When the temperatures start to drop, there’s nothing better than bundling up and hitting the ice skating rink. Gliding around the ice can be fun with friends, a great date or a fresh idea when you’re looking for things to do with the kids.
Luckily, there are some great spots for ice skating in Colorado Springs, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned skater. Many of them are open year-round, but there’s a holiday pop-up outdoor outdoor ice rink downtown too. There are also several great outdoor ice rinks near the Springs that make for a fun mountain experience.
Here’s where to lace up your skates.
5 Spots for Ice Skating in Colorado Springs
Here are some of our favorite spots to lace up the skates and enjoy an icy afternoon or evening out.
Skate in the Park
From November through January, Acacia Park hosts outdoor ice skating in downtown Colorado Springs. Spend an afternoon gliding around the rink with friends and family or pop over for one of their themed skates, such as Broncos Night, Skate with the Colorado Tigers or Skate with the U.S. Air Force Falcons men’s hockey team.
Skating downtown is a holiday favorite, and the sparkling lights and nearby restaurants and watering holes make it a prime spot even after the carolers and gift shoppers are done for the year.
Sertich Ice Center
From three-month unlimited public skating memberships to single-sessions, the Sertich Ice Center is a go-to ice skating rink in Colorado Springs at Memorial Park. The indoor rink is open year-round and offers single-session passes, pickup hockey games and themed skate nights for all levels of experience, from beginner skaters to veteran puck heads. You can check the public skate calendar at the following link.
coloradosprings.gov/sertich-ice-center
Broadmoor World Arena Ice Hall
As a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site, the Broadmoor World Arena Ice Hall is home to many world-class figure skating champions. However, the Olympically inclined aren’t the only ones able to enjoy the ice.
Open year-round, the World Arena opens its two rinks to numerous public activities, including youth hockey leagues, pick-up hockey games and traditional public skating sessions. The rink is also home to learn to skate programs, the Broadmoor Skating Club, Colorado Gold Speed Skating Club and The Broadmoor Curling Club. Check the schedule for public skate sessions.
Cadet Ice Arena
You can catch an Air Force Hockey game at the Cadet Ice Arena and enjoy public skate sessions with friends. Located on the U.S. Air Force Academy, you’ll find figure skating sessions, beginner hockey classes and more year-round. This venue has been around since 1968 and remains a favorite rink on the north side of town.
Monument Ice Rinks
In addition to an NHL-sized ice rink, the popular Monument Ice Rinks built a brand-new second rink to double the fun. Guests can enjoy pick-up hockey games with friends, sign up for one of the many hockey clubs and leagues, take figure skating lessons or show up for public skate sessions.
More Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Colorado Springs
Meadow Wood Ice Rink in Woodland Park
It’s a short drive up Ute Pass if you want to play some pick-up hockey on an outdoor rink. There are no on-site rentals, so you’ll have to bring your own skates or rent them elsewhere. The public skate and pick-up hockey sessions are free though, and there is a warming hut. Just check the schedule before you head up the pass. Operated by the Woodland Park Parks and Recreation Department, this rink is groomed. It usually opens in January and is open into March, weather dependent.
Green Mountain Falls
The lake in the center of Green Mountain Falls is a star of the scenery in the tiny, picturesque town. And the deeper into winter, the more likely that the ice will be thick enough to skate on. Date night tip: It can be a romantic spot to skate with the lights glowing on the gazebo. Just remember, this is a natural pond, so the ice is ungroomed. And it’s a bring-your-own-skates, skate-at-your-own-risk situation. Just pay attention to any posted warnings or closures, and make sure the ice is frozen solid. If in doubt, don’t go out.
greenmountainfalls.colorado.gov
Evergreen Lake
This one is a little farther away, but it’s worth the 1.5-hour drive from the Springs for a scenic ice skating day trip to Evergreen. This one is huge: 8.5 acres with 12 hockey and broom ball rinks, plus a large ice skating sheet. It’s reportedly the largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor ice rink in the world. The Evergreen Lake ice center offers skate rentals and serves snacks, including hot chocolate. You can pay per session or buy a punch pass or season pass. There are skating lessons, public skate sessions, pick-up hockey, league hockey, broomball tournaments and more. Being outdoors, it’s all weather dependent. The annual Ice Fest is scheduled for New Year’s Eve, but Evergreen Parks and Recreation recommends always calling the skating hotline, 720-880-1391, to check conditions and hourly updates on opening and closures.
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