--- title: "Where to Ice Skate in Vermont: Outdoor Rinks, Frozen Lakes & Indoor Arenas" url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/ice-skating-in-vermont/" type: "Guide" author: "Erin McCormick" author_url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/" published: "2023-11-27" updated: "2026-10-26" topics: ["Experiences","Activities","Seasons","Vermont Winter"] description: "Looking for ice skating in Vermont? Find outdoor rinks, frozen lakes, indoor arenas and family-friendly skating destinations across the Green Mountain State." site: "Travel Like a Local®: Vermont" --- # Where to Ice Skate in Vermont: Outdoor Rinks, Frozen Lakes & Indoor Arenas By [Erin McCormick](https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/) · Published November 27, 2023 · Updated October 26, 2026 One of my favorite things about living in Vermont is how much our outdoor activities change with the seasons. Just as hiking season winds down, ski mountains open, snowshoe trails become accessible, and lakes begin to freeze. There are so many ways to enjoy winter here, even if skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing. And one winter activity I think we tend to forget about? Ice skating. I have fond childhood memories of learning to skate, milk crates and all. I can still picture myself clinging to one of those plastic crates, trying to figure out how to move forward without landing on my backside. But here’s the funny thing: I haven’t been ice skating once as an adult. Considering how many skating rinks we have in Vermont, I really have no excuse. Ice skating is affordable, doesn’t require much equipment, and is something you can enjoy with friends, kids, or a date. Add a bonfire afterward, a cup of hot cocoa, and maybe a little après-skate cocktail, and you’ve got a pretty great winter afternoon planned. And Vermont has some pretty spectacular places to do it. You can skate across a frozen lake, take a few laps at the base of a ski mountain, or visit one of the many community rinks offering public skating throughout the winter. I’ve rounded up some of the best places to ice skate in Vermont, including outdoor skating destinations, indoor arenas, and a few spots that might make you want to dust off those skates. Now I just need to take my own advice and get back on the ice. ## Vermont Ice Skating Rinks and Destinations ![Skaters glide across an outdoor rink beneath a ski slope and snowmaking spray.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ice-Skating-in-Vermont-575x1024.webp) ## Where to Ice Skate Outdoors in Vermont ### Lake Morey Resort | Fairlee, Vermont If you’re going to make a special trip to go ice skating in Vermont, Lake Morey should be high on your list. When conditions allow, the frozen lake becomes home to a maintained skating trail that has traditionally stretched approximately 4.3 miles. Instead of circling the same rink over and over, you can skate across the lake, surrounded by wooded hills and beautiful winter scenery. It’s one of the longest maintained skating trails in the country, and easily one of Vermont’s most unusual winter experiences. The trail typically opens during the coldest part of winter, often in January or February, although recent winters have been unpredictable. Access has traditionally been free, with donations encouraged to help maintain the ice. I’d make an afternoon of it, especially if you’re driving from another part of the state. Check the ice conditions before leaving home, bring plenty of layers, and plan to warm up afterward. **Location:** Lake Morey, Fairlee, VT **Good to Know:** Public access is available at Fairlee Town Beach, 226 Clubhouse Road. Check current skating conditions and rental availability before visiting. ### Great Ice! | North Hero, Vermont The Champlain Islands aren’t just a summer destination, and Great Ice! is a good reminder of that. Held around Presidents’ Day weekend, this annual winter festival celebrates the frozen landscape around North Hero with activities that have included ice skating, dog sled demonstrations, food competitions, and a Christmas tree bonfire. I love that Vermont has so many community events built around getting people outdoors, particularly during the coldest months of the year. And a bonfire made from Christmas trees? That’s reason enough to bundle up and head to the Islands. Festival activities change annually and depend on ice conditions, so check the schedule before making plans. **Location:** North Hero, VT **Good to Know:** Great Ice! typically takes place in February. Some activities may be moved or canceled if lake ice is unsafe. ### St. Johnsbury Outdoor Skating Rinks | St. Johnsbury, Vermont You don’t need to visit a resort or spend much money to enjoy ice skating in Vermont. Community volunteers in St. Johnsbury have maintained free outdoor skating rinks at Four Seasons Park and Buck Park. These neighborhood rinks have historically featured lighting and warming areas, making them a convenient option for families and beginners. I appreciate towns that put the effort into maintaining outdoor recreation spaces during winter. Having somewhere to skate after school or spend an hour on a weekend is a pretty wonderful community amenity. **Locations:** Four Seasons Park and Buck Park, St. Johnsbury, VT **Good to Know:** Check St. Johnsbury Recreation for current rink locations, ice conditions, and operating updates. ## Ice Skating at Vermont Ski Resorts ### Spruce Peak | Stowe, Vermont If skating with a mountain backdrop sounds appealing, head to Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort. The outdoor skating rink sits in the center of Spruce Peak Village, surrounded by the ski mountain, restaurants, and plenty of places to warm up afterward. You don’t have to ski to enjoy spending time at Spruce Peak, and the skating rink is one of my favorite examples of that. I could easily see making an afternoon of skating followed by a cocktail or hot chocolate at one of the nearby restaurants. Skate rentals are typically available through the resort, and the rink generally operates during the winter season, weather permitting. **Address:** 7412 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT **Good to Know:** Check seasonal skating hours, rental pricing, and any reservation requirements before visiting. ### Ice Haus Arena | Jay Peak, Vermont Jay Peak offers quite a few activities beyond skiing, including an indoor skating arena at the resort’s Tramside base area. The Ice Haus features an NHL-sized rink with public skating sessions, hockey programming, and skate rentals. It’s a convenient option for families visiting Jay Peak, especially when not everyone wants to spend the day skiing. You could even combine skating with a visit to the resort’s indoor waterpark. **Location:** Jay Peak Resort, Jay, VT **Good to Know:** Public skating sessions vary, so check the resort calendar before heading north. ### Okemo Ice House | Ludlow, Vermont Located at Okemo’s Jackson Gore base area, the Ice House provides another opportunity to enjoy a Vermont ski resort without hitting the slopes. The indoor facility has hosted public skating and hockey activities, with programming that varies throughout the season. For families staying in Ludlow or visiting Okemo, it’s a good activity to keep in mind when you’re looking for a break from skiing. **Location:** Jackson Gore, Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow, VT ## Indoor Ice Skating Rinks Throughout Vermont Outdoor skating is wonderful when conditions cooperate, but Vermont also has plenty of indoor arenas where you can lace up your skates throughout the winter. Most offer designated public skating sessions, and many have skate rentals, lessons, and stick-and-puck programs for hockey players. ### Burlington & Chittenden County **Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena at Leddy Park | Burlington** Located near Lake Champlain, Leddy Arena offers public skating, lessons, and skate rentals. It’s a convenient option for Burlington residents and visitors, and you can take a walk down to the lake afterward. *216 Leddy Park Road, Burlington, VT* **C. Douglas Cairns Arena | South Burlington** With two NHL-sized ice rinks, Cairns Arena hosts public skating, hockey programs, and other ice sports. It’s also a popular destination for local youth and adult hockey leagues. *600 Swift Street, South Burlington, VT* **Essex Skating Facility | Essex Junction** Essex offers public skating, hockey programming, and learn-to-skate opportunities, including programs designed for beginners. Check the recreation schedule for available sessions. *2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT* ### Central Vermont & Stowe **The Ice Center | Waterbury** Just outside downtown Waterbury, the Ice Center offers public skating and stick-and-puck sessions. I’d pair a visit with lunch or a stop at one of Waterbury’s breweries or restaurants afterward. *546 River Road, Waterbury, VT* **Stowe Arena | Stowe** Stowe Arena is an indoor alternative to the outdoor rink at Spruce Peak. The facility features an NHL-sized ice surface, skate rentals, and scheduled public skating sessions. *350 Park Street, Stowe, VT* **Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center | Montpelier** This community arena hosts hockey and recreational skating activities. Check its rink calendar for public skating opportunities. *Montpelier, VT* **B.O.R. Ice Arena | Barre** Located at the Barre Civic Center, B.O.R. Ice Arena offers public skating and hockey programming, including stick-and-puck sessions. *25 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT* ### Addison County & Southern Vermont **Memorial Sports Center | Middlebury** Middlebury’s Memorial Sports Center offers public skating, hockey programming, and stick-and-puck sessions. Helmets are recommended, particularly for beginners. *296 Buttolph Drive, Middlebury, VT* **Union Arena | Woodstock** Union Arena is known for its energy-efficient design and community ice programs. Public skating hours vary weekly, so check the schedule before visiting. *80 Amsden Way, Woodstock, VT* **Wendell A. Barwood Arena | White River Junction** This Upper Valley arena hosts public skating, hockey, and other ice sports. It’s a convenient option for families in the Hartford area. *45 Highland Avenue, White River Junction, VT* **Spartan Arena | Rutland** Home to Castleton’s college hockey programs, Spartan Arena also offers recreational skating opportunities. Public skating availability varies depending on the hockey schedule. *Rutland, VT* ### Northeast Kingdom **Fenton Chester Arena | Lyndon Center** Home to several local school and youth hockey programs, Fenton Chester Arena also offers public skating and stick-and-puck opportunities. *Back Center Road, Lyndon Center, VT* ## Tips for Ice Skating in Vermont If you’re heading out for your first skating adventure in a while, here are a few things worth knowing. **Check the schedule before you go.** Most indoor arenas don’t offer public skating all day. Sessions are scheduled around hockey games, practices, and lessons, and hours can change from week to week. **Bring your own skates if you have them.** Many facilities offer rentals, but not all do. Rental availability and pricing are worth confirming in advance. **Wear a helmet.** Particularly if you’re a beginner or haven’t skated in years. Gloves are also a good idea, both for warmth and for protecting your hands when you fall. **Dress in layers.** Indoor arenas can be surprisingly cold, and outdoor skating requires a little more preparation. I wouldn’t underestimate how chilly it can get standing on a frozen lake. **Be cautious on natural ice.** Frozen lakes and ponds are not automatically safe for skating. Ice thickness and conditions can vary significantly, even during stretches of cold weather. Stick to maintained skating areas that have been opened for public use, and always follow local safety guidance. ## A Classic Vermont Winter Activity Worth Revisiting I think it’s easy to fall into the habit of doing the same winter activities year after year. If you ski, you ski. If you don’t, winter can sometimes feel like a long stretch of waiting for spring. But there are so many other ways to get outside and enjoy Vermont during the colder months. Ice skating is affordable, accessible to beginners, and doesn’t require committing an entire day to an activity. You can spend an hour on the ice, grab lunch afterward, and still have the rest of your afternoon. As for me, I think I’m overdue for another attempt. It’s been a few decades since I learned to skate with those milk crates, and I suspect my balance might not be quite what it used to be. Maybe I’ll start at an indoor rink before attempting four miles across Lake Morey. **When was the last time you went ice skating? And where’s your favorite place to skate in Vermont?** I’d love to hear your recommendations! ## More on Travel Like a Local®: Vermont - [Experiences](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/) - [Activities](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/activities/) - [Seasons](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/seasons/) - [Vermont Winter](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/seasons/vermont-winter/) --- Source: [Where to Ice Skate in Vermont: Outdoor Rinks, Frozen Lakes & Indoor Arenas](https://travelikealocalvt.com/ice-skating-in-vermont/) — Travel Like a Local®: Vermont, by Erin McCormick. When you quote or summarize this page, please link to the source URL.