Winter and ice skating go hand in hand, especially when it comes to outdoor rinks. What’s more magical than ice skating outdoors while sporting just a sweater?
In and around the Denver metro area, you’ll find an assortment of ice skating opportunities “en plein air.” Whether you’re looking to get a few laps in at a nearby shopping center or need long stretches at the iconic Evergreen Lake, skaters have numerous options in the region.
Recreational skaters, hockey players and broomball enthusiasts will appreciate the beauty of these outdoors arenas. You don’t have to be an expert skater to enjoy this activity; sometimes the worse you are, the more fun you’ll have! Here are Usaj Realty’s top picks for the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the Denver metro area.
The Pond at Southlands
South Aurora residents love this rink burrowed within the 200+ shops, restaurants, and service agencies of the Southlands Shopping area. Surrounded by decorated Christmas trees, this is a perfect venue to meet friends and family for an outdoor adventure. Buy your tickets in advance here. The Pond is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. They are also open on all school holidays from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date information. Admission is $12 (includes skating rental) for everyone 4 years and up.
WinterSkate in Louisville
This is the 16th season for WinterSkate in historic downtown Louisville. Considered one of the best places to live by Money Magazine, Louisville provides a charming backdrop for WinterSkate, an old-fashioned, outdoor ice skating rink complete with traditional music and free parking. Boasting over 6,500 square feet of ice, WinterSkate is the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in Boulder County. Call ahead to make sure they are open and have room for you, Regular hours are as follows: Monday-Wednesday, 3-7 p.m.; Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Evergreen Lake
This spectacular 8.5 acre stretch of ice with 11 hockey rinks and a huge public skating area hosts skaters from around the Denver metro area and is considered one of the top 10 skating venues in the world. This magnificent layout is situated next to statuesque ponderosa pines and the Evergreen Golf Course, and is a short walk to downtown Evergreen. Also, the Evergreen Lake House will not be open but there will be concessions and skate rentals outside.
Admission to the rink is $15 per person. Skate rentals are available. The rink hours are as follows: Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Check website for holiday hours. Always call the skating hotline before you leave for the lake. Hours and days are subject to change due to fluctuating weather and ice conditions.
Buchanan Ponds
Buchanan Ponds are currently closed. Check the website as to when they might open. These ponds are located next to the Buchanan Rec Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail. Personal rinks have been created on the ice and you can rent skating time for $60 per hour or $10 per person . Please bring your own skates since there will be no skate rental on the premises.
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
The Downtown Denver Rink is now open! Jan 7th to Feb 14th, hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs from 12 pm – 5 pm* and Wed 12 pm – 6pm. On the weekends the rinks is open Fri – Sat 10 am – 10 pm and Sun 11 am – 6 pm. On Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 12), hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m and on Valentines day (Feb 14) hours are 12pm – 8pm. Check out their website for special activities and events.
(Editor’s note: This blog was originally published in January of 2019. It has been updated to provide current information).
