Seven Vermont Community Ice Rinks to Skate This Winter (Updated)
January 16, 2022

Vermont community ice rinks can be found in every corner of the state, from Greensboro to Sharon to Peru.

Vermont community ice rinks offer an easy, affordable way to combat cabin fever and enjoy the outdoors. Here are seven public rinks, many of them run by volunteers, to visit this winter.

Rinks typically open in mid-to-late December, depending on the weather. Be sure to check the links below for specific opening dates and information.

(Story updated for the 2022-2023 winter season.)

Peru Ice Rink

A group of friends who love to play pond hockey hatched an idea to create an ice rink on the Peru town green a few years ago. Now the 120-by-60 rink is open daily and is a hit among locals and visitors. Two years ago, volunteers—many of them members of the town’s fire department—organized a disco party for kids with music and a giant disco ball propped up over the rink. Maybe another one is in store for this winter? Fingers crossed. (Main Street, Peru; instagram.com/peru_ice_rink)

Après Skate: J.J. Hapgood General Store and Eatery

Pittsfield Community Ice Rink

Just off Route 100, the basketball court behind the town hall transforms into an ice rink every winter. The rink includes lights for night skating and a shed filled with donated skates.  Follow the rink’s Facebook page for skate times and more information. (40 Village Green, Pittsfield; www.facebook.com)

Après Skate: The Original General Store or Clear River Tavern

The Rink at State Street in Montpelier

Skate in the shadow of the State House dome at The Rink at State Street in Vermont’s capital city. The rink first opened in 2017 and is welcoming back skaters again this season. Operated by the City of Montpelier, Montpelier Alive and volunteers, the rink is open Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting. (State Street, Montpelier; montpelieralive.org)

Après Skate:  Capitol Grounds or The North Branch Café on State Street

-The rink in Montpelier/courtesy photo by Tina Hagen

Greensboro Community Ice Skating Rink

In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the Greensboro Community Skating Rink is a new project between the Highland Center for the Arts and the Greensboro Recreation Committee. After skating, try the art center’s two-mile Open Air Gallery Ski & Snowshoe Trail. The rink is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. (Hardwick Street, Greensboro; highlandartsvt.org)

Après Skate: Open Air Café (open weekends only) at The Highland Center for the Arts. 

The Rink at Underhill’s Moore Park

The 2022-23 season will be the fourth winter the Underhill outdoor rink has been open. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the rink is managed by the Underhill Recreation Committee. (15 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill; facebook.com/underhillvtrecreationcommittee)

Après Skate: Jericho Cafe and Tavern or 158 Main in Jeffersonville

Proctor Skate Rink

The Proctor Skate Rink—which doubles as a roller rink in the summer—feels more remote than it is, thanks to the tall pines that surround it. It looks like a pond, but the rink is an asphalt slab that the town floods and allows to freeze each winter. Open weekdays 3:30-9 p.m.; weekends noon to 9 p.m.  (Olympus Road, Proctor; facebook.com/PSR2018)

Après Skate: Franklin’s on North Street or Marble Valley Kitchen on South Street

Sharon Community Rink

Located near the local elementary school, the Sharon Community Rink opened in 2012 with help from a matching grant from the State of Vermont. “Our goal was to reinvent outdoor winter recreation and create a winter town square and a place to gather,” says Steve Gagliardone, who helps run the rink. “Every year, it seems like more and more folks are partaking. Ice rinks have become a popular emergence in small towns in the last decade.” Open 5-10 p.m. weekdays, all day on weekends.  (School Street, Sharon; facebook.com/SharonIceRink)

Après Skate: The Worthy Burger in nearby South Royalton.