By Shannon Lukens. (Photos courtesy City of Steamboat Springs)
The outdoor ice sheet is open. It’s between Howelsen Ice Arena and the rodeo grounds. It’s free and open for public skating and some pond hockey. No skate rentals but there are some skates you can borrow inside the ice arena.
Rink hours run daily from dawn to 10 p.m., but the public is asked to limit mid-day skating to help preserve the ice during warmer daytime temperatures.
Here’s more from the City of Steamboat Springs; Feb. 6, 2023.
Free Outdoor Community Ice Sheet Now Open
New Look & New Location Adjacent Howelsen Ice Arena and Rodeo Grounds
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-February 6, 2023-With the break in snow and cooler temperatures last week, crews from the Howelsen Ice Arena were able to put the finishing touches on the free community outdoor ice rink. The rink, which is now located adjacent the Howelsen Ice Arena in the Rodeo Grounds parking lot, is open for public skating.
Due to a construction project taking place at the previous outdoor rink location at Howelsen Beach, crews opted to move the ice sheet to its new home. Not only does the new location allow for additional space, but it also provides easy access to utilize the Zamboni to clear the sheet and for users to take advantage of facilities in the Howelsen Ice Arena, including the public restrooms.
“It’s been a challenge getting the outdoor rink ready with the heavy snow and warmer temperatures,” said Recreation Supervisor Nick Carelli. “Staff has worked hard to make the outdoor activity occur this winter, and we are excited for the community to come out and enjoy this fun, free amenity.”
The construction of the ice sheet has changed this year. Previously, the rinks were created using a combination of reinforced walls and a plastic liner. The rink this year is made from hard packed snow that was slowly flooded over time to create a beautiful glacial-like surface.
Starting today, ice lovers will be able to skate to their hearts content. With only one ice sheet, public skate and hockey users will need to share the ice. Rink hours run daily from dawn to 10 pm, but the public is asked to limit mid-day skating to help preserve the ice during warmer daytime temperatures.
Users are asked to do their part to move off any snow and ice debris before and after use with the provided shovels. Skate rentals are not provided, but there will be a free “skate library” located inside the main entrance of the ice arena for anyone needing to borrow skates. Rules are posted onsite as well as online.
Creating the outdoor ice rink 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 weather over the past month, with heavy snow and warm daytime temperatures, has hampered formation of the ice.
“We urge folks to be courteous and share the ice so everyone can lace up and enjoy this community amenity safely,” continued Carelli. “The past two seasons were a ton of fun, and we ask everyone to help keep the facility clean, safe and enjoyable so we can enjoy another successful season.”
For questions or to report damages/concerns, contact the Howelsen Ice Arena at 970.871.7033.