One of the things I love most about Vermont’s changing of the seasons is the different outdoor activities they afford…  Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, there are ample opportunities to get outdoors in the winter in Vermont and New England. Ask yourself: when was the last time you ice skated and warmed yourself by a bonfire afterwards or with a hot coca? Vermont ice skating is a classic winter activity that’s often overlooked! I have fond childhood memories of learning to skate (milk crates and all) but haven’t been skating as an adult. It’s a family-friendly, affordable activity and perfect for a winter day date in Vermont as well!

There are many Vermont ice skating rinks to enjoy open skating, pond and lake skating, skating lessons, and stick and puck events (designed to help practice hockey skills) this winter (whether outdoor rinks, indoor rinks, or a frozen lakes!)… Here is a round up of some of the best ice skating destinations throughout Vermont for you to get back on the ice again.

When was the last time you skated carefree? Join the conversation below!

Vermont Ice Skating Rinks and Destinations

Where to Skate Outside in Vermont

Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, Vermont

When the midwinter freeze occurs (usually mid-January), Lake Morey transforms into one of the US’s longest skating trails with a loop of over 4.3 miles! It’s free but donations are encouraged. This skating trail provides panoramic views that make this one of the prettiest spots to skate in Vermont. Check out their website for ice conditions!

82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT 05045

Great Ice VT, North Hero, Vermont

Great Ice turn’s North Hero’s bay into a winter playground with skating, a Christmas tree bonfire, dog sled rides, cook-offs and more ever year for a Presidents’ Day weekend (February 16-18, 2024) festival. This festival is a locals’ favorite for getting out onto the ice (safely) and enjoying a winter festival in the Champlain Islands.

3537 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474

St. Johnsbury Outdoor Skating Rinks, St. Johnsbury, Vermont

Community volunteers in St. Johnsbury operate two free outdoor skating rinks in the winter. The first is located at the Four Seasons Park on Main Street. The second is at the Buck Park on Portland Street. Both feature heating huts and lights. Learn more about timing for these outdoor rinks from St. J’s rec department.

Main & Winter Streets and Portland & Concord Avenues

Vermont Ice Skating Rinks at Local Ski Mountains

Spruce Peak, Stowe, Vermont

This slopeside skating rink is in the center of Spruce Peak Village (formerly Stowe Mountain Lodge) with stunning views of ski runs close by. It’s open daily in winter and ice skates can be rented at the activity center if you don’t have your own. Warm up at a nearby bonfire at the Whistlepig Pavilion or with a hot cocoa or hot toddy!

7412 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont

Ice Haus Arena, Jay Peak, Vermont

Located at the base of Jay Peak Resort on Tramside, this indoor rink is an NHL-sized ice skating arena with four locker rooms and a rental and repair shop.

Trailside Rd, Jay, Vermont

Ice House, Okemo, Ludlow, Vermont

Okemo’s Ice House, located at Jackson Gore, is a year-round sports’ complex, with a skating rink, tennis court, basketball court, and track in the summer months. The adjacent building has gas heaters to keep you warm after a skate.

Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in Vermont

The Ice Center, Waterbury, Vermont

Enjoy public skating or stick and puck skating at this facility just outside of downtown Waterbury.

546 River Rd, Waterbury Village Historic District, Vermont

Essex Skating Facility, Essex, Vermont

Essex has two skating facilities; one is dedicated solely for those learning how to skate. Public Skating and Stick & Puck sessions are listed on their events calendar. Area Youth Hockey Leagues play here and it’s also home to the Learn to Skate USA Program at the Vermont Skating Academy.

2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, Vermont and 60 Foster Road, Essex Junction, Vermont

Gordon H. Baguette Ice Arena, Burlington, Vermont

Head to Leddy Park for public skating, stick and puck, and skate sharpening, and take in the winter views of Lake Champlain from the beach access right below.

216 Leddy Park Rd, Burlington, Vermont

Stowe Arena, Stowe, Vermont

The Stowe Arena offers an NHL-size ice arena and indoor turf with six locker rooms with showers and restrooms, food service, Pro Shop with skate rentals and sharpening, and more.

350 Park Street, Stowe, Vermont

C. Douglas Cairns Arena, Burlington, Vermont

This arena in Burlington has two NHL regulation-size rinks and is open to low-cost public skating. There is also a pro shop with hockey basics and skate sharpening.

600 Swift St, South Burlington, Vermont

Memorial Sports Center, Middlebury

Enjoy public skating, stick and puck (bring your own puck) and skate sharpening. Wearing a helmet for open skating is recommended.

Head here for public skating and to watch local hockey, speed skating, and curling!

45 Highland Ave, White River Junction, Vermont

Union Arena, Woodstock, Vermont

This is the only net-zero sports complex in the state. Public skating hours vary every week.

80 Amsden Way, Woodstock, Vermont

B.O.R. Ice Arena, Barre, Vermont

Located just off of North Main Street, this rink is located in the Barre Civic Center. It is home to public skating, ice skating, and offers skate rentals. Find stick and puck times on their website.

25 Auditorium Hill, Barre, Vermont

Fenton Chester Arena, Lyndon Center, Vermont

This arena is home of the Lyndon Institute Vikings, St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltoppers, Kingdom Blades and Lyndon Area Youth Hockey Association (LAYHA) in Northeast Kingdom. Check their schedule for daily offerings and open skating and stick and puck.

Spartan Arena, Rutland, Vermont

This is a club that’s sanctioned by the US Speed Skating of the US Olympic Committee. It’s also home to Castleton men’s and women’s hockey. Look for open skate dates this winter!

100 Diamond Run Mall Pl, Rutland, Vermont

Be part of the conversation! Where do you like to skate in Vermont or New England?

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