Skating and playing hockey are some of the funnest things to do in the winter. With ice rinks around the Bay Area, it's also something that you may have more practice at doing year-round, and so will be ready to hit the ice when you get up to the mountains.
Truckee Ice Rink
This is our favorite hometown ice. It's a small rink, complete with mini Zamboni. It's lighted at night and plays groovy music...usually from a bygone era.
WHERE: 10500 Brockway Road, in the Truckee River Regional Park
OPEN: Noon to 9pm, 7 days a week, December to early March, weather-permitting
REFRESHMENTS: You can also get old-fashioned hot cocoa and Cup-A-Noodles to warm up
COST: Drop-in rates are $7 each, plus $3 for skate rentals
PHONE: (530) 587-6172
More on the Truckee ice rink here.
Where to Tune Up or Buy Skates
If your skates need to be sharpened, they can do that for you at the Truckee Ice Rink.
The best place to buy skates in town is at Ace Mountain Hardware, where the stock Bauer figure skates and Riedell Ice Skates. Our last pair of ladies skates cost just $69 new, which is a great price for a great brand. And if you can make it to town at the beginning of the season, Truckee-area ski swaps are a great place to get skates and all your winter gear.
Check out the Donner Bliss calendar to see when you can make make magical skating memories with your family and friends.
Village at NorthStar
A large, 9,000 square foot ice rink surrounded by outdoor fire pits, seating areas and shops. Roller skating in the summer.
OPEN: Noon to 9pm, daily, in season
REFRESHMENTS: There are lots of restaurants around the rink throughout the Village area.
COST: $15 for rentals, but free if you bring your own skates.
PHONE: 530-562-3689
More on the Village at NorthStar here.
Resort at Squaw Creek
This rink is at the base of the mountain. You can glide around the outdoor ice rink with a view of Squaw Valley's six peaks.
WHERE: 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley
REFRESHMENTS: There are lots of restaurants around
OPEN: 10am to 10pm
COST: Give them a call, as it's not on their website
PHONE: 530-583-6300
More on the Resort at Squaw Creek here.
Rink on the River, Reno
Outdoor skating along the Truckee River in downtown Reno.
WHERE: Corner of First and Virginia Streets, Reno, NV
OPEN: Check the site for hours during the day an evening
COST: Ranges from $6/kid to $8/adult, rentals $8/person
PHONE: 775-334-6268
More on Rink on the River, Reno here.