The Poconos is an amazing place during the winter, with thick snowfall, beautiful woods, small towns, and frozen lakes. The glistening snow during the peak winter season surely allures everyone towards it, but do you know you can enjoy ice skating even without winters?
The feeling of elegantly gliding over ice is surely unmatched. I wanted to try the same and heard that Ice skating in Poconos is an activity that one should not miss out on. So, put on your skates and jackets as I discovered the best places for ice skating in the Poconos Mountains. Let me share some of them with you too!
Outdoor Ice Skating
When it comes to ice skating in the Poconos, its strength lies in outdoor skating. Its natural lakes and freezing winters create some of the most wonderful natural ice rinks, surrounded by the lush Poconos woods. Here are some of the best spots in the winter dreamland for outdoor ice skating in the Poconos.
1. Gouldsboro State Park
This 2,800-acre park has a plethora of activities and adventures, but it really comes to life in the winters when one of its lakes morphs into a natural ice rink. Glide on the ice of apt thickness and enjoy the Ice skating in Gouldsboro state park if the weather conditions permit.
| Location | Parking lot no. 4, Gouldsboro State Park |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre |
| Ice Thickness monitored | No |
| Amenities | Pet-Friendly, Handicap Accessible, 100% Non-Smoking Facility |
| Price | Free |
2. Hickory Run State Park
This is the place for the best ice skating in the Poconos. During the winter, the lake freezes completely, and is open for skating. Apart from skating, 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park also has cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
| Location | Sand Spring Lake, Hickory Run State Park |
|---|---|
| Area | 10 sq acres |
| Ice Thickness monitored | No |
| Amenities | Pet-Friendly, Handicap Accessible |
| Price | Free |
Tips to Remember for Safety During Outdoor Skating
The thrill of gliding on natural ice is nowhere a match for the indoor stadiums but one shouldn’t forget to be careful while skating. Let me share some of the tips I followed during my outdoor skating experience.
- The ice thickness is not monitored in most of these state parks, so be careful when you are out there.
- Use an auger to determine the thickness of the ice, it should ideally be 4 inches thick for a single person and at least seven inches for a small group.
- People in groups should spread out as crowding can put too much weight on one area.
- Always carry safety equipment and learn how to use them.
- Avoid dangerous areas like perimeter ice and ice with protruding logs, plants, and docks as these tend to be weaker.
Indoor Ice Skating
Do you want to experience the much hyped Poconos Mountain ice skating amongst the other winter adventures in the area this winter but do not want to risk considering the monitoring of ice thickness? Don’t worry, you can still experience the same in indoor rinks in the Poconos. Let’s have a look at some of the best places for the same.
1. Toyota SportsPlex
It is an enormous and well-equipped rink, ideal for the entire family. This rink is beginner-friendly, and the pros can have fun at this expansive rink too. This rink also offers ample seating arrangements for visitors and spectators.
| Location | Toyota SportsPlex , 38 Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 |
|---|---|
| Ice Thickness monitored | Yes |
| Timings | Friday (7.30 PM to 9 PM)Saturday (1 PM to 2.30 PM; 7.30 PM to 9 PM)Sunday (1 PM to 2.30 PM) |
| Price | $10/ Person |
| Rental Prices | Skate Rental ($4/ pair) |
2. Skytop Lodge
Out of all indoor rinks, I was most impressed by Skytop Lodge ice skating rink. Here, the pavilion turns into a beautiful skating rink every winter. This weather-controlled rink is perfect for both novice and pro skaters. The rink is open to the public every day during the winter. If weather permits, skating in the lake is allowed as well.
| Location | One Skytop Lodge Road, Skytop, PA 18357 |
|---|---|
| Ice Thickness monitored | Yes |
| Timings | Check with concierge for the same |
| Price | $10/ Person (if own skates are there) |
| Rental Prices | Skate Rental ($20 for skates + rink fee) |
3. Steel Ice center
This skating rink is located in Lehigh valley and provides rinks for hockey, figure skating, and public skating. They also have classes and coaching for hockey basics and how to learn skating. This prestigious rink has a lot of clubs and even conducts leagues and tournaments. You can even host events and parties here.
| Location | Steel Ice center, 320 East 1st Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015 |
|---|---|
| Ice Thickness monitored | Yes |
| Timings | Monday to Friday (8 AM to 10 PM)Saturday to Sunday (9 AM to 9 PM)(Tends to change, kindly confirm with the institute) |
| Price |
|
| Rental Prices | Skate Rental ($3) |
Best Time to Go Ice skating in The Poconos
There are many indoor ice skating rinks around the Poconos where you can go skating all year long, but for outdoor skating and the best experience overall, November to early February is the best time. During this time, the outdoor rinks are open and the weather is typically cold enough for the ice to be maintained.
Safety Tips for Skating Outdoors
Before jumping into the ice rinks, let’s go through some of the things one needs to take care of during and before skating.
- Dress warmly, including multiple layers and a waterproof coat.
- Wear gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm.
- Wear a helmet to protect your head.
- Wear skates that fit properly and are in good condition.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other skaters.
How to Prepare Yourself for a Skate Day
Ice skating is a bit different from snow skiing and can seem daunting if you’ve never tried it before. Balancing on the skates and feeling confident with the momentum all come with practice. Trying roller skating is a good beginner exercise before getting on actual skates. You can master roller skates first at Big Wheel Roller Skating in Stroudsburg, PA. If you want to experience the real thing you can try the skating lessons at Bethlehem Ice Rink or Steel Ice Center.
Ice Skating Lessons and Programs for Beginners
One of the best ways to spend your winters is heading out to the Pocono mountains. If you have fallen in love with the sport and want to learn it, consider these places for skating lessons.
- Toyota Sportsplex – It has a “youth learn to skate program” which is designed to teach beginner skaters of all ages (skaters must be at least 3 years old). Contact Toyota sportsplex for more info, the registration is open for the winter 2024 session.
- Steel Ice Center – They have a 6 Week Session for ice skating that costs $ 135 and a yearly fee of $17. This includes Half hour lessons, Skate rental on lesson day, and ten Public Skating Session Admissions (Skate Rental included).
Epilogue
Poconos is one such wonderland where you can try a multitude of activities here including ice skating. The winter activities, from snow tubing to ice skating surely will leave your thrill seeking soul satiated. For ice skating, there are dedicated outdoor rinks for nature lovers and indoor rinks for those who prefer comfortable and temperature-controlled indoor rinks.
So, plan your weekends accordingly and book yourself a cozy vacation rental in Poconos in advance. HolidayKeepers provide an array of properties to choose from. Equipped with world class amenities and luxury, these rentals will surely leave you with the best experience of your staycation. Book yours now and contact us for more information.
