If you’ve ever asked yourself where can I find ice skating near me, here’s your guide to everything ice skating related in New York’s Capital Region.
Winter is a season that many people look forward to, with its picturesque snowfalls and holiday cheer. And what better way to embrace the winter wonderland than by lacing up a pair of ice skates and hitting the rink?
The Capital Region of New York has no shortage of fantastic ice skating rinks, both indoors and outdoors, for all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned skater or a beginner, there is a rink in the Capital Region that will suit your needs.
In this ultimate guide, we will take you through the top ice skating rinks near you, along with all the information you need to know about each rink. So, get ready to bundle up, grab your skates, and glide on the ice as we explore the best ice skating spots in the Capital Region of New York.
Read on for a complete list of ice rinks, ice arenas, skating clubs, and other resources for Capital Region ice skating enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
Ice Skating In New York’s Capital Region
Ice Skating In Albany NY
Albany County Hockey and Team USA Facility – Open year-round, this indoor ice skating rink provides skate rental and skate sharpening services, and has a food concession. In addition to public skate sessions, there are programs for camps and training schools, youth and adult hockey, figure skating, high school and college hockey, as well as programs for the physically challenged.
Bethlehem YMCA Ice Skating Rink – This indoor, full NHL-regulation-size hockey rink in Bethlehem NY is open to YMCA members and non-members. There are public skating sessions as well as Stick n’ Puck practice time, plus skate rentals. The rink provides facilities for youth sports, league events, and skating clubs.
The following outdoor skating rinks are open seasonally, weather permitting:
Empire State Plaza Ice Rink – This outdoor skating rink is open seasonally on the Empire State Plaza. Free admission. Skate rentals and lockers are available, as is a snack bar. Check the Empire State Plaza website for details.
Elm Avenue Park – Delmar NY
Swinburne Skating Rink – Partially enclosed, this outdoor skating rink is protected from weather elements. Albany, NY
Buckingham Pond, Seasonal, Free, Bordered by Berkshire Boulevard, Euclid Avenue, Lenox Avenue, and Colonial Avenue in Albany, NY. Outdoor lake conditions apply!
Washington Park Lake – Seasonal, Free, Washington Park, behind the Lake House, Albany, NY. Outdoor lake conditions apply!
Ice Skating In Clifton Park
Clifton Park Ice Arena – Open year-round, Clifton Park Ice Arena features two NHL-regulation-size ice rinks. Skate lessons are available, as are youth camps. In addition to public skate sessions, fun events include Stick n’ Puck and Light On Ice, with music and a laser show. parties and other events. Rooms are also available for booking parties and other events.
Ice Skating In Colonie
The Crossings Pond – Seasonal, Free, 580 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, NY. Outdoor lake conditions apply!
Skating is also available at the Town Hall, Colonie Golf Course, and pocket park locations at Forts Ferry, Maywood, Maplewood, Stanford Heights, Lishakill, Palma, and West Albany. For skating rink openings call (518) 785-4301. Outdoor lake conditions apply!
Ice Skating In Cohoes
Van Schaick Pond – Seasonal, Free, Van Schaick Avenue, Cohoes, NY. Outdoor lake conditions apply!
Ice Skating In Glens Falls
Glens Falls Recreation Department Ice Rink – Indoor, Seasonal, Free, Rentals Available, Fire Road, Glens Falls, NY, (518) 761-3855.
The following outdoor skating rinks in and near Glens Falls are open seasonally:
- Crandall Park (Upper Glen Street Route 9, Glens Falls, NY) and East Field (175 Dix Ave., Glens Falls, NY) (518) 761-3813.
- Gurney Lane Recreation Center
- Moreau Lake State Park
- Warrensburg Recreation Field – Outdoor rink under a pavilion.
- Dynamite Hill Recreation Area
Ice Skating Rinks – Troy NY
Conway Ice Arena – Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY – Closed for upgrades.
Frear Park Ice Skating Rink – Indoor Ice Rink open year-round, Park Boulevard and Lavin Ct., Troy, NY, (518) 266-0023. Home of Troy Albany Youth Hockey.
RPI (Houston Field House) – Free/RPI Students, Peoples Avenue, Troy, NY (518) 276-6262. Home to Rensselaer’s Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey teams.
Randall School of Ice Skating, Year-Round Lessons with North America Hockey Systems, 200 Oakwood Avenue, Troy, NY.
Long Pond – Seasonal, Free, Grafton Lakes State Park, Outdoor lake conditions apply!
Ice Skating Rinks – Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks – Open year-round, features NHL-size rink and Olympic-size ice skating rink. Public skate sessions, skate rentals and sharpening, and offering lessons and ice hockey clinics.
Saratoga Spa State Park, Seasonal, Two outdoor rinks. Hockey is allowed at the rink just off Avenue of PInes, but not at rink near Victoria Pool.
Saratoga Winter Club for Speedskating – Year-round training program utilizing indoor and outdoor ice.
Ice Skating Rinks – Schenectady
Schenectady County Recreation Facility – Indoor ice rink open Year-Round, 5 Tower Road, Glenville, NY, (518) 384-2445. Lessons, Open Figure Skating, Stick Practice, and Senior Skate Sessions.
Messa Rink – Achilles Center, Union College , 807 Union St., Schenectady, NY, (518) 388-6134, Skating & Hockey Lessons available.
The following outdoor skating rinks are open seasonally, weather permitting:
- Collins Park Ice Skating – Free, Seasonal, Outdoor lake conditions apply!
- Indian Meadows Town Park – Seasonal, Free, Glenville, NY. One rink is reserved for free skating, the other for “pond hockey.” Rinks are open sunrise to sunset, or while lights are on until 9PM. The warming hut will be open on weekends and evenings when skating conditions and public use warrant. When the skating rinks gates are open, the rinks are open; gates closed – rinks closed. Outdoor lake conditions apply!
- Iroquois Lake – Seasonal, Free, Schenectady Central Park, Schenectady, NY. Look for:
- green flag means ice is safe, red means stay off. Outdoor lake conditions apply!
Skating Clubs In The Capital Region
- Albany Figure Skating Club – Four locations: Albany County Hockey Training Facility, Albany Academy Field House, Bethlehem Area YMCA, Clifton Park Ice Arena.
- Glens Falls Figure Skating Club – Glens Falls
- Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club – Troy
- Northern NY Regional Council of Figure Skating Clubs
- Saranac Lake Figure Skating Academy – Saranac Lake
- Saratoga Springs Figure Skating Club – Saratoga Springs
- Uncle Sam Skating Club – Troy NY
More Ice Skating Rinks In New York
Lake Placid Olympic Ice Skating Facilities – Year-Round, Main Street, Lake Placid, NY, (518) 523-1655, Indoor and Outdoor Rinks, Summer Skating Camps.
Mohonk Mountain House – 1000 Mountain Rest Road ,New Paltz, NY, (845) 255-1000. Spectacular pavilion setting, ice skating, broomball, curling.
- Albany Figure Skating Club – Four locations: Albany County Hockey Training Facility, Albany Academy Field House, Bethlehem Area YMCA, Clifton Park Ice Arena.
- Glens Falls Figure Skating Club – Glens Falls
- Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club – Troy
- Northern NY Regional Council of Figure Skating Clubs
- Saranac Lake Figure Skating Academy – Saranac Lake
- Saratoga Springs Figure Skating Club – Saratoga Springs
- Uncle Sam Skating Club – Knickerbacker Park Ice Arena – in Troy, NY.
Get The Right Gear For Ice Skating
When it comes to ice skating, it’s essential to have the proper equipment to ensure your safety and comfort on the ice. The most important item to purchase is a well-fitting pair of ice skates that provides support and flexibility for your feet and ankles.
But there are two main types of ice skates: figure skates and hockey skates. Figure skates have a longer blade with a toe pick at the front, which is used for jumps and spins in figure skating routines. They also typically have a higher boot that provides more ankle support and allows for better control over the blade. In contrast, hockey skates have a shorter blade with a curved end, which allows for quick turns and stops on the ice. They have a lower boot that provides more flexibility and range of motion for players to move quickly on the ice.
It’s also recommended to wear warm, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, as well as gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm. A helmet is highly recommended for beginners and children, and protective padding for the knees and elbows can also provide an extra layer of safety. Additionally, a good pair of socks can help prevent blisters and make your skating experience more comfortable.
By investing in the right gear, you can enjoy a fun and safe skating experience.