Ice Skating
Both ice skating and ice hockey are a big part of the winter culture in Telluride. From the graceful turns and toe loops to the aggressive chase for the rubber puck that includes the penalty box, Telluride gives locals and tourists the opportunity to get out on the ice and do their things in three different places- quite impressive for such a small town of just 2,000 people.
Hanley Ice Rink, formerly Telluride Town Pavillion, in the town of Telluride is the biggest location for Telluride ice skating and exists in the Telluride Town Park just behind the tennis courts. It’s a professional grade hockey rink-NHL size, covered and refrigerated- perfect for hockey games, ice skating performances, and practices of both kinds. You’ll need to either bring your own ice skates or rent them. Ice skates can be purchased at Boot Doctors at one of their locations in both Telluride and Mountain Village. Calling ahead for size availability is suggested.
Hanley Ice Rink is the home of the Telluride Lizard Heads, the area youth hockey team, which is very competitive in Colorado. It is also home to the high-energy adult teams that travel and compete locally in Telluride and other surrounding towns during the winter season. Stop by on a Friday night for a local adult hockey game, and you’re sure to see a full house with audience members cheering and enjoying one or many of their favorite beverages.
Hanley Ice Rink does open only for the winter season.
The Telluride Town Park also offers an outdoor rink perfect for children, families, and leisurely Telluride ice skating. Located on the other side of the park, next to the soccer fields and the public bathrooms, it is a natural ice rink. The warming hut there does rent skates in the winter and offer chairs for beginners. The hours are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm every day from mid-December to mid-February, though this depends on the weather conditions. Often, music is playing, and folks of all ages enjoy this quiet spot amidst the trees and with views of Bear Creek and Ajax Peak. It is a very Norman Rockwell kind of scene. Reservations can be made for private parties during public skate hours. The walk to the Steaming Bean is just a few blocks away on Colorado Avenue. The free bus service does have a Town Park stop.
Another option is the ice rink next to the Hotel Madeline in Mountain Village. Also ideal for children’s birthday parties and other sorts of gatherings, the warming hut at this ice rink do also rent skates, plus give parents the option of staying warm while their children play. That is not to say that adults cannot or should not enjoy the ice. Boot Doctors in the Mountain Village does offer skating lessons, as well as punch cards and season passes for this rink. Children 5 and under are free. This rink is open from noon until 8 daily. Pizza at Crazy Elk is conveniently available just next door. Starbucks, as well as Telluride Coffee Company, is also right across from the rink.
So… lace up and try Telluride ice skating, where it’s never too cold to enjoy yourself.
Visit Telluride-co.gov for more information.
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