Ice skating is one of those timeless winter activities that transforms a ski trip from a sport vacation into a complete mountain experience. Many of the best family ski resorts now feature stunning outdoor ice rinks set against breathtaking alpine backdrops, offering a magical activity for après-ski evenings or rest days when little legs need a break from the slopes. Unlike skiing, ice skating is something the whole family can do together regardless of ski ability — beginners can cling to the rail while experienced skaters practice spins, and everyone shares the same space. Rental skates are universally available, and many rinks offer push-along skating aids for young children just finding their balance. Some resorts have invested in truly spectacular rink experiences: think Vail's outdoor rink surrounded by twinkling lights, or the natural frozen lakes at European resorts where you can skate beneath the stars. Evening skating sessions often coincide with village events, live music, or hot chocolate stands, creating the kind of memories that define a family vacation. For families planning a multi-day ski trip, having ice skating available adds welcome variety to the itinerary without requiring any additional travel.
Ice Skating by Region
Tyrol, Austria (14)
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Tyrol, Austria · 5,165 acres
9.5
Family Score
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Tyrol, Austria · 2,700 acres
8.7
Family Score
Seefeld
Tyrol, Austria · 310 acres
8.7
Family Score
Kitzbühel
Tyrol, Austria · 2,000 acres
8.3
Family Score
Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
Tyrol, Austria · 2,100 acres
8.3
Family Score
Ellmau
Tyrol, Austria · 7,340 acres
8.2
Family Score
Stubai Glacier
Tyrol, Austria · 1,680 acres
8.0
Family Score
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental
Tyrol, Austria · 6,050 acres
7.8
Family Score
Zillertal Arena
Tyrol, Austria · 3,580 acres
7.8
Family Score
Kirchberg
Tyrol, Austria · 4,620 acres
7.5
Family Score
Mayrhofen
Tyrol, Austria · 4,200 acres
7.3
Family Score
St. Anton am Arlberg
Tyrol, Austria · 7,400 acres
7.2
Family Score
Hintertux Glacier
Tyrol, Austria · 570 acres
7.2
Family Score
Sölden
Tyrol, Austria · 3,540 acres
6.8
Family Score
Haute-Savoie, France (10)
Megève
Haute-Savoie, France · 1,050 acres
8.8
Family Score
Les Gets
Haute-Savoie, France · 1,500 acres
8.7
Family Score
Avoriaz
Haute-Savoie, France · 1,544 acres
8.5
Family Score
Les Carroz
Haute-Savoie, France · 5,683 acres
8.3
Family Score
Morzine
Haute-Savoie, France · 1,540 acres
8.0
Family Score
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Haute-Savoie, France · 1,850 acres
7.8
Family Score
Flaine
Haute-Savoie, France · 3,460 acres
7.8
Family Score
Châtel
Haute-Savoie, France · 1,500 acres
7.5
Family Score
Samoëns
Haute-Savoie, France · 3,460 acres
7.5
Family Score
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Haute-Savoie, France · 2,965 acres
7.0
Family Score
Colorado, USA (9)
Beaver Creek Resort
Colorado, USA · 1,832 acres
9.0
Family Score
Telluride Ski Resort
Colorado, USA · 2,000 acres
8.5
Family Score
Aspen Snowmass
Colorado, USA · 3,362 acres
8.4
Family Score
Crested Butte
Colorado, USA · 1,547 acres
8.3
Family Score
Copper Mountain
Colorado, USA · 2,490 acres
8.2
Family Score
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Colorado, USA · 2,908 acres
8.1
Family Score
Vail Mountain
Colorado, USA · 5,317 acres
8.0
Family Score
Keystone Resort
Colorado, USA · 3,148 acres
7.9
Family Score
Steamboat Ski Resort
Colorado, USA · 2,965 acres
7.8
Family Score
Savoie, France (8)
Courchevel
Savoie, France · 3,700 acres
8.7
Family Score
Les Arcs
Savoie, France · 5,098 acres
8.2
Family Score
Méribel
Savoie, France · 3,700 acres
8.0
Family Score
Val Thorens
Savoie, France · 3,700 acres
8.0
Family Score
La Plagne
Savoie, France · 5,590 acres
8.0
Family Score
Val d'Isère
Savoie, France · 7,400 acres
7.8
Family Score
Les Menuires
Savoie, France · 3,962 acres
7.8
Family Score
Tignes
Savoie, France · 7,400 acres
7.2
Family Score
Valais, Switzerland (7)
Saas-Fee
Valais, Switzerland · 2,470 acres
9.0
Family Score
Grächen
Valais, Switzerland · 350 acres
8.8
Family Score
Anzère
Valais, Switzerland · 420 acres
8.5
Family Score
Zermatt
Valais, Switzerland · 5,500 acres
8.3
Family Score
Crans-Montana
Valais, Switzerland · 3,460 acres
7.5
Family Score
Champéry
Valais, Switzerland · 15,360 acres
7.5
Family Score
Verbier
Valais, Switzerland · 5,000 acres
6.7
Family Score
British Columbia, Canada (7)
Sun Peaks Resort
British Columbia, Canada · 4,270 acres
8.8
Family Score
Whistler Blackcomb
British Columbia, Canada · 8,171 acres
8.7
Family Score
Silver Star Mountain Resort
British Columbia, Canada · 3,282 acres
8.7
Family Score
Big White Ski Resort
British Columbia, Canada · 2,765 acres
8.3
Family Score
Panorama Mountain Resort
British Columbia, Canada · 2,975 acres
8.0
Family Score
Apex
British Columbia, Canada · 1,112 acres
8.0
Family Score
Grouse Mountain
British Columbia, Canada · 212 acres
7.7
Family Score
Vermont, USA (6)
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Vermont, USA · 311 acres
9.0
Family Score
Stratton Mountain Resort
Vermont, USA · 670 acres
8.2
Family Score
Okemo Mountain Resort
Vermont, USA · 667 acres
8.0
Family Score
Stowe Mountain Resort
Vermont, USA · 485 acres
7.7
Family Score
Jay Peak Resort
Vermont, USA · 385 acres
7.7
Family Score
Sugarbush Resort
Vermont, USA · 484 acres
7.5
Family Score
Trentino, Italy (6)
Andalo
Trentino, Italy · 1,235 acres
8.7
Family Score
Madonna di Campiglio
Trentino, Italy · 3,700 acres
8.3
Family Score
Folgarida-Marilleva
Trentino, Italy · 1,235 acres
8.3
Family Score
San Martino di Castrozza
Trentino, Italy · 1,235 acres
8.2
Family Score
Pinzolo
Trentino, Italy · 618 acres
8.0
Family Score
Val di Fassa
Trentino, Italy · 4,450 acres
7.5
Family Score
Graubünden, Switzerland (5)
Arosa Lenzerheide
Graubünden, Switzerland · 5,400 acres
8.3
Family Score
Flims Laax Falera
Graubünden, Switzerland · 5,680 acres
7.8
Family Score
St. Moritz
Graubünden, Switzerland · 2,100 acres
7.5
Family Score
Laax
Graubünden, Switzerland · 5,545 acres
7.5
Family Score
Davos Klosters
Graubünden, Switzerland · 7,700 acres
7.3
Family Score
Bern, Switzerland (4)
California, USA (4)
New Hampshire, USA (4)
Carinthia, Austria (3)
North Carolina, USA (3)
Salzburg, Austria (3)
Bavaria, Germany (3)
Hokkaido, Japan (2)
Utah, USA (2)
Quebec, Canada (2)
Pennsylvania, USA (2)
Nagano, Japan (2)
Lombardy, Italy (2)
West Virginia, USA (2)
Hautes-Alpes, France (2)
Idaho, USA (2)
Styria, Austria (2)
Aosta Valley, Italy (2)
Maine, USA (2)
Isère, France (2)
Dalarna, Sweden (1)
Iwate, Japan (1)
Gangwon, South Korea (1)
Vorarlberg, Austria (1)
Valparaíso, Chile (1)
Niigata, Japan (1)
Oulu, Finland (1)
Veneto, Italy (1)
Michigan, USA (1)
Viken, Norway (1)
Victoria, Australia (1)
Härjedalen, Sweden (1)
Prešov, Slovakia (1)
Jura, France (1)
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (1)
Uri, Switzerland (1)
Alpes-Maritimes, France (1)
Brașov, Romania (1)
Central Switzerland, Switzerland (1)
Andorra, Andorra (1)
Savonia, Finland (1)
Hesse, Germany (1)
Wyoming, USA (1)
Vestland, Norway (1)
Montana, USA (1)
Styria, Slovenia (1)
Sofia, Bulgaria (1)
Piedmont, Italy (1)
Almaty, Kazakhstan (1)
Alberta, Canada (1)
New York, USA (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ski resorts provide ice skate rentals?
Yes, virtually all resort ice rinks offer rental skates in sizes for both children and adults. Prices typically range from $5-$15 per pair. Some resorts include skate rental in the rink admission fee. Hockey skates and figure skates are usually both available.
What age can children start ice skating at resort rinks?
Children as young as 2-3 can try ice skating with the help of push-along balance aids (often shaped like penguins or polar bears). Most resort rinks have these aids available for rent. By age 4-5, many children can begin skating independently with support.
Are resort ice rinks open in the evening?
Many resort rinks offer evening sessions, often with festive lighting and music. Evening skating is one of the most popular après-ski activities for families and couples. Check specific resort schedules, as hours vary by season and day of the week.