skate time
Central location in Beaver Creek Village
Dobson Ice Arena
When the weather turns or the seasons change, Dobson Ice Area is a great spot to enjoy ice skating.This indoor area has skating lessons, open skate, summer camps, and ice bumper cars too. The Vail Yeti Hockey team also hosts games here for hockey lovers.
Details:
Lessons
Rentals Available
Admission Fees
Call ahead for open skate hours
Eagle Pool & Ice Rink
Driving further into the Vail Valley, this Eagle ice rink is another indoor option for those wanting to skate year-round.
Details:
Lessons
Rentals Available
Admission Fees
See their calendar for open skate times
Post-Skate Treats
After working up an appetite on the ice, visitors can indulge in some local flavors and treats. Conveniently close to all of the skating rinks mentioned, skaters can enjoy hot chocolate from The Bookworm Cafe, or hot pizza at Marko’s Pizza. From piping hot cocoa to savory snacks like hot sandwiches at Boardroom Deli, there's no better way to refuel and recharge after a day of skating.
Insider Tips:
For those looking to beat the crowds, consider visiting the rinks during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or late afternoons. Additionally, be sure to bundle up in warm layers and don't forget your gloves and scarf to stay cozy on the ice. If you're traveling with little ones, don't miss the opportunity to rent adorable penguins or seal-shaped skating aids to help them gain confidence on the ice.
As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, there's no better time to embrace the season's charms than by visiting the ice rinks of the Vail Valley. Whether you're a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, there is an ice rink for all visitors and locals to experience in the Vail Valley.
Where To Stay
The Vail Valley is made up of nine mountain towns, including charming Edwards. Close to the action, yet away from it all, The Inn is an independent hotel in the heart of Edwards, just a short drive from skating opportunities across the valley.
A wide selection of rooms and one- or two-bedroom condosoffer town, mountain, or river views. Each unit has modern amenities, feather-bed-topped mattresses, and high-end bath products. Warm up at the 24/7 self-serve Lavazza Coffee and Tea Bar, offering lattes, hot chocolate, and herbal teas, before taking in the beauty of art in The Vail Valley.
Book your stay at The Inn at Riverwalk today.