Ice Skating Destinations in the Berkshires
Every year several towns and cities in the Berkshires create outdoor skating rinks or open their doors to the numerous indoor ice skating venues.
So, dust off your ice skates, lace up, and glide the winter away at these ice skating destinations.
All outdoor rinks and natural skating destinations are weather dependent and do not have skate rentals unless noted otherwise. Have a skating destination you want included on our list–email info@iberskhires.com.
Outdoor Rinks
Wahconah Park Rink
Pittsfield
The city will soon open a rink outside the historic baseball stadium. The 50-by-100-foot rink will be open to skaters of all ages. The rink is open from dawn to dusk. Rules and more information here.
Cheshire Community House
Cheshire
When the air becomes nippy, the town opens a rink right outside the Community House, formerly the Cheshire Elementary School, which now houses town government offices.
Right next to the rink is a shed where visitors can tighten their skates out of the chilly air. The rink is open daily until 9 p.m. Information here.
Lenox Community Center
Lenox
During the winter months, the center transforms its pickleball courts into a 44-by-80 foot ice rink. The rink is open Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 9 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday until 9 p.m. Rules and more information here.
Monterey Outdoor Skating Rink
411 Main Road
The semi-enclosed, community-maintained rink operated by the local Fire Department is the perfect destination for practicing figure skating, learning to glide for the first time, or playing hockey as long as soft pucks are used.
Poor weather or rain does not cause the rink to close however long stretches of high temperatures can melt the ice completely.
The rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is a small storage room and a collection of ice skates in many sizes for all to borrow for free. More information here.
Athletic Field
Housatonic Street, Lee
The town's outdoor skating rink is open to the public daily, weather depending.
Indoor Rinks
If you prefer to ice skate without worrying about the vagaries of the weather, here are a few options.
Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink
North Adams
The city-run rink on South Church Street offers a variety of programs including public skating on most days and evening skating on Fridays. Cost ranges $3 to $10 and skate rental is $5.
Check the weekly schedule posted on Facebook.
Lansing Chapman Rink
Williamstown
This wintertime rink on Latham Street is owned by Williams College and only open to students, faculty and staff. However, Williamstown residents and college alum may purchase recreation passes, which also give access to other fitness facilities on campus.
More information here.
Boys & Girls Club
Pittsfield
The club on Melville Street offers limited public skating; there are skating programs for club members.
Admission is $8 for adults and nonmembers; $5 for club members. Skates are free with admission, depending on availability.
More information here.
Natural Ice Skating
Each year, New Englanders embrace the region's outdoor recreation, from ice fishing to skating on its many picturesque lakes and ponds. However, cold water exposure leads to numerous injuries annually.
Before skating on natural bodies of water, be sure to educate yourself on safety precautions to protect yourself and others. Ice on moving water in rivers, streams and brooks are never safe.
Safety information here.
Onota Lake
Pittsfield
During the warm months, Onota Lake is a hotspot for its scenic views and recreational activities from fishing, picnic benches, a park, boating ramp, and more. In the winter, the water freezes but the activities do not.
Slide across the water and look upon the rolling Berkshire Hills. Take a break by walking the paved path and possibly see some winter fauna.
Stockbridge Bowl
Stockbridge Bowl, originally called Lake Mahkeenac by the Mahican Indians, is a popular destination year-round, measuring 1.7 miles long and 0.6 miles wide. In the winter, it is a popular lake for ice fishing thanks to its 13 species of fish. However, people have also been known to use it for ice skating.
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