The Okanagan's ski resorts are for more than just skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. For those looking for a more relaxed yet equally thrilling winter activity, outdoor ice skating is a fantastic way to embrace the season. From expansive Olympic-sized rinks to charming natural ponds, these resorts offer a range of ice skating experiences that cater to everyone, from casual skaters to seasoned hockey players. Lace up your skates, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and glide across these beautiful ice surfaces for a winter experience like no other.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort, a short drive from Vernon, features a quaint mid-mountain village with colourful buildings and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout destination for visitors. At SilverStar, the natural ice rink at Brewer's Pond offers one of the most charming winter activities in the area. The 2.5-acre frozen pond transforms into a perfect spot to skate, where you can enjoy everything from casual skating to a spirited game of pond hockey. The frozen surface is framed by snow-covered trees, adding to the allure of a day spent on the ice. At night, the village glows with soft, beautiful lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Brewer's Pond provides plenty of fun for families and friends. After skating, warm up by the outdoor fire, enjoy some music, or head to Tube Town Café for a hot drink. Skates, helmets, and hockey sticks are available to rent at Brewer's Base, making it easy to hit the ice, if you didn't bring your own gear. And for those seeking a bit of competition, Wednesday nights feature weekly staff hockey games from January through February, offering an authentic, community-style rink experience.
Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks' skating rink, known for its modern design and bright colours, is considered by some to be one of the best in a mountain resort community. The covered rink, just outside of Kamloops, offers a beautiful new ice surface, allowing skaters to enjoy the outdoors while staying protected from snowfall. With added amenities like the Alpine Fitness facility, washrooms, and change rooms, the rink provides everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. It features an NHL-sized ice rink complete with boards, glass, netting and an under-ice refrigeration system, which is ideal for those who want a full ice skating experience. Whether you're skating with family, practicing your hockey skills, or just taking a break from the slopes, this open-air rink offers a perfect winter escape.
Skate and stick rentals are available onsite, so there's no need to pack your own gear. With pre-registration required for public skating sessions, planning a day on the ice is easy. Stick & Puck sessions allow hockey players to practice their moves in a controlled environment. Helmets are required for participants under 13, and for anyone joining the Stick & Puck sessions, adding a layer of safety to your fun.
Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort, southeast of Kelowna, is home to Canada's highest outdoor skating rink. The Olympic-sized rink gives visitors the chance to skate in the clear mountain air at 1,755 metres above sea level. Whether you're looking for a relaxing skate with the family or an impromptu game of pick-up hockey, Big White's rink has you covered.
Fully lit for night skating, the rink offers a magical experience as the sun sets and the surrounding snow-covered trees come alive with lights. After skating, warm up around the daily bonfire or grab a snack from the nearby Happy Valley Day Lodge. On Saturdays in Happy Valley, there are often fireworks, which add to the magical experience in the winter wonderland. Rental skates, helmets, and hockey sticks are available, ensuring you have everything you need for a memorable day on the ice.
Apex Mountain Resort
Apex Mountain Resort, located west of Penticton, offers a skating experience that goes beyond the traditional rink. In addition to its full-sized outdoor rink, which is perfect for hockey and public skating, Apex features a unique one-kilometre skating loop that winds through the forest. This magical skate path, maintained by a Zamboni, is a must-try for those seeking something different from a standard rink experience.
Skate rentals are available at the resort, and a small fee grants you access to this enchanting loop. Whether you're skating under the stars or enjoying a daytime glide through the snow-covered trees, Apex's skating loop provides a serene and unforgettable way to enjoy winter in the Okanagan.
Why Ice Skating at Okanagan Ski Resorts?
Ice skating at Okanagan's ski resorts offers more than just a place to practice figure eights or shoot pucks. It's an opportunity to connect with the outdoors in a unique, accessible way. Each resort offers a different experience—whether it's the natural charm of Brewer's Pond at SilverStar or the high-altitude thrills of Big White's Olympic rink. And for those looking to mix adventure with relaxation, the combination of skating and après-skate hot chocolate or a bonfire is the perfect winter balance.
So, next time you're planning a winter trip to the Okanagan, don't forget to pack your skates. There's a whole other side to these mountains waiting for you to explore on ice.
