Take a break from skiing, sledding, or boarding and lace up a pair of ice skates on your next trip to Lake Tahoe.
There are several ice rinks in the Tahoe area for both beginner and advanced skaters, as well as a few lakes and rivers that will freeze solid when the night temperatures dip into the teens. Have fun!
The outdoor ice rink at Heavenly.(Courtesy of Tahoe South)
The Best Ice Rinks in Lake Tahoe
Heavenly Village Ice Rink
Heavenly's skating rink is the proverbial winter wonderland, festooned with fairy lights and glittery snowflakes. Located right in the resort's village, it's open daily November through Easter. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for kids, with $5 off if you BYO skates. // theshopsatheavenly.com
Northstar California Ice Rink
Northstar's 9,000-square-foot skating rink, located in the middle of the Village, is open daily all winter long, weather permitting. Access is free and rentals are $21 and include a helmet. When it’s time for a break or you’d rather be an observer, kick it on one of the cushy lounge chairs in front of a fire pit, hot toddy in hand. // northstarcalifornia.com
Edgewood on Ice
The small, scenic outdoor rink-with-a-view at this Stateline resort is open daily December through March. Hours are 4pm to 6:30pm, and 7pm to 9pm. Adult admission is $25 for hotel guests and $35 for non-guests. Children's passes are $15-$20; all entry includes skate rentals, with a $5 discount if you BYOS. // edgewoodtahoe.com
Resort at Squaw Creek Ice Rink
This private rink is open daily, weather permitting, for three skate sessions. If you have your own skates, admission is $13 for adults, $8 for kids under 12; children under five skate free. Need rentals? It’s $18 for adults, $13 for kids under 12, and $8 for children under five. On weekends, the rink hosts Broomball and Disco Skate. Hours vary, check site for details. // destinationhotels.com
South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena
Tahoe’s only year-round indoor ice arena welcomes all levels, no reservations required, but check the website for public skate hours. There’s also adult and youth ice hockey programs and leagues and figure skating lessons. The cost is between $8-$17 for a pass with rentals; adults will pay $14 if they have their own skates. The arena also has skate-sharpening services, a snack area, and lockers. Check the schedule for daily public skate sessions. // tahoearena.co
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park Ice Rink
This quintessential small-town center is open to all ages and has a café onsite. The outdoor rink is open daily, weather permitting, by advance reservation only for 90-minute sessions. The park also has sledding, groomed Nordic trails, and youth ice hockey clinics and a league. // tcpud.org
Truckee-Donner Recreations & Park District Ice Rink
Located at Truckee River Regional Park, the rink is open to the public and includes rentals, private lessons, and special events. There’s also a warming hut selling hot chocolate and other treats. Note that all payment is by credit card, only. Rates are $20 for adult residents, $25 with rental skates, $10/$11 for ages 14 and under; non-resident rates are the same for adults, 14 and under is $8/$13. Hours vary, check website for details. //tdrpd.org
Nordic Ice Skating
If you’re an experienced wild ice skater, there's a Facebook page updated by Truckee and Tahoe locals who know safe lakes and ponds for skating.
While Lake Tahoe never freezes, several smaller regional lakes do. You should never venture onto ice if you don't know the depth of the water, and be sure to obey signage noting restrictions. It's not recommended to ice skate on Donner Lake, as it’s very deep and incidents have occurred.
When checking out a frozen lake, walk around the perimeter and look at the ice. To support your weight, it needs to be about four to six inches thick. If the ground around a lake is frozen, it’s a good indication that it’s been cold in the area recently, and the ice is likely to be stable. Ask experienced skaters in the area to recommend safe places to skate and look for recent skating tracks on ice before venturing out. Never Nordic skate alone.
