Ice Skating In Vail: Best Rinks & Everything To Know

Ice skating in Vail is one of those winter activities that’s fun whether you’re passing through for a day trip or just want something festive to do après-ski.

The valley has a mix of outdoor and indoor rinks, each with its own atmosphere — from lively plazas to cozy alpine hotels. Here’s what to expect at each rink, plus everything you should know before you go.

Best Spots For Ice Skating In Vail

Solaris Ice Rink — Vail Village

The Solaris rink sits right in the middle of Vail Village, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s easily the busiest of the outdoor rinks, especially around Christmas when the plaza lights up and the energy is high. If you want that “classic holiday moment in Vail,” this is where you’ll find it — couples skating, families taking photos, and people watching from heated patios.

Vibe: Lively and festive, especially at night.

Things To Do Nearby: Grab hot chocolate at Yeti’s Grind, warm up at Mountain Standard, check out the shops, or stay to enjoy the nighttime lights and events around the plaza.

Logistics:

• Solaris operates seasonally (usually late fall to spring), but exact opening/closing dates vary.
• Hours are 12 pm – 9 pm daily (weather permitting).
• Skate rentals are offered on-site.
• Book in-person, no online reservation available.
• Important Note: hours and pricing are not consistently published online — you’ll want to check in-person or call ahead before you go. Find more information at Solaris Rink.

Arrabelle Ice Rink — Lionshead Village

The Arrabelle rink in Lionshead feels like stepping into a European alpine square. It’s smaller than Solaris, but that’s part of the charm — string lights overhead, hotel balconies wrapped in garland, and a quieter, cozier feel overall. It’s ideal if you want something a little less chaotic but just as pretty.

Vibe: Charming, cozy, more intimate.

Things To Do Nearby: Grab a drink at Garfinkel’s, shop around Lionshead Village, or watch the skiers from below.

Logistics:

• Arrabelle typically operates seasonally (usually late fall to spring), but exact opening/closing dates vary.
• Hours are not consistently posted online, previous year’s hours have been 1 pm – 8:30 pm (daily).
• Skate rentals are offered on-site.
• Book in-person, no online reservation available.
• Important Note: hours and pricing are not consistently published online (at this time, they don’t have a website). Check hours and pricing in-person.

Dobson Ice Arena — Indoor Option In Vail

If the weather isn’t cooperating or you want a guaranteed surface with predictable hours, Dobson Ice Arena is the move. It’s right between Vail Village and Lionshead, and it’s a full indoor rink — great if you’re trying to avoid wind, snow, or crowds.

Note: The Dobson Ice Area is currently closed for renovations.

Vibe: Classic indoor rink, practical, easy, consistent.

Things To Do Nearby: Walk to either village afterward for food or drinks.

Logistics:

• Dobson is open year-round.
• Rentals are available.
• Book in-person, no online reservation available.
• Admission is $10 ages 13+, $5 rentals.
• Public skating hours vary, check the Dobson Arena Calendar.

Beaver Creek Ice Rink — Beaver Creek Village

If you’re exploring the Vail Valley, Beaver Creek’s rink is another solid option — about 15 minutes from Vail by car. It sits right in the village center and has more of a resort vibe, with fire pits, après spots, and plenty of room to hang out.

Vibe: Resorty, family-friendly, polished.

Things to Do Nearby: Warm up with a drink at the ice bar, explore the escalator-connected village, or time your visit with afternoon cookie hour if you’re there after skiing.

Logistics:

• 2025 – 2026 dates: November 23 – April 13
• Hours: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm (these may vary, check Beaver Creek Ice Rink or call for updates).
• Skate rentals are offered on-site.
• Book in-person, no online reservation available.
• $15 admission and rentals for ages 13+, $5 admission with your own skates.

Tips for Skating in Vail

Check schedules before you go.
Outdoor rinks in Vail and Beaver Creek adjust their hours depending on weather, holidays, and special events. Some days they’ll open later for resurfacing or close early if conditions aren’t ideal. It’s one of those activities where checking day-of is genuinely worth it.

Arrive early during peak season.
December in Vail gets busy — especially afternoons and early evenings. Solaris and the Arrabelle rink can fill up fast, and lines for rentals usually build around the same time. Showing up right when the rink opens (or going later at night after dinner) makes the whole experience smoother.

Wear warm layers and real winter accessories.
Even though the villages are heated, it still gets cold the second you’re out on the ice. Bring gloves, a hat, and wool socks.

Plan parking or transportation in advance.
Vail Village and Lionshead rely heavily on parking structures, and they fill quickly on weekends and holidays. If you’re already staying in town, the free in-town bus system is the easiest way to hop between rinks. If you’re driving in, check the parking garages for real-time availability.

Consider grabbing food or drinks before or after.
All of the rinks sit near great restaurants and cafes, so it’s easy to turn skating into a full après activity. Solaris has the most options within steps of the ice, but Lionshead and Beaver Creek both have plenty of warm-up spots too.

If you’re skating with kids, pick your rink strategically.
Beaver Creek tends to be the most family-friendly and spacious. Solaris is fun and festive but more chaotic. Arrabelle is small and cozy if you want something easy to supervise.

Ice skating in Vail is such an easy way to add something festive and low-cost to your winter trip, whether you’re exploring the villages or looking for an indoor option. Each rink has its own vibe, so it’s worth picking the one that fits your plans — or trying a couple if you’re staying for a few days.

I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your outing and have the best time!

Looking for more information? Check out my additional Vail and Colorado guides below.

More Information For A Winter Vacation In Vail, Colorado:

• Winter & Spring In Vail: Best Things To Do
• Winter Weekend Itinerary: Vail, Colorado
• One Day Winter Itinerary: Vail, CO
• What To Wear In Colorado In Winter (For Mountain Towns & Ski Trips)
• Christmas Things To Do In Vail
• Top Hot Springs Near Vail, Colorado
• Best Hotels In Vail, Colorado
• All Vail Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Top Spring Break Destinations In Colorado
• Best Colorado Mountain Towns For First-Time Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (how to plan your trip!)
• All Colorado Guides