The outdoor ice rinks at Howelsen Hill have been prepared and flooded by Steamboat Springs Parks & Recreation staff. Now it’s up to the cold weather to freeze the liquid to frozen ice over the next seven to ten days. The outdoor rinks are expected to be ready by the first week of the New Year. One is for hockey and one is for general skating. Ice freezes from the top down so the rinks may look solid but they aren’t yet, so please don’t give them a try until they’re officially open, and we will let you know.

 

Here’s the full press release from the City of Steamboat Springs.

 

Inch-By-Inch Deep Freeze Brings Outdoor Rinks Slowly To Life — Public Must Stay Off Ice & Refrain From Using Facility During Slow Freeze Process

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 22, 2021-Creating the outdoor ice rinks is an inch-by-inch deep freeze process that spans a multi-day window mixing the right combination of clear skies and cold temperatures. The outdoor community rinks have begun that transformation under the watchful eye of the Parks & Recreation staff.

 

“We’re working towards being open the first week in the new year,” said Recreation Manager Alexis Wolf. “But we need everyone’s assistance in staying off the ice so that it can freeze properly and not be damaged delaying opening further.”

Parks & Recreation staff have flooded the two rinks and the ice now starts its slow conversion from liquid to frozen form over the next seven to ten days. High temperatures during the day combined with recent snowfall have delayed preparation.

 

Ice freezes from the top down and the rinks may appear to be solid; however, the public must refrain from using the facility until it officially opens. Preparation efforts will continue throughout the holiday period.

 

The outdoor rinks are provided to the community for FREE. This winter, one rink will be designated for hockey and one for general skating. However, both rinks will be open for either activity if not already in use.

 

Once operational, the rinks will be open daily from 7am to 9am and in the evening from 5pm to 10pm. Users are asked to avoid using the facility during the middle of the day when temperatures are at their peak. Skate rentals are not provided, and participants must bring their own blades. In addition, shovels will be provided at the rinks for the public to help with clearing snow daily.

 

“When the rinks open in 2022, we urge folks to be courteous and share the ice so everyone can lace up and enjoy this community amenity safely,” continued Wolf. “Last year’s inaugural season was a ton of fun, and we look forward to another successful season.”

 

Funding for the project, which was originally installed last winter, has been by private donors and community members who have made to the Howelsen Capital Improvement Fund: Ice Arena, housed at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation (YVCF). If you would like to support this project, donations can be made at steamboatsprings.net/give