While images of the desert frequently come to mind when you picture Arizona, there is an abundance of winter sport opportunities throughout the state. Locals and guests can find ice skating rinks from Phoenix to Flagstaff, perfect for making the most out of the season. Put on your coat, lace up your skates, and check out one of these excellent ice skating rinks in Arizona.
You’ll find all kinds of skaters at the Ice Den Scottsdale. This large venue hosts’ hockey leagues, figure skating sessions, and a nationally-recognized Learn-To-Skate program. They also have over 800 pairs of ice hockey and figure skates available for rent. You can head to Ice Den to enjoy their two-hour public skate sessions throughout the weekend. Afterwards, you can warm up at the 18 Degrees Neighborhood Grill or go shopping at Coyotes Ice Sports, a full-service hockey and skating pro shop.
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Hockey players know all about AZ Ice Arcadia. This Phoenix skating rink hosts hockey leagues, camps, and tournaments for children and adults. Figure skaters can get in on the fun with their own private ice times and freestyle sessions. AZ Ice Arcadia also hosts public skating sessions throughout the week. They host open skating events Monday through Sunday at various times of day.
Are you looking to enjoy a winter wonderland? Take a trip to the East Valley. It’s home to the Mesa Winter Wonderland, an outdoor holiday celebration that runs from late November until early January each year. The spectacle includes an amazing light display, Christmas concert series, and, of course, an ice rink. The 5,000-square-foot ice rink is open during evenings and costs $10 per person. It also has special holiday hours and figure skating shows leading up to Christmas.
The Ice Den in Chandler is the sister rink to the Ice Den in Scottsdale. This local favorite is home to its own hockey leagues, figure skating sessions, and private lessons. This ice rink is also home to Coyotes Ice Sports, a full-scale skate repair and maintenance shop. Skaters can enjoy a number of public skating sessions held on the weekends. Ice Den also hosts special parties and events, including the annual holiday themed skating series.
Phoenix may not have Rockefeller Center, but it does have CitySkate. This outdoor skating rink is located right in the heart of downtown at the popular CityScape entertainment center. CitySkate is open annually throughout the holiday season from late November until January. Skating sessions are held in the afternoon and evening and admittance is $15. You can also enjoy appearances by Santa and Christmas movies at this outdoor rink.
Flagstaff residents are no strangers to the cold. This Northern Arizona city is regularly snow drenched throughout the winter. But Flagstaff residents don’t have to wait until winter to enjoy winter sports. The Jay Lively Activity Center is a public municipal ice skating rink that is open year-round. It’s home to hockey games, adult only skating sessions, and a private party room. You can also attend open skating sessions held Tuesday-Saturday every week.
Arizona’s ultimate holiday celebration is held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This award-winning hotel turns into a winter wonderland each holiday season. It’s home to a number of attractions including a Ferris wheel, light show, carousel, and campfires. Chief among them is the Desert Ice Skating Rink. This outdoor rink is illuminated and open for skating each night. You can also rent rink side fire pit tables with s’mores and blankets. Walk in admittance to the rink is $20 per person.
Sports fans know all about Westgate. This entertainment district is home to the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes, and myriad restaurants and bars. During the holidays, it’s also home to an outdoor ice skating rink. The rink opens with an annual tree lighting ceremony in November and runs through the New Year. Skating sessions are held as early as 11 a.m. and as late as 10:45 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes skate rental.
Oceanside is the official home of the ASU hockey program. You can skate and play on the same rink as collegiate athletes at this Tempe rink. Oceanside hosts private group skating and adult hockey leagues throughout the year. Think you have what it takes? Sign up for a league today.
Schnepf Farms is no stranger to holiday traditions. This locally-run farm hosts large holiday themed festivals throughout the year. Winter Wonderland is one of its more famous events. Every year, the farm transforms into an epic holiday display complete with bonfires, train rides, and a Christmas tree lot. Schnepf Farms also has an outdoor ice rink with skating sessions seven days per week. The cost of admittance is $12 and includes skates. They also host date night events that come with hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting.
