Ice skating in and near Palo Alto

For a town where frost is rare, Palo Alto takes its ice seriously. The Winter Lodge on Middlefield Road has kept an outdoor rink running since 1956. The rink describes itself as the only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierra Nevada. Skating there on a clear December night, under open sky with the holiday tree lit, is one of the city's best seasonal traditions.

This guide covers how the Winter Lodge works this season, from tickets and session times to classes and private events. It also covers where to skate once the outdoor season ends in April, or when you want an indoor rink with hockey and figure skating programs. For the rink's history and the 1985 vote that saved it, read our full Winter Lodge guide.

The Winter Lodge at a glance

The Winter Lodge is at 3009 Middlefield Road in Midtown. It opened on February 15, 1956, as the Winter Club, built by Duncan Williams. Local skaters saved it from redevelopment in the 1980s. Today a nonprofit runs it. The sheet is smaller than a hockey arena on purpose. It was built for recreational skating and lessons rather than games.

Public sessions and tickets

Public skating runs in two-hour sessions. The rink's public skating schedule for fall 2026 shows the general pattern:

• Afternoons: a 3 to 5 p.m. session every day of the week.
• Mornings: 8 to 10 a.m. sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
• Evenings: 8 to 10 p.m. sessions on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
• Sunday family session: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Holiday weeks and school breaks can change the schedule, so confirm before you go. The rule that trips up first-time visitors is tickets: public session tickets are sold online only, in advance. They go on sale up to 30 days ahead. Weekend evenings, winter break and the weeks around Christmas sell out first. Prices are listed on the same page and vary by session.

Lessons for kids and adults

The Winter Lodge has taught generations of local children to skate. Group classes run through the season in two age groups: children 5 and up and adults 17 and up. Levels range from first steps on the ice to freestyle skills for skaters working on jumps and spins. Classes for this season started on October 12, 2026. The rink posts dates, times and prices on its classes page.

For a nervous adult, a class is often a better start than a crowded public session. You get space, an instructor and other beginners at the same level. Children who want more ice time after a season of classes can look at the figure skating programs at an indoor rink.

Parties and group events

The rink takes group reservations and private events, from birthday parties to office outings. Contact the office well ahead for any date in December. An outdoor skate is a memorable way to celebrate a winter birthday. The rink's lodge gives guests somewhere to warm up. Our birthday party guide lists other ideas around town.

What to wear

Palo Alto winter evenings often dip into the low 40s °F and the ice adds its own chill. Dress in layers you can unzip as you warm up. Bring gloves for everyone, thick socks that rise above the top of the boot and a hat for night sessions. Jeans get wet if you fall a lot, so beginners are better off in water-resistant pants. Our weather guide has month by month averages.

First time on the ice

Most new skaters spend their first lap holding the wall. That is normal. A few basics help you let go sooner:

• Bend your knees and keep your weight over the middle of the blade. Stiff, straight legs make falls more likely.
• Look ahead, not at your feet. Your balance follows your eyes.
• March, then glide. Take small steps with your toes turned slightly out, then let the skates carry you.
• Fall well. If you feel yourself going, bend your knees and sit down to the side. Keep your hands in a loose fist so fingers stay clear of other blades.
• Get up from your knees. Roll onto your knees, put one foot flat on the ice, then the other. Stand up slowly.

Skate in the same direction as everyone else and follow any instructions from the rink staff on the ice.

Indoor skating: Sharks Ice at San Jose

When the Winter Lodge closes for the season, or when you want hockey and figure skating programs, drive south to Sharks Ice at San Jose at 1500 South Tenth Street. It is the official practice facility of the San Jose Sharks and posts practice schedules for the Sharks and the AHL's San Jose Barracuda,.

The rink runs a full menu of programs:

• Public skate sessions, with special events through the year.
• Learn to skate classes and figure skating programs.
• Youth hockey and high school hockey.
• Adult hockey, adult hockey lessons, tournaments and drop-in hockey.
• Broomball and other drop-in events.

Check the rink's public skate calendar for session times and admission. The same company also runs Sharks Ice at Fremont and Oakland Ice Center, which are farther away but useful for hockey families. Pair a skate with a meal downtown using our San Jose day trip guide, or catch a Sharks game at SAP Center. Our watching sports guide explains how to get there by Caltrain.

Holiday rinks

Some Bay Area cities set up temporary outdoor rinks for the holidays. They come and go from year to year, so check a city's events listings in November before you plan around one. In Palo Alto, the Winter Lodge holiday tree is the seasonal centerpiece. Our holiday season guide covers lights, markets and other December events in town.

Tips for a good skate

1. Buy tickets before you leave home. The Winter Lodge does not sell at the door.
2. Go on a weekday for space. Weekend afternoons and school holidays draw the biggest crowds.
3. Bring small kids to the afternoon session. The 3 to 5 p.m. slot suits younger skaters before evening crowds.
4. Sharpen your own skates before the season if you own a pair.
5. Plan a family day. Our Palo Alto with kids guide has ideas to pair with a skate.

Frequently asked questions