When the temperature drops, it doesn’t mean you should lock yourself in the house and binge watch your favorite show on Netflix. Rather, it should be a time to get outside and do something different. Something special. Unique. The question is what? How about ice skating! Don’t just visit a “hum drum” ice skating rink. Why not make it a long weekend filled with adventure. From 1st timers to the experienced, here’s everything you need to know about Yosemite ice skating.
Guide To Yosemite Ice Skating
Photo By: Local Freshies
Curry Village
Photo courtesy Yosemite Hospitality
Learn more about the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink
There really isn’t anything more iconic for Yosemite winter fun than ice skating at the Curry Village rink. This long-standing tradition has been around since 1928 and should be on EVERYONE’S bucket list. Tucked in a quiet nook of Yosemite Valley, as soon as you step on the ice and look around, you’ll understand why USA Today voted this as one of the best ice skating rinks in the nation.
What To Know:
If you have your own skates, you can hop on the ice for $11, and if you don’t, it’s only an additional $4.50 to rent a pair. Sessions are divided up in two-hour increments. In between these open-skates, they pull out their Zamboni to make sure the rink is in tip-top shape. As of December 2018, the Curry Village ice skating rink has lights providing you a chance to skate at night under the stars. Combined with a roaring fire pit and ample s'mores supplies you can purchase, it’s a perfect way to have fun on a winter’s day. Rink typically opens around mid-December and closes the first weekend in March (weather dependent).
Tenaya at Yosemite
Image courtesy Tenaya at Yosemite
Learn more about the Tenaya at Yosemite Ice Skating Rink
Another great option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a winter wonderland is to head up to Tenaya at Yosemite. Just outside the confines of Yosemite in the town of Fish Camp, this luxurious lodge provides their guests and visitors an ice skating rink. Compared to Curry Village, their outdoor rink is covered providing shelter from the wintry weather.
What To Know:
Similar to the Curry Village rink, after a few laps around the rink, you can enjoy s’mores or hot chocolate.
Valentine’s Day Idea: Ice skating and romance go together like peanut butter and jelly. Tenaya Lodge provides a full getaway that features activities like a couple’s spa package, a tour of Yosemite Valley, and, of course, ice skating.
Whether you’re looking to re-enact a scene from Blades of Glory or want to try something different, these Yosemite ice skating rinks will make sure you have the time of your life.
Glide on the Bass Lake Rink
As part of your winter escapade to Yosemite's southern gateway, don't miss the extraordinary experience of the Glice Skating Rink at The Pines Resort. This eco-friendly, synthetic ice rink offers a unique twist to traditional ice skating, ensuring fun for all ages without the need for cold temperatures.
Designed for both beginners and seasoned skaters, it's a fantastic way to spend time with family and boogie to the skating rink's music while gliding and enjoying the serene, fresh air by the lakeside. Skating here becomes more than just an activity; it's an experience that embodies the joy and beauty of winter at Bass Lake.
What to Know:
This rink is open from Thursday to Sunday, November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Join Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino for the grand opening of the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink on November 22, 2025! With daily skating hours and rentals available, you have everything you need for a fun day on the rink. Enjoy themed skating days and evenings, from Ice Wars: The Empire Skates Back to the Country Christmas Skate, and charity events including the Food Drive Skate and Coats & Toys for Tots Drive, it's a festive hub for all.
What to Know:
Tickets must be purchased online in advance; tickets are not available for purchase at the door.
After your skating session, make your visit to the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink even more memorable with dinner at one of the incredible restaurants in the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, relax and unwind at the Serenity Springs Spa, and rest your head in the comfortable accommodations at the resort.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Like what you see? Save any of these pins (or possibly all of them) to your travel planning board(s) to give you an easy way to find your way back here! Also check out our other blog posts as well as itineraries for more ideas and pins!
