Ice skating is more than just a recreational activity; it’s an experience that brings joy and excitement, especially during the winter season. The city of Denver, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant recreational scene, offers numerous opportunities for ice skating enthusiasts to indulge in this delightful activity. This guide will take you on a journey through the best ice skating Denver rinks, their unique features, schedules, and other relevant information.
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Exploring Denver’s Ice Skating Scene
Downtown Denver Rink
The Downtown Denver Rink is an iconic spot that welcomes thousands of skaters each winter season. The ice skate rink operates from November through February, offering different schedules and special events.
- Regular Hours: The rink operates from 10 am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am to 7 pm from Monday to Thursday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays
- School and Group Programs: The rink offers discounted rentals for Colorado schools and encourages them to register early for their desired ice time
- Special Events: Downtown Denver Rink hosts various special events like private parties, broomball challenges, vendor activations, and numerous activities for all ages
- Special Hours: The rink adjusts its hours during special holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and others
Ice Rinks in Colorado Springs & Denver
From November to January, the west side of Colorado Springs’ Acacia Park transforms into an outdoor ice rink hub. Skate in the Park, with its themed nights, live music, and food vendors, provides a fun-filled experience for skaters.
Denver’s outdoor ice skating scene is highlighted by the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park. With options for skate rentals and post-skate warm beverages, it’s a favorite winter destination for locals and tourists alike. The Denver International Airport also hosts its own rink, providing a unique skating experience.
Indoor and Outdoor Ice Rinks in Colorado
Colorado boasts a plethora of indoor and outdoor rinks that cater to year-round ice skating. Many resort towns have frozen ponds or lakes that open for ice skating each winter. Indoor rinks stay open throughout the year, hosting a myriad of activities from hockey leagues to figure skating classes.
Ice Skating Rinks in Denver: A Closer Look
Let’s explore some of the most popular ice skating rinks in Denver in more detail.
The Downtown Denver Rink
The Downtown Denver Rink is a go-to spot for winter ice skating Denver. The rink opens in November and offers adult tickets at $11 and $9 for kids 12 and under. Skate rental is available, but skaters are advised to bring their own socks.
The Pond Ice Rink
Located in Shoplands, The Pond Ice Rink creates a winter wonderland in Denver. Open from November to February, the rink offers a unique skating experience for an admission fee of $12.
Denver International Airport Rink
The unique feature of this rink is its location – right inside Denver International Airport. It’s open to the public and is free to attend. The rink operates from November to January, providing a skate shop and food options for skaters to enjoy.
Edge Ice Arena
The Edge Ice Arena is a family-friendly, recreational rink located in Littleton. It offers public skate times and skating classes. Adult tickets cost $7, while youth ages 6-17 can skate for $5, and skate rentals are available for $3.
Parker Ice Trail
The Parker Ice Trail in Discovery Park is open seven days a week from November to February. It offers a unique design, winding through the park like a frozen river. Admission costs vary based on age.
Winterskate in Historic Downtown Louisville
Winterskate celebrates its 19th season in November. Children aged 3 and under can skate for free, while those aged 4 and over are charged $11.
Reviews of Denver’s Skating Rinks
According to online reviews, many families have enjoyed classes at Denver’s skating rinks, commending the quality of teachers and reasonable prices. However, some have noted an unpleasant smell in the downstairs area around the rink.
Ice Skating in Colorado: A Year-Round Activity
Colorado’s vibrant ice skating scene is not confined to winter. Indoor rinks across the state provide year-round skating opportunities, hosting various activities from hockey leagues to figure skating classes.
Tips for Ice Skating in Denver
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, here are some tips to enhance your ice skating experience:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear warm, long layers. Consider gloves, long socks, and a hat for comfort
- Tighten Your Skates: Ensure your skates are tight enough to support your ankles but not so tight that your feet go numb
- Follow the Flow: Observe the direction of other skaters before stepping onto the rink
- Start Slow: If you’re new to skating, start slow and stay near the wall until you’re comfortable
- Lower Your Center of Gravity: If you feel like you’re going to fall, bend your knees to stabilize yourself
6. Colorado Skating Events
Several exciting skating events take place in Colorado every year, including the Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament, Palmer Lake Winterfest, and the Grand Lake Pond Hockey Classic. These events provide opportunities for enthusiasts to participate in friendly competitions and enjoy the vibrant winter scene of Colorado.
Ice skating in Denver offers a fun-filled experience for individuals of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring the city’s ice skating scene will undoubtedly add a dash of excitement to your winter days.
