Ice Skating in Vail: Rinks, Tickets and Hotels Steps From the Ice

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By Michael Gonzales · Updated October 29, 2026

Vail has three places to ice skate: the outdoor Alderhof rink at The Arrabelle in Lionshead, the outdoor Solaris Plaza rink in Vail Village, and the indoor Dobson Arena, which reopens in November 2026 after its renovation. The outdoor rinks usually open around Thanksgiving, rent skates in all sizes and run afternoons and evenings until the end of ski season.

None of the three had posted 2026/27 hours or prices by October 27, so this guide gives the opening dates each rink has announced and where to check for the rest.

If you want the ice outside your door, the best bases are The Arrabelle at Vail Square, which overlooks the Alderhof rink, and Solaris Residences, above the Solaris Plaza rink. More hotels near each rink are in the tables further down.

Which ice rinks are open in Vail for 2026/27?

Opening dates are from each rink's operator or Vail Resorts' own guide, checked October 27, 2026. All three rinks offer skating-assist devices, according to Discover Vail.

What is the Alderhof ice rink at The Arrabelle like?

The Alderhof rink sits in the middle of Vail Square in Lionshead, a few steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The Arrabelle runs it, and Vail Resorts' guide says it's open daily in the afternoons and evenings in winter, with fire pits nearby for warming up between laps. It's the rink to pick if you want to skate right after your last run of the day.

It's also where the free figure skating shows start. The first one is Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving and the same afternoon as the Lionshead tree lighting. The full show schedule is further down this page.

What should you know about the Solaris Plaza rink?

The Solaris rink is an oval of ice in Solaris Plaza, in the heart of Vail Village, ringed by heaters. Vail Resorts' guide says it runs daily, mostly in the late afternoon and evening, with earlier openings during holidays. You buy admission and rent skates at Deca + Bol, the restaurant beside the rink, which posts its hours "weather permitting."

As of October 27, Deca + Bol said the rink "will re-open for the Winter Season in November" and the restaurant reopens Friday, November 20. Questions go to Deca + Bol on 970-476-5300.

After a skate, Discover Vail suggests walking across the International Bridge to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for hot cocoa. The Colorado Snowsports Museum and The North Face at Solaris are nearby too.

When does Dobson Arena reopen for public skating?

Dobson, Vail's indoor rink, has been closed since April 2025 for a renovation of about $55 million. The Vail Recreation District (VRD) says programming begins in November 2026.

Its public skating page still said "2026/27 public skating info coming soon!" on October 27, so public skate times and prices aren't out yet. Toddler Time skating begins in November, and Learn to Skate programs start in January 2027.

The first chance for most visitors to skate is likely Sunday, November 29. The Town of Vail and VRD have announced a free community celebration that day, with an open house and public skating, according to the Vail Daily. Start times weren't posted.

The night before, Saturday, November 28, Trampled by Turtles and Old Crow Medicine Show play the grand reopening concert.

Dobson is at 320 E. Lionshead Circle (970-479-2271, [email protected]). Park in the Lionshead Parking Structure. Discover Vail notes accessible ramps to the lower level of the rink. Our Dobson Arena listing tracks the reopening.

Are there free ice skating shows in Vail?

Yes. The Vail Skating Festival's free figure skating shows return this winter. Each show lasts about 15 minutes, with two shows a night at 4:45 and 5:30 p.m. The festival marks the 2026/27 schedule as tentative.

Schedule from vailskatefest.com, checked October 27, 2026. Our free figure skating shows page has the details.

For a ticketed night at the ice, the Vail Ice Spectacular is at Dobson on Wednesday, December 23. Vail Yeti hockey home games start Friday, December 4.

What should first-time skaters know?

• Pick your time. Both outdoor rinks run afternoons and evenings, and Solaris opens earlier during holidays, which helps with small children.
• Ask for an assist device. Every rink has them. They're the easiest way for young children and nervous adults to get started.
• Dress for the cold. Both outdoor rinks run into the evening at about 8,000 feet. Wear warm gloves, a hat and layers you can take off. Thin socks fit rental skates better than thick ones.
• Check the weather. The outdoor rinks run weather permitting. Call ahead on a warm or stormy day.
• Book lessons ahead. Dobson offers private lessons through VRD. The Skating Club of Vail runs recreational and competitive figure skating for all levels.
• Don't drive between rinks. The free town buses link Lionshead and Vail Village. Our free things to do in Vail guide covers the bus and other free winter fun.

Where should you stay to be close to the ice?

Pick your side of town. Two rinks are in Lionshead: Alderhof on Vail Square and Dobson on East Lionshead Circle. Solaris is in Vail Village.

Lionshead, for Alderhof and Dobson:

Vail Village, for Solaris:

Rates change by date, so check your own dates; Thanksgiving week and the holidays book up first. For families, a condo with a kitchen can work out better: compare Vail condos on Vrbo. For more choices by area, see Lionshead hotels and hotels in Vail Village.

Plan your trip

• Vail hotels on Expedia
• Vail condos on Vrbo
• Tours and things to do on Viator

Frequently asked questions

Where can you ice skate in Vail? At three rinks: the outdoor Alderhof rink at The Arrabelle on Vail Square in Lionshead, the outdoor Solaris Plaza rink in Vail Village, and the indoor Dobson Arena in Lionshead.

When do the Vail ice rinks open? The outdoor rinks usually open around Thanksgiving. Deca + Bol says the Solaris rink reopens in November, and Dobson's programming begins in November 2026.

How much does ice skating in Vail cost? No rink had posted 2026/27 admission or rental prices by October 27, 2026. Check the operator's page or call before you go: Deca + Bol for Solaris and VRD for Dobson.

Can you rent skates at the Vail rinks? Yes. Discover Vail says every rink rents skates in all sizes and has skating-assist devices.

Is Dobson Arena open in 2026? It reopens in November 2026 after its renovation. A free open house with public skating is planned for Sunday, November 29, and the regular public skate schedule hadn't been posted by October 27.

Are the Vail figure skating shows free? Yes. The free shows run at 4:45 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 27, and Saturdays from December 5 to January 2 at the Arrabelle and Solaris rinks. The schedule is tentative.

Sources

• Vail Resorts: Ice skating in Vail (rinks, typical season, hours pattern)
• Discover Vail: Ice skating (rentals, assist devices, accessibility)
• Deca + Bol: Solaris Plaza ice skating (reopening in November)
• Vail Recreation District: Dobson Arena (programming from November 2026)
• Vail Recreation District: Public skating and hockey
• Vail Recreation District: Upcoming events at Dobson Arena
• Vail Daily: Trampled by Turtles and Old Crow Medicine Show to play Dobson (Nov 29 open house)
• Vail Skating Festival: Free shows

Checked October 27, 2026. Hotel locations are from our own listings. We didn't list hotel prices because they change by date.