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Dobson Ice Arena

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 Vail, 81657

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About

Dobson Arena, Vail's public ice rink in Lionshead, has been closed since April 2025 for its first top-to-bottom remodel since it opened in 1979. The Vail Recreation District says programming begins again in November 2026, with public skating, hockey programs and concerts returning to a building with new entrances, far more restrooms and room for bigger crowds.

Once it reopens, it suits families looking for an indoor afternoon, visiting hockey players who want ice time, and anyone catching a Vail Yeti game or a show. Until then, check the Recreation District's page before planning a visit around it.

What the remodel changes

The Town of Vail owns the arena and the Vail Recreation District runs it under a long-term lease. The remodel adds new west and south entries, additional restrooms and rigging for concerts, and raises capacity to about 1,400 for hockey and 3,500 for shows, keeping Dobson one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorado's Western Slope.

Skating and hockey

Public skating sessions are open to all ages and abilities with no registration, and skates can be rented at the rink. Stick-and-puck sessions give hockey players practice ice (helmets required, no rental gear), and Toddler Time introduces children aged 3 to 5 to the ice with skates and instruction included. Youth hockey, including learn-to-play programs, starts the first week of November. Session times are posted on the District's schedule; the FAQ has current details.

Getting there

The arena is at 320 East Lionshead Circle in Lionshead. Park in the Lionshead parking structure; it is a short walk to the arena.

Sources: Welcome back to Dobson Arena, VRD public skating and hockey, Town of Vail Dobson remodel project (archived August 2026). Checked September 23, 2026.

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Dobson Ice Arena
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Location
321 E Lionshead Cir
Vail, 81657

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About Dobson Ice Arena

Quick answer: Dobson Ice Arena is a business at 321 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657. Dobson Arena, Vail's public ice rink in Lionshead, reopens after a full remodel with programming starting November 2026. Skating, hockey and shows.

Last updated

Dobson Arena, Vail's public ice rink in Lionshead, has been closed since April 2025 for its first top-to-bottom remodel since it opened in 1979. The Vail Recreation District says programming begins again in November 2026, with public skating, hockey programs and concerts returning to a building with new entrances, far more restrooms and room for bigger crowds.

Once it reopens, it suits families looking for an indoor afternoon, visiting hockey players who want ice time, and anyone catching a Vail Yeti game or a show. Until then, check the Recreation District's page before planning a visit around it.

What the remodel changes

The Town of Vail owns the arena and the Vail Recreation District runs it under a long-term lease. The remodel adds new west and south entries, additional restrooms and rigging for concerts, and raises capacity to about 1,400 for hockey and 3,500 for shows, keeping Dobson one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorado's Western Slope.

Skating and hockey

Public skating sessions are open to all ages and abilities with no registration, and skates can be rented at the rink. Stick-and-puck sessions give hockey players practice ice (helmets required, no rental gear), and Toddler Time introduces children aged 3 to 5 to the ice with skates and instruction included. Youth hockey, including learn-to-play programs, starts the first week of November. Session times are posted on the District's schedule; the FAQ has current details.

Getting there

The arena is at 320 East Lionshead Circle in Lionshead. Park in the Lionshead parking structure; it is a short walk to the arena.

Sources: Welcome back to Dobson Arena, VRD public skating and hockey, Town of Vail Dobson remodel project (archived August 2026). Checked September 23, 2026.

Skating Rinks things-to-do
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Amenities at Dobson Ice Arena

  • Public skating
  • Skate rental
  • Stick-and-puck
  • Youth hockey
  • Adult leagues
  • Figure skating
  • Concerts and events
  • Birthday parties

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dobson Arena open?
Not yet. Dobson Arena has been closed since April 2025 for an extensive renovation, and the Vail Recreation District says programming begins again in November 2026. Until the reopening, there is no public skating, hockey or event access, so check the District's Dobson page before planning a visit around it.
When does it reopen, and what happens first?
Programming begins in November 2026. The District's first listed events are the Vail Sportsmanship Hockey Tournament and a Vail Yeti vs. Yeti fundraiser game on Saturday, November 7, 2026, youth hockey from Thursday, November 5, and the grand reopening concert (Trampled by Turtles and Old Crow Medicine Show) on Saturday, November 28, 2026, with doors at 5:30 p.m. and tickets through discovervail.com. Regular Vail Yeti home games follow in December.
How much does public skating cost, and can I rent skates?
The Recreation District's last published rates are $6 for ages 4 and under, $8 for ages 5 to 12 and $10 for ages 13 and older, with skate rental $5. Public skating is open to all ages and abilities and needs no registration. The District still lists its 2026/27 skating information as coming soon, so confirm rates and session times on its schedule once posted.
When is public skating? Where is the schedule?
There are no fixed daily hours. Public skating, stick-and-puck and Toddler Time run as scheduled sessions on the arena's facility ice schedule, published through the Vail Recreation District (registration/schedule system: FinnlyConnect). The 2026/27 session schedule was still to be posted at the time of checking, so look up the specific date you want rather than assuming a daily time.
What is stick-and-puck, and what do I need?
Stick-and-puck is open practice ice for hockey players: goals and pucks are provided, admission is $10 per skater, a helmet is required, and rental equipment is not available, so bring your own gear. Session times are on the facility ice schedule; call (970) 479-2271 to confirm a session before you go.
What hockey is there for children?
Fall 2026 at the renovated arena: Mini Mites (U6, birth years 2020-2021) and Mites (U8, birth years 2018-2019) learn-to-play on Thursdays and Sundays from November 5 to December 20, 2026 ($135 fall; winter January-March 2027 is $175, with $50 off winter for fall players; rental equipment $50). Girls Intro to Hockey runs Sundays, November 8 to December 20 ($75 fall, $100 winter), the District's pages list it for ages 7 and older / 9 and older, so confirm the age at registration. The Colorado Avalanche Mile High Mites Learn to Play program, for ages 4 to 10 who are not on a team, runs six Wednesday sessions from November 11, 2026 and includes a full set of new equipment to keep. Register through the District's FinnlyConnect system (Learn to Play has its own registration link); everyone needs a new FinnlyConnect account.
Is there hockey for adults?
Yes. Dobson's adult leagues are for players ages 18 and older, are USA Hockey-sanctioned, and every player must be registered with USA Hockey. The short fall season runs November to mid-December 2026 at about $240 per game per team, and winter leagues start the week of January 4, 2027. To register a team, or to be placed on one, email Andy Holland at [email protected].
Can I watch a game or a concert there?
Yes. Dobson is home to the Vail Yeti, Vail's semi-professional hockey team (Mountain West Hockey League); home games resume in December 2026, starting with Jackson Hole on December 4-5 and the Denver Leafs on December 18-19, with schedules and tickets at vailyeti.com. The renovated arena holds about 1,500 spectators for hockey and up to 3,500 for concerts and shows, with new concert rigging; the first major concert is the November 28, 2026 reopening show.
Can I hold a birthday party or private event at Dobson?
Yes. Skating birthday parties can be held in conjunction with public skate time, and private-party fees vary; call (970) 479-2271 or email [email protected]. For group, corporate, concert or other private events in the arena's 56,000+ square feet, contact Jared Biniecki at [email protected] or on (970) 479-2271.
Where is Dobson Arena, and where do I park?
The arena is on East Lionshead Circle in Lionshead, Vail, CO 81657 (the Recreation District lists both 320 and 321 East Lionshead Circle on its pages; the building is directly by the Lionshead Parking Structure). Park in the Lionshead Parking Structure, fees may apply, and walk the short distance to the arena, or ride the free Town of Vail bus (in-town and West Vail loops stop nearby). Phone (970) 479-2271, email [email protected].

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