Steamboat Springs and the wider Routt County area offer a classic Colorado skating experience—whether you’re looking for a state-of-the-art indoor Olympic rink, a festive village atmosphere, or a quiet community sheet under the stars.

From the unique “Bumper Cars on Ice” to free outdoor village skating, here is your guide to hitting the ice in the Yampa Valley.

⛸️ Steamboat Springs: The Hub of the Action

Howelsen Ice Arena

Located at the base of the historic Howelsen Hill, this is the premier indoor facility in the region. It features an Olympic-sized sheet of ice and serves as the home for local hockey leagues and figure skating.

• The Vibe: High-energy and professional, yet family-friendly.

• Unique Feature: Bumper Cars on Ice. If you aren’t quite ready for blades, you can zoom and spin across the ice in specialized motorized cars.

• Programs: Offers public skate sessions, drop-in hockey, and the “Learn to Skate” program.

• 2026 Highlight: Look out for the Vail Invitational figure skating competition hosted here in July 2026.

Skeeter’s Ice Rink (Steamboat Square)

Nestled right in the heart of the Steamboat Ski Resort base area, this outdoor rink offers the quintessential “ski town” evening.

• The Vibe: Festive and scenic. Surrounded by fire pits, rocking chairs, and the Range Food Hall.

• Cost: Free if you bring your own skates!

• Rentals: Available at a nearby kiosk (a charmingly converted horse trailer).

• Pro Tip: It’s the perfect “après-ski” activity once the lifts close, as it’s open until 8:00 PM during the winter season.

Howelsen Hill Outdoor Rinks

When the temperatures drop, the city often sets up community outdoor sheets on the tennis/pickleball courts at Howelsen Park.

• The Vibe: Old-school and local.

• Activities: These are typically unorganized “use at your own risk” sheets where you might find a spontaneous game of pick-up hockey or families teaching toddlers to glide.

🏒 Routt County: Beyond the City Limits

Oak Creek Ice Rink

Located about 20 miles south of Steamboat, Oak Creek maintains a beloved community outdoor rink (the “Kodiak Arena”).

• Experience: This is a true community labor of love. It’s often used by the Oak Creek Hockey Association but has ample public skate and family skate times (check the town’s monthly ice calendar).

• Why go: It offers a quieter, more authentic small-town Colorado feel compared to the resort rinks.

Hayden Opportunities

While Hayden is famous for the Routt County Fairgrounds, winter skating is more informal. Residents often look to community-maintained local ponds or nearby Oak Creek and Steamboat for organized rink time.

📝 Quick Comparison

Know Before You Go

• Check the Schedule: Because Howelsen Ice Arena hosts many tournaments and “Ice Shows,” public hours change weekly. Always check the City of Steamboat Springs website for the “Drop-in Schedule.”

• Dress in Layers: Even the indoor arena is kept at a crisp temperature, and outdoor rinks can get windy.

• Helmets: Highly recommended for beginners, especially during “Stick & Puck” sessions