By Shannon Lukens.
The outdoor sheet of ice at the Howelsen Hill tennis courts opens for the season tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 14). The rink is available for public skating, figure skating, and informal hockey fun.
“Getting the outdoor rink ready is always a challenge, but it’s what makes the outdoor environment so appealing,” said Nick Carelli, Howelsen Ice Arena Recreation Supervisor. “Our staff worked hard to prepare this sheet despite fluctuating temperatures, and we’re excited for the community to enjoy it.”
It’s open every night from 5-10 p.m. and closed during the day to save the ice during warmer weather. One sheet is available so skaters and hockey players are asked to share. The rink is managed by the Howelsen Ice Arena staff.
Press release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Jan. 14, 2026.
A Cool Deal In Town: Free Outdoor Ice Rink Opens
Nightly Under the Lights From 5pm to 10pm at Howelsen Tennis Courts
Steamboat Springs, Colorado-January 14, 2026- Despite unseasonable weather conditions that challenged outdoor ice formation, the Howelsen Ice Arena crew is thrilled to announce the coolest free deal in town—the opening of the community outdoor ice rink.
Thanks to a stretch of cooler temperatures last week, crews successfully completed the outdoor ice sheet at the Howelsen Hill Tennis Courts, bringing back a beloved winter tradition. The rink is now open for public skating, figure skating, and informal hockey.
“Getting the outdoor rink ready is always a challenge, but it’s what makes the outdoor environment so appealing,” said Nick Carelli, Howelsen Ice Arena Recreation Supervisor. “Our staff worked hard to prepare this sheet despite fluctuating temperatures, and we’re excited for the community to enjoy it.”
The rink will be open nightly from 5-10 p.m. and closed during daytime hours to preserve ice quality during warmer temperatures. With one ice sheet available, skaters and hockey players are asked to share the ice courteously. The rink is managed by Howelsen Ice Arena staff and illuminated by the existing tennis court lighting system for evening use.
A limited number of skates are available at no cost from the community skate library at Howelsen Ice Arena, located at 285 Howelsen Parkway. Skates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Helmets and protective gear are strongly encouraged, especially for hockey players. Rink rules are posted onsite.
Creating an outdoor rink is a meticulous, inch-by-inch freezing process that relies on cold temperatures and clear skies. This year’s rink was built using a complete system from NiceRink, a fourth-generation Wisconsin company with nearly 70 years of experience in outdoor rink construction. The system includes reinforced walls, a plastic liner, sideboards, and accessories, producing a smooth, glacial-like skating surface.