As we head into the holiday season there are a few images that are always reminiscent of wintertime. Who could go without the excitement of the first snowfall, warm hot chocolate next to a fire and, of course, a good round of ice skating. Whether you are interested in skating in an indoor rink or enjoying the beauty of nature at an outdoor rink, there are more than enough skating opportunities to take advantage of in Fairfield County.
Outdoor Rink
Westport PAL Rink at Longshore
Westport
PAL Rink at Longshore is open daily for public skating and offers a variety of private and group lessons in figure skating, hockey and more. In addition to the daily pricing there are also season passes for public skate, which are $100 for children under twelve and $150 for adults.
260 Compo Road South, Westport; 203- 226-7465
Indoor Rinks
Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is currently in their Fall 2 calendar period, which offers SnowPlow Sam, Basic Skills and Bridge Program & Freestyle classes at the Skating School. In addition to the skating school there are opportunities for ice hockey, figure skating and general skating as well as rink rentals.
One Blachley Road, Stamford; 203-989-1000
Darien Ice Rink
Put in your applications for Skating School, which offers skating instruction for every level and skill set on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:10-5:50pm and Saturdays from 2:00-3:40pm. Also available at the Darien Ice Rink are the ‘Rising Stars’, ‘Shooting Stars’ and ‘Darien Youth Hockey’ leagues for hockey fans of all ages.
55 Old Kings Highway North, Darien; 203-655-8251
Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink
Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink offers several skating options including public skating, figure skating lessons, ice hockey, and ice hockey clinics. The rink is also available for birthday parties and events.
14 Sherman Avenue, Greenwich; 203-531-8560
Fairfield Ice Academy
There are a variety of ice-skating and hockey programs for all ages and skill levels at the Fairfield Ice Academy. There are also hockey and skating camps that take place at the end of December that are ground in teaching and developing instructional skills during the school winter break.
85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, 203-254-8399
Greenwich Skating Club
The Greenwich Skating Club is a members only club, but there are openings every year for new members. One of the requirements for admission, however, is that you must live in Greenwich or your children must go to school in Greenwich. Contact Admissions Chairperson, Alex Williams at 203- 661-1217 or by email at algordo@optonline.net
9 Cardinal Road, Greenwich; 203-622-9583
New Canaan Winter Club
Ice Skating Rink
As the name would suggest, this members-only rink is open seasonally from November 15th-February 28th. There are several teams to take part in including CHC Travel Hockey, Junior House League, Senior House League, Men’s House League, Women’s Hockey, Men’s Travel Hockey, Figure Skating and several group lessons and clinics.
604 Frogtown Road, New Canaan; 203-966-4280
Stamford Twin Rinks
If you are a beginner skater than Stamford Twin Rinks is a great place to go to learn the basics. It is home to one of the largest U.S. Figure Skating Learn To Skate programs in the country and group skating lessons are available for all skill levels. Stamford Twin Rinks also offers Ballet and Dance classes as wella s public skating, ice rentals and public skating. Don’t forget to stop by the Ice View Sports Bar and Grill that overlooks the two NHL regulation sized ice rinks.
1063 Hope Street, Stamford; 203-968-9000
Terry Conners Rink
The Winter Cycle of the “Skate With US” program at Terry Conners Rink has begun, which follows the US Figure Skating Guidelines and offers lessons for children ages 3-17. Along with the public skating and open hockey that is available, the rink is also open for private rental and birthday parties.
1125 Cove Road, Stamford; 203-977-4728
Winter Garden Ice Arena
There are several skating programs at the Winter Garden Ice Arena including girls, boys and adult hockey as well as a youth hockey program. There is also ‘Ice Mice’, which is designed to help children ages 3-6 to develop the skills necessary to maneuver on the ice. In addition to the hockey and skating programs, the public skating sessions are Monday-Friday from 10am-2pm and Sundays from 2-3:20pm.
111 Prospect Ridge, Ridgefield; 203-438-4423.
Wonderland of Ice
Wonderland of Ice offers Public Skating everyday as well as opportunities to participate in Freestyle and the Nutmeg Curling Club. In addition to the hockey and skating programs that are available, Wonderland of Ice also has an 'Icerobics' fitness class that burns up to 500 calories in an hour.
123 Glenwood Avenue, Bridgeport; 203-576-8118