Gliding Through Winter: Your Guide to Ice Skating in Bend

When the first heavy snow hits the Cascades and the air turns crisp, the vibe in Central Oregon shifts completely. We trade our mountain bikes for skis and our trail runners for skates. While Mt. Bachelor usually gets all the glory for powder days, there is something undeniably magical about ice skating in Bend Oregon. It’s one of those quintessential winter experiences that brings the community together, whether you’ve lived here for twenty years or are just visiting for the weekend.

For many of us, hitting the ice is a weekly ritual from late October all the way through April. It’s not just about the sport; it’s about the atmosphere. You have the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the smell of woodsmoke from nearby fire pits, and that refreshing chill that wakes you up.

Bend is unique because we have a surprising variety of skating options for a high desert town. You can find everything from a professional-grade, NHL-sized athletic facility to charming, circular resort rinks surrounded by Ponderosa pines. Whether you are looking to join a hockey league, work on your figure eights, or just shuffle around the ice with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, there is a sheet of ice here with your name on it.

The Pavilion: Bend’s Premier Ice Sports Hub

If you want the best ice in town, you head to The Pavilion. Located right in the heart of town near the Old Mill District, this is the crown jewel of the Bend Park & Recreation District. It’s a stunning facility that really captures the spirit of Bend architecture—lots of wood, steel, and open space.

What confuses some newcomers—and delights locals—is the design. It is technically a covered facility, meaning there is a massive roof overhead to protect the ice from snow and rain. However, the sides are open-air. This means you get that authentic outdoor feeling with fresh air breezing through, but you never have to worry about a blizzard ruining the ice surface. It is the perfect balance of weather protection and outdoor ambiance.

A Place for Every Skater

Because it houses the only NHL-sized rink in Central Oregon, The Pavilion is the center of gravity for serious skaters and hockey players. The ice quality here is excellent, maintained regularly by Zambonis and kept at optimal temperatures. But don't let the professional size intimidate you; the vibe during public sessions is incredibly welcoming.

They offer a robust schedule of "Public Skate" sessions that are open to everyone. If you are watching your budget, keep an eye out for their "Cheap Skate" nights, which offer discounted admission and rentals. There are also specific "Family Skate" times designed for a slower pace, making it less stressful if you have little ones or beginners in your group who are just finding their balance.

Amenities That Make a Difference

One of the reasons this spot is so popular is the setup off the ice. When your toes start to get numb, you don’t have to suffer. The facility features a heated viewing room and changing area where you can thaw out. Outside, right next to the rink, they have gas fire pits roaring. It is a common sight to see skaters taking a break, leaning on the boards or warming their hands by the fire while watching the action.

Accessibility is also a priority here. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and they provide skate assists—those little blue frames you push around—for beginners who need a bit of stability. They even have a concession stand, so you can grab a snack without leaving the venue. It’s a well-oiled machine that handles the weekend rush effortlessly.

Skating Under the Stars at Seventh Mountain Resort

If The Pavilion is about sport and space, Seventh Mountain Resort is about atmosphere and nostalgia. Located on Century Drive on the way up to Mt. Bachelor, this rink feels like a scene out of a holiday movie. It sits nestled among towering pine trees, offering a cozy, "winter in the woods" feeling that you just can't replicate in town.

The rink itself is smaller and circular, which encourages a leisurely flow rather than high-speed laps. It is less about perfecting your crossover turns and more about holding hands, chatting, and soaking in the scenery. Because it is outdoors and uncovered, you are truly at the mercy of the elements, but that is part of the charm. Skating here while big, soft snowflakes drift down is a memory you won’t forget.

Cosmic Skating and Nightlife

The real draw for many locals is the evening experience. They host "Cosmic Skating" sessions where the rink is illuminated with laser lights and colored spots, usually accompanied by upbeat music. It turns a standard skating session into a fun, disco-on-ice party. It’s a fantastic option for a unique date night or a fun evening out with friends after a day of skiing.

Even though it is part of a resort, the rink is fully open to the public. You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to skate here, and it often operates on a drop-in basis, making it a flexible option for spontaneous outings.

The Aprés-Skate Scene

You can’t talk about Seventh Mountain without mentioning the warming options. The Outfitter Bar is right there, serving up hot cocoa, cider, and adult beverages. There’s something wonderful about skating for forty-five minutes and then retreating to a fire pit with a hot drink to warm up. It transforms the activity from a workout into a full evening event.

Worth the Drive: Sunriver and Redmond Options

Sometimes the rinks in Bend proper are packed, or you might just want a change of scenery. If you are willing to drive about 20 to 30 minutes, you have two distinct options that offer completely different vibes.

The Village at Sunriver

About 20 minutes south of Bend, The Village at Sunriver transforms into a winter wonderland that rivals any European Christmas market. The ice rink here is a covered, open-air pavilion similar in concept to the one in Bend, but the setting is pure resort luxury. The entire Village is decked out in holiday lights, and festive music is usually playing over the speakers.

One of the coolest features here is the "Alpine Express" train that chugs around the complex, adding to the excitement for younger visitors. The atmosphere is bustling and energetic. However, because Sunriver is a major destination for winter vacations, this rink can get very busy. Reservations are often required or highly recommended during peak holiday weeks, so you’ll want to check the schedule before you head down. It’s the perfect spot if you are already planning a Sunriver day trip guide to explore the shops and restaurants in the Village.

Redmond Ice Rink

On the other end of the spectrum is the Redmond Ice Rink, located about 25 minutes north in downtown Redmond. This is a smaller, portable outdoor rink that pops up seasonally. It doesn't have the grandeur of The Pavilion or the luxury of Sunriver, but it has a ton of heart and is generally the most affordable option in the region.

The Redmond rink is fantastic for a low-key, budget-friendly outing. It’s popular with locals in the northern part of the county and offers a no-frills, authentic community experience. If you want to skate without the crowds and save a few dollars, this is a solid choice. Plus, you’re right in the middle of Redmond, so it’s easy to grab dinner or check out other Redmond Oregon activities nearby.

Planning Your Visit: Costs, Gear, and Tips

Ice skating is generally an accessible sport, but costs can add up if you are bringing a whole crew. In general, you should budget between $10 and $20 per person. This typically covers your admission and your skate rentals. The Pavilion is usually around the $10 mark for admission with a separate rental fee, while resort options like Seventh Mountain may bundle it or charge a slightly higher premium for the location (closer to $14–$18).

Dressing for the High Desert Cold

The most common mistake I see people make is underdressing. There are no heated indoor rinks in Central Oregon. Even at the covered facilities, you are effectively standing outside in 30-degree weather—and moving across a giant block of ice makes it feel colder.

You need to dress in layers. A heavy coat is a must, but gloves are non-negotiable. If you fall, you do not want your bare hands on the ice. Also, wear thick, warm socks. Rental skates have little to no insulation, and your toes will freeze in standard cotton athletic socks.

Timing Your Trip

If you prefer open ice where you can skate fast without dodging people, avoid the holidays. The weeks around Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break are peak times. Weekends are consistently busy as well. The sweet spot is usually a mid-week evening or a Sunday night.

A quick tip on rentals: If you have your own skates, bring them. Almost every venue offers a discount on admission if you don't need to rent gear. It usually saves you a few dollars per person, which covers the cost of your post-skate hot chocolate.

Beyond Open Skate: Lessons, Hockey, and Curling

For those of us who live here, skating often becomes more than just a casual hobby. If you find yourself enjoying the ice, you might want to look into the organized sports that operate out of The Pavilion.

The Bend Park & Recreation District runs excellent learn-to-skate programs for every age group, from toddlers taking their first steps to adults who finally want to learn how to stop without crashing into the wall. It’s a great way to build confidence and meet other locals.

Hockey is also huge here. There are adult leagues that play late into the night and robust youth clubs like the Bend Rapids that cultivate young talent. If you prefer stones to pucks, curling has exploded in popularity recently. There are leagues and "learn to curl" sessions that fill up fast. It’s a surprisingly social and strategic game that fits perfectly with the Bend lifestyle.

A Note on Wild Ice: Can You Skate on Mirror Pond?

I get asked this question constantly: "Can we just skate on the river?"

The short answer is no. You generally cannot and should not skate on Mirror Pond or the Deschutes River.

While it might look frozen solid during a cold snap, the Deschutes is a moving river with currents flowing beneath the surface. This makes the ice thickness incredibly inconsistent and dangerous. "Wild ice" conditions are unpredictable, and falling through in freezing temperatures is a life-threatening emergency.

Local authorities strongly discourage attempting to skate on natural bodies of water in town. It simply isn't worth the risk when we have such high-quality, maintained rinks available. Stick to The Pavilion, Seventh Mountain, or Sunriver for a safe experience where the only thing you have to worry about is keeping your balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there indoor ice skating in Bend Oregon?

Technically, no. Bend does not have a fully climate-controlled, enclosed indoor rink. The Pavilion is a covered facility with a roof, but the sides are open to the elements, so you will feel the outdoor temperature and wind.

When does ice skating season start in Bend?

The season typically kicks off in late October or early November, weather permitting. Most rinks, including The Pavilion and Seventh Mountain, stay open through early April, giving us a long season to enjoy the ice.

How much does it cost to go ice skating in Bend?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 per person. Community rinks like The Pavilion and Redmond are generally cheaper (around $10 plus rentals), while resort experiences like Seventh Mountain run a bit higher ($14–$18).

Do I need reservations for ice skating in Bend?

It depends on the venue. The Pavilion operates largely on a drop-in basis for public skate sessions. However, The Village at Sunriver often requires or prioritizes reservations, especially during busy holiday periods, so it is smart to book ahead for resort locations.