Check out OnTheSnow’s favourite ski resorts with ice skating in the mountains of Austria, France, USA and Canada.
Nassfeld, Carinthia, Austria
For the best natural ice-skating, Carinthia is hard to beat. The ruggedly beautiful Lake Weissensee, surrounded by jagged peaks, has a special atmosphere that draws hordes of people. Lucky then that it’s huge. The closest skiing the small resort of Weissensee, but a free bus ride away is Carinthia’s largest ski resort, Nassfeld.
At 6.5 km2, the lake is the largest natural ice-skating area in Europe. It’s thick too – up to 40cm – and can carry horse-drawn carriages. The lake is separated into rinks for curling, cross-country skiing and an ice golf course. Best of all, it’s open all season. Nassfeld it well deserving of its place on our ‘best ski resorts with ice skating rinks’.
Megève, France
Megève has everything you could want in a resort and more, and sitting pretty in the middle of its quaint square, is a cute outdoor ice-rink. With a bar close by and plenty of shops, restaurants and a cinema showing French films, you’ll feel as though you’re starring in your own movie set.
The rink is open daily from 2pm until 8pm. On Tuesday evenings the rink has ice hockey taster sessions with children from Megève’s hockey team, open to all.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Set against a fairy-tale backdrop, Leon Black Family Ice Rink is a magical ice rink with plenty of character. Beaver Creek makes our list of ‘ski resorts with ice skating rinks’ as it offers exciting weekly themed skating events. From the colourful American Juke Box Skate Night to the accessible Family Night, and serves as the focal point in a pretty village that is full of traditional architecture.
The rink is surrounded by restaurants, shopping and lodging options. There are several fire pits around the ice rink where visitors can warm up with friends. There are also some rather nice rink-side couches to get comfortable.
The ice rink is open daily during the winter season.
Big White, Canada
Canada’s highest ice rink is also a state-of-the-art Olympic-sized ice-rink. OK, while we’re not sure that state-of-the-art ice rinks exist, the facilities at Big White are on point.
If you’re more Bambi on ice than a twirling sensation the friendly staff will hook you up with an ice buddy to help you find your skating feet.
Scrumptious Belgium waffles and hot drinks are available in the Happy Valley Day Lodge and there’s a daily bonfire after 3pm at which everyone can mingle. The rink is fully lit for night skating too.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Offering gorgeous views of the valley, the aptly named Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink attracts skaters of the highest calibre. The rink is famed for its Sun Valley ice shows where world-class skaters showcase their talent to lucky spectators. Every summer, the resort delivers a season bursting with creative shows highlighting new stars, innovative routines and fresh beats. If you fancy getting in on the action, former figure skater and Olympic silver medallist Linda Fratianne heads a fantastic team of skating professionals for group and private lessons.
The rink is situated outside the Sun Valley Lodge – boasting expansive views over the valley – and is open year-round to visitors. As they say in that classic tune: “It happened in Sun Valley.”
Les Houches, France
Uncrowded, pretty, and located just 6km from Chamonix, Les Houches is a delightful ski resort. It’s best suited to beginner and intermediate level skiers; we rate the learner’s area at the top of the Prarion telecabin.
The ice rink is situated in the centre of the village and is open throughout the winter season – from late December to the end of March. Take advantage of the cosy coffee shop on the rink-side, which serves excellent hot chocolate. So grab a pew and take in all of the fast-paced action on the ice.
December 14, 2024
