Halycon Hotel
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A perk of living in a snowy state: When the weather gets cooler, there’s no shortage of ice-skating opportunities.
Rinks opened this week in both Cherry Creek and Lakewood. Although the popular Downtown Denver Rink is closed for the next two years due to Skyline Park construction, McGregor Square will soon fill that gap. And while the rink at the airport skated off a few years ago, ice-skating spots in the area are still plentiful.
Whether it’s a seasonal outdoor pop-up, an actual frozen lake or a trusty traditional arena for when the weather is just not cooperating, there’s a place where you can channel your inner Wayne Gretzky. Here are some of the best options; check their websites for hours and other updates.
McGregor Skate Ice Rink
1901 Wazee Street
November 28 to January 25
Opening for the season on November 28 with a tree lighting ceremony and special guest Dinger (the Rockies mascot, who will have a huge advantage in that suit if the weather is cold), McGregor Skate is your only option for downtown Denver skating this year. Never fear, this is an excellent option. Following your skate, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants surrounding the rink. Reservations are available online. Skate rental and admission is $15 for adults and $9 for children. Admission only (if you bring your own skates) is $6.
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Halcyon on Ice
Halcyon Hotel, 245 Columbine Street
Now through January 1; open daily noon-9 p.m.
For the third year, Cherry Creek’s luxe Halcyon Hotel will host Halcyon on Ice, where “visitors can immerse in genuine European alpine culture without leaving Denver.” The rooftop lounge is transformed into an “ice skating in the clouds” motif, featuring carefully curated music, drinks, and food. Reservations are not available. Admission is free to the public and hotel guests; bring your own skates or rent a pair.
The Rink at Belmar
439 South Teller Street, Lakewood
Now through January 25
This is the best place to skate if you want to pair it with a little shopping afterwards. With no shortage of restaurants to refuel and warm up, it’s also an easy destination to take the kids. Reservations are available online. Skate rental and admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children. Admission is $8 if you bring your own skates.
Parker Ice Trail
Discovery Park, 20115 Mainstreet, Parker
November 28 to February 28
Unlike a typical ice-skating rink, this Parker destination is more like a lazy river on ice. Instead of doing quick laps, think ice-skating on a canal. Three fire pits adjacent to the trail (and hot cocoa sold on site) make the entire experience feel cozy. Reservations are not available. Admission is $10. Skate rentals are $4 per person.
Evergreen Lake
29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen
Opening and closing days for 2025/2026 are entirely dependent on Mother Nature. Last year, skating opened on Christmas Eve and closed in March
If the hockey-forward book Beartown by Fredrik Backman became a movie, it should be filmed here. During this dreamy winter wonderland experience, you’ll encounter mini hockey games, figure skaters and even young children being carted across the lake on a sled. Evergreen Lake is the largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor ice rink in the world. Since this is a lake, remember that everything is weather and ice-dependent, so check before you go. Reservations are available for private groups only. Admission is $15 per person or $20 with skate rentals included.
The Pond at Southlands
6100 South Main Street, Aurora
Through March 1
The Pond Ice Rink is located at the Southlands Mall. Translation: drop the kids off at the skating rink (with supervision, of course) while you treat yourself to a matinee movie or a peaceful beverage at Legends Coffee. Reservations are recommended and available online. Cost is $14 per person, which includes skate rental and tax.
Longmont Ice Pavilion
Roosevelt Park, 725 8th Avenue, Longmont
Through March 3
A seasonal, outdoor full-service ice rink, this Longmont spot offers skating lessons, hockey, and private rentals. Reservations are not available for open skate, but required for drop-in hockey. Admission is $6 for Colorado residents; skate rental is additional.
Jeremy Swanson
The Rink at Snowmass Base Village
Located in Snowmass Base Village, directly outside Limelight Snowmass
November 29 (weather permitting) through mid-April (weather dependent)
This one is a hike from Denver (a little over three hours), but if you’re already going to be in the area, add The Rink to your list. Located at Snowmass Base Village, The Rink is an outdoor ice-skating rink open daily during the winter season. Special events like curling competitions, ice rink performances and discos on the rink are part of what makes this rink special. Reservations are not available. Admission and skate rental are free and the rink is open daily from noon to 9 p.m.
Olde Town Arvada Skating
Olde Town Square on 57th Avenue between Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and the pedestrian mall
November 24 through January 4
Come and enjoy a skate under the lights of the Olde Town tree. Of note, Arvada’s rink is made of synthetic materials, not ice, so it’s a “skating rink” not an “ice rink.” No ice? No problem.
South Suburban Sports Complex
4810 East County Line Road, Highlands Ranch
Open year-round
This is traditional arena ice skating, but slightly elevated (think three ice rinks, a restaurant and a full bar). Here, you have more options than concession stand nachos and stale candy (fried fish tacos or a Mediterranean bowl, anyone?) The facility offers public skating, drop-in hockey and private lessons. Reservations are not available for free skate. Admission is $7.50 for Colorado residents; skate rentals are an additional $2.50.
University of Denver
Joe Burns Arena at The Ritchie Center, 2250 E Jewell Ave
Open year-round
You already know University of Denver has one of the best collegiate hockey programs in the country, so why not skate on the same ice as these hockey stars? You don’t have to be a student to enjoy public skate, stick & puck (open hockey practice sessions), or drop-in hockey. What we like is that it offers skate times to accommodate all kinds of schedules (think 8:30 a.m. skate and ice-skating during your lunch hour). Reservations are required and can be made online. Admission is $15 for the public; students get in free.
