You’ve seen the photos. A massive, glass-like lake tucked between snow-dusted pines, people gliding effortlessly under the Colorado sun. It looks like a Hallmark movie set. Honestly, it kind of is. But if you just show up at Evergreen Lake expecting a casual afternoon of skating without checking the "hotline" or understanding the local wind patterns, you’re probably going to end up standing in a very cold parking lot with nothing to do but stare at a "Closed" sign.
Ice skating in Evergreen CO isn’t just a fun winter hobby; it’s a localized science experiment managed by the Evergreen Park & Recreation District (EPRD).
The lake is famous for being the largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor rink in North America. That sounds impressive, and it is. We're talking 8.5 acres of groomed ice. But here's the thing: nature doesn't always play nice. As of mid-January 2026, the lake has been stubbornly liquid or dangerously thin due to unseasonably warm Colorado "bluebird" days.
The Reality of the Ice
Most people think once it hits December, the lake is a go. Nope.
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The ice needs to be consistently thick enough to support the weight of a massive Zamboni. If the ice isn't at least 12 to 14 inches thick, that machine stays in the shed. For us humans, the safety threshold is lower, but for a public operation this size, the EPRD is incredibly strict. They have to be.
Usually, the season tries to kick off around Christmas and run through early March. But 2026 has been a weird one. If you’re planning a trip, you basically have to live and die by the 720-880-1391 hotline. That’s not a joke. They update it daily because a single 50-degree afternoon can turn the "giant skating field" into a slushy mess.
What it actually costs
Don't expect "big city" rink prices, but it’s not free either.
- Admission: $15 (flat rate, no hourly limit).
- Skate Rental: $10.
- The Combo: $20 (this is the move if you don't own your own pair).
- Punch Passes: $120 for 10 sessions.
Kids 4 and under are free, which is great, but keep in mind there are no "skate walkers" or those little plastic seals for kids to hold onto. If your toddler can't stand, you're going to be hunched over like a question mark for two hours.
The "North America's Largest" Factor
When they say 8.5 acres, it’s hard to visualize until you’re out there. It’s divided into a main public skating area and several smaller rinks for pond hockey and broomball.
Broomball is basically the chaotic cousin of hockey. You wear your shoes (no skates allowed for broomball), use a stick with a plastic "broom" on the end, and try to hit a ball into a net. It’s slippery, you will fall, and it’s arguably the most fun you can have for $175 an hour (which covers up to 15 people).
The main rink is for the figure skaters and the "lap-goers." If you want to avoid the crowds, avoid Saturdays. Just don't do it. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on a Saturday, it’s a swarm. The best time is actually a weekday afternoon around 3:00 PM when the local kids are still in school but the sun is starting to hit that golden-hour angle over the mountains.
Logistics: The Parking Nightmare
This is where people get grumpy. The parking lot at the Evergreen Lake House is tiny. Tiny.
If you arrive at noon on a weekend, you will be turned away. The EPRD runs a shuttle from Stagecoach Park or the Wulf Rec Center during peak times. Use it. It’s way less stressful than idling in your car for forty minutes hoping someone with frozen toes finally decides to leave.
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Also, bring a backpack. There are cubbies and benches, but the Lake House can get crowded and cozy—which is a nice way of saying "smells like wet socks and hot cocoa."
Safety and the "Thin Ice" Fear
Is it safe? Yes, on the groomed rinks.
The EPRD staff drills holes to check thickness constantly. However, the rest of the 40-acre lake is a different story. You’ll see ice fishermen out there on the far ends. They know what they’re doing (usually). But as a skater, stay on the groomed areas.
Colorado lakes often have "white ice" or "snow ice." This happens when snow falls on thin ice, weighs it down, and water seeps up to freeze the snow. It looks solid, but it’s full of air bubbles and is structurally about as strong as a Ritz cracker.
Why the Zamboni matters
Evergreen is one of the few places that uses a real Zamboni on a natural lake. Most "wild" ice is bumpy, cracked, and full of twigs. The Zamboni shaves the top layer and lays down a thin sheet of hot water that freezes into a smooth finish. It’s why people drive from Denver just to skate here instead of the local plastic-tile rinks or small city ponds.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're actually going to do this, here is how to not hate the experience:
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- Call the hotline first. Seriously. 720-880-1391. If it says the ice is "soft," stay home. Soft ice is like skating through wet cement.
- Dress in layers. The lake is at 7,000 feet. The wind coming off the mountains can be brutal, but once you start skating, you’ll be sweating within twenty minutes.
- No alcohol. They’re strict. Don't bring a flask. Rangers do walk the perimeter.
- Hit the Lake House. Even if you aren't skating, the Great Room has a massive fireplace. It’s the best place to thaw out your fingers.
- Check the event calendar. Events like "Skate the Lake" (a massive New Year's Eve party) or the "Polar Plunge" change the availability of the rinks.
Next Steps for You: Check the current weather forecast for Evergreen. If the daytime highs are consistently above 40°F for more than three days, the lake will likely be closed. Your best bet for guaranteed ice is usually a mid-week trip in February when the "base" of the ice is at its thickest.