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About Winter Lodge
Winter Lodge is an outdoor ice skating rink at 3009 Middlefield Road in Midtown Palo Alto. It opened in 1956 and the rink describes itself as the only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierra Nevada. Today it runs as a nonprofit, with a season that starts in mid October and ends in April. The rink is smaller than a hockey arena on purpose. It was built for recreational skating, lessons and family outings rather than league play.
Our Winter Lodge visitor guide covers the rink as a Palo Alto attraction. This listing focuses on the practical details: sessions, tickets, classes and group bookings as the rink publishes them for the 2026 to 2027 season.
A short history
According to the rink's own history page, Winter Lodge began as an experiment by Duncan Williams, an engineering professor who wanted to keep real ice frozen through a mild California winter. He used a brine based cooling system and shading. Much of his design is still in use. The rink opened as the Winter Club on February 15, 1956, on what was then a lightly developed stretch of Middlefield Road.
The site nearly became condominiums in the early 1980s. A group of skaters formed the Trust for Community Skating, the rink reopened as Winter Lodge in 1983 and in November 1985 Palo Alto voters passed Measures A and B. Those measures allowed a land swap with a city parcel on Geng Road, which kept the rink where it stands. The rink says it now serves more than 3,000 skating students a season and over 70,000 guests a year.
Public skating sessions
Public sessions are two hours long. Afternoon sessions run from 3 to 5 p.m. every day of the week. Morning sessions from 8 to 10 a.m. run Wednesday through Friday. Evening sessions from 8 to 10 p.m. run on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday ends with a family session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when skaters under 18 must come with a parent.
For the season, Winter Lodge lists single admission at $20 per person and skate rental at $8 a pair. Prices can change, so check the public skating page before you go. Tickets are sold online only, up to 30 days in advance. Gloves are required and helmets are recommended for beginners. Rental skates run from a toddler size 6 up to a women's 14 and a men's 15.
Young beginners can use "Little Bear" skating aids, plastic bears they push across the ice for balance. These are available on the indoor ice during the Saturday and Sunday 3 to 5 p.m. sessions and the Sunday family session, for up to 15 minutes at a time.
Classes and group events
Group skating classes start in October and run through the season. Winter Lodge offers classes for children from age 5 and adult classes for ages 17 and up, from beginner to freestyle level. Enrollment is through the rink's online account system.
Groups can book the ice for birthdays, school outings and company events. Daytime private reservations use the outdoor rink for 35 to 75 skaters. Evening private events take both the outdoor and indoor ice for 100 to 300 skaters. The rink posts per skater pricing with minimum fees and a $500 deposit. Alcohol is not allowed. Events go ahead rain or shine, with skating moved under the roofed area in wet weather. The site also lists tennis lessons through the Kim Grant Tennis Academy at Winter Lodge.
Tips for visiting
- Book early. Friday and Saturday evening sessions and the weeks around the winter holidays sell out first.
- Dress in layers. You are skating outdoors. Palo Alto winter evenings can drop into the 40s. See our weather guide for what to expect.
- The holiday tree goes up the week after Thanksgiving and stays through the first weekend of the new year, a popular time for photos. Our holiday season guide lists other seasonal events.
- The office answers the phone Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 650-493-4566.
Skating pairs well with other family stops in town. Our Palo Alto with kids guide and birthday party ideas include more options nearby.
Location and getting there
Winter Lodge is at 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the Midtown area of Palo Alto. Our Midtown guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 1.0 miles away. That is roughly a 25 minute walk or a short bike ride.
Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.
Hours
| Monday and Tuesday | 3 to 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 8 to 10 a.m., 3 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. |
| Thursday | 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. |
| Friday | 8 to 10 a.m., 3 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. |
| Saturday | 3 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. |
| Sunday | 3 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (family session) |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.
What is nearby
- Safeway, food shop, 0.2 mi
- Chase Middlefield Road, service business, 0.2 mi
- Round Table Pizza, restaurant, 0.2 mi
- Midtown Hair Studio, salon or spa, 0.2 mi
- Pacific Precious Metals, store, 0.2 mi
- Hoover Park, 0.3 mi
- Seale Park, 0.4 mi
- Greer Park, 0.8 mi
Other fitness, dance and martial arts nearby: RockSalt Pilates (0.3 mi); My Gym Palo Alto (0.3 mi); Luna Dance Studio (0.3 mi); Equinox (1.0 mi). Browse the full fitness, dance and martial arts list.
Before you go
- Many studios offer a first class or trial pass. Ask before you buy a membership.
- Classes at popular times fill up, so book through the studio's app or website where that is offered.
- Bring water and check whether the studio provides mats, towels or rental gear.
About this listing
Checked October 30, 2026 against Winter Lodge website; Public skating schedule; History of Winter Lodge; Group event reservations. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Winter Lodge in Palo Alto?
Winter Lodge is at 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the Midtown area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 1.0 miles away.
Can I buy Winter Lodge tickets at the door?
No. Winter Lodge says public session tickets must be bought in advance online. They go on sale up to 30 days ahead. Buy early for weekend evenings and school holidays.
When is Winter Lodge open for the 2026 to 2027 season?
The rink opened for public skating on October 16, 2026 and its last day of public skating is April 11, 2027. It closes on November 26, December 24 and 25, January 1 and March 28.
Do I need gloves to skate at Winter Lodge?
Yes. Winter Lodge requires gloves for every skater and recommends helmets for beginners. A bike helmet is fine.
What are Winter Lodge's hours?
Monday and Tuesday: 3 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday: 8 to 10 a.m., 3 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Thursday: 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.; Friday: 8 to 10 a.m., 3 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 3 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 3 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (family session).