(photo: Jeb Wallace Brodeur)
Ice skating is one of those winter activities that never really goes out of style. It’s social, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a great excuse to get outside before heading downtown to warm up. In Montpelier and the surrounding area, there are several easy options for both outdoor and indoor skating, whether you’re planning a family outing, a casual skate with friends, or just looking to stretch your legs on the ice.
Right in town, the Greenway Skating Rink on College Street offers classic outdoor skating in a central, walkable spot. For indoor skating, both the Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center and the BOR Ice and Turf Arena at the Barre Civic Center provide reliable rink options throughout the winter. And when conditions allow, Wrightsville Reservoir, Curtis Pond, and other local lakes and ponds can offer beautiful natural skating experiences but always check conditions and follow local safety guidance before heading out.
Skating also pairs perfectly with everything else downtown has to offer: coffee, food, shopping, and places to linger once you’ve had your fill of the ice.
Skating Into Winterfest
Ice skating takes center stage during Montpelier Winterfest, happening January 31–February 1, and it’s one of the easiest ways to jump into the weekend’s festivities. The College Green rink will be open for skating, and on Sunday, February 1st, the Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center will host public skate hours from 12:30–2:00 PM. Skating is just $5, with $5 skate rentals available while supplies last.
BOR Ice and Turf Arena is also holding open skate hours on Sunday from 3-4pm. $5 for adults and $4 for children (up to grade 12). Limited $3 skate rentals.
Whether you’re making skating the main event or fitting it in between other Winterfest plans, it’s a low-key, affordable way to be part of the celebration.
Winterfest is all about enjoying winter in whatever way works for you: on the ice, downtown, indoors, outdoors, or all of the above. Check out the full schedule and start planning your weekend at montpelieralive.com/winterfest.
