You’d think living in a former Olympic host city would make us all experts on the ice. Honestly, it doesn't. Most of us are still out there flailing our arms like baby birds every December. But there is something undeniably cool about ice skating in Salt Lake City. Maybe it’s the mountain backdrop or the fact that we have access to "The Fastest Ice on Earth."
Winter here isn't just about skiing.
While the tourists are busy clogging up the lift lines at Alta and Snowbird, the locals are lacing up. If you've never felt the weird, sharp sting of cold air hitting your face while you try—and fail—to do a crossover at the Gallivan Center, have you even lived in Utah?
The Downtown Vibe vs. The Olympic Legacy
The Gallivan Center is basically the heartbeat of downtown during the winter. It’s small. It’s crowded. You’ll definitely get cut off by a six-year-old doing circles around you. But it’s beautiful. They’ve got these colorful lights everywhere, and for the 2025-26 season, they’re running through March 1st.
It's only $12 for adults, and that includes your skates. Cheap date? Absolutely.
Then you have the Utah Olympic Oval out in Kearns. This place is a whole different beast. It’s huge—five acres under one roof. They’ve got the 400-meter speed skating track where world records are still being broken. Skating here feels serious, even if you’re just there for the public sessions.
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"It's the fastest ice on earth, but if you're like me, it just means you fall down at a slightly higher velocity."
The Oval is where the "real" skaters go. You'll see speed skaters in those aerodynamic suits whizzing by while you're just trying to find your balance on the inner rinks. If you're a member of the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center, you actually get in for free on Monday nights.
Where to Avoid the Massive Crowds
Everyone knows Gallivan. Everyone knows the Oval. If you want to actually move without hitting someone, you've got to be a bit more strategic.
Millcreek Common is the new kid on the block, and it's kind of a big deal. It's Utah’s largest outdoor skating rink with about 11,000 square feet of ice. They call it a "Skate Loop," and it's way more interesting than just skating in a circle. On Friday and Saturday nights, they have DJ sets. It's $7 to skate and $5 for rentals, which is a steal.
Salt Lake County's Indoor Secrets
- County Ice Center (Murray): This is where the Murray Silver Blades train. It’s a solid, no-frills rink. If you want a consistent temperature and good ice quality without the outdoor wind, this is it.
- SLC Sports Complex: Located near the University of Utah, this place has two Olympic-sized sheets. It's home to the U's hockey team. It’s got a very "community center" feel, which I personally love.
- Acord Ice Center: Over in West Valley. It’s often less crowded during the day than the other county rinks.
The Reality of Outdoor Skating in 2026
Let’s be real: our winters have been weird lately. I was reading a thread on Reddit the other day where people were complaining about how it’s not even cold enough to skate on the high-elevation lakes anymore.
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Don't try to skate on a wild pond unless you see a bunch of ice fishermen out there first. Honestly, even then, it's sketchy. Stick to the refrigerated rinks.
The Bountiful Ice Ribbon and the Ice Ribbon at J. Lynn Crane Plaza in Herriman are both great outdoor options that stay frozen even when the weather decides to be 45 degrees in January. These "ribbon" style rinks are way better for social skating because you're following a path rather than just orbiting a center point.
Learning to Not Fall
If you’re tired of clinging to the boards, there are actually world-class coaches here. I'm talking people like Nick Apter, who was a pair skater for the Soviet Union, or Karel Kovar, who performed in the 2002 Olympic ceremonies.
Most rinks offer "Learn to Skate" programs. The Gallivan Center even has 30-minute lessons on Thursdays in January. You don't need to be aiming for the 2034 Winter Olympics—which, yes, are coming back to SLC—to benefit from a few tips on how to stop without hitting the wall.
Essential Survival Tips for SLC Skating
- Trax is your friend. Especially for the Gallivan Center. Parking downtown in December is a nightmare. The Gallivan Plaza station drops you right there.
- Check the schedule. The County rinks (Murray, SLC Sports Complex) have very specific public skate hours because of hockey leagues. Call 385-468-1650 before you drive out.
- Dress in layers. The Oval is surprisingly chilly because it's such a massive space, but once you start moving at Millcreek Common, you’ll be sweating.
- Thick socks are a lie. You want thin, moisture-wicking socks. Thick socks actually make your feet colder because they cut off circulation in tight skates.
The Neighborhood Rink List
If you're not in the city center, you still have options. The Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center has a great rink that’s been around since the 70s. It’s supported by local taxes, so the fees are low.
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Up in Logan, there’s the George S. Eccles Ice Center, and if you’re heading toward Provo, Peaks Ice Arena is another 2002 legacy venue that’s definitely worth the drive.
What’s Actually Worth Your Time?
If you want the "classic" Salt Lake experience, go to Gallivan at night. If you want to pretend you're an athlete, go to the Oval. If you want a fun night out with friends and decent music, go to Millcreek Common.
The ice culture here is unique because it's so tied to our identity as an Olympic city. You’ll see toddlers who can skate better than you and seniors who have been on the ice for sixty years. It’s one of the few things that actually brings the whole valley together when the "inversion" gets bad and we all just need to get out of the house.
Your Next Steps for a Day on the Ice
Check the Gallivan Center recorded info line at 801-535-6117 to make sure they aren't closed for a private event before you head downtown. If you’re planning on hitting the Utah Olympic Oval, look at their online calendar to see if there’s a speed skating competition happening; watching the pros is often free and honestly more impressive than any "Disney on Ice" show you'll ever pay $100 for. Finally, grab a pair of thin wool socks and head out—just remember that everyone else is just as worried about falling as you are.