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 1^st timers to the experienced, here’s everything you need to know about Yosemite ice skating.

Photo By: Local Freshies  

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.

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).

Image courtesy Tenaya Lodge

Learn more about the Tenaya Lodge 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 Lodge. 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.

Similar to the Curry Village rink, they divide up their free-skate sessions. You can get onto the ice for $16 and kids 4-12 for $13 (includes skate rental). After a few laps around the rink, you can enjoy s’mores or hot chocolate and partake in some snow play (snow dependent)! There’s no charge to use their sledding hill either. Sledding discs are available for sale at the gift shop or you can rent them through Gift Services (1^st come 1^st serve). Rink typically opens around mid-November and closes at the end of March.

Valentine’s Day Idea: Ice skating and romance go together like peanut butter and jelly. Tenaya Lodge is providing a full getaway that features activities like a couple’s spa package, a tour of Yosemite Valley, and of course ice skating. Go here to learn more.

Whether you’re looking to re-enact a scene from Blades of Glory or just want to try something different, these Yosemite ice skating rinks will make sure you have the time of your life. 

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