Honestly, if you're looking for ice skating Ventura CA, you’ve probably realized something annoying. Our city is basically a paradise for surfers and hikers, but finding a solid sheet of frozen water? That’s a whole different story.
It's kinda wild. We have the ocean, the hills, and perfect weather, but we haven't had a permanent, dedicated ice rink right in town for years. Most locals still remember the old rink in Oxnard that closed back in 2016. Since then, it's been a bit of a struggle for hockey parents and figure skaters.
But don't bail on the idea just yet. You can still get on the ice; you just need to know where the "real" spots are and which "pop-up" rinks are actually worth your time.
The Reality of Ice Skating Ventura CA Today
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. As of early 2026, Ventura doesn’t have a year-round, indoor ice arena. If you want to play league hockey or take serious figure skating lessons on a Tuesday in July, you’re getting in the car.
The Go-To: Ice in Paradise (Goleta)
For most of us in Ventura, the "local" rink is actually Ice in Paradise up in Goleta. It’s about a 35-40 minute drive depending on how bad the 101 is behaving.
It’s a world-class facility, though. They have two rinks: the Snider Rink (NHL size) and the Norqual Rink, which is a smaller studio space. If you’re serious about the sport, this is where you go. They run the Santa Barbara Adult Hockey League and have a massive youth program.
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They also do these "Friday Night Ice Jams" with rotating themes. It’s basically a party on ice. If you’re just looking for a fun date night or a way to tire out the kids, check their public session schedule before you drive up.
The Valley Option: Iceoplex Simi Valley
Heading the other direction, you’ve got Iceoplex in Simi Valley. It’s about the same drive time as Goleta, maybe a bit shorter if you live on the east end of Ventura.
Iceoplex feels a bit more "old school" but it’s a solid community hub. They’re famous for their Saturday night public sessions where they bring in a DJ. They also offer curling and broomball, which is basically hockey for people who can't skate (guilty as charged).
What About the Seasonal Rinks?
This is where things get tricky. Every winter, there’s always talk about a pop-up rink at the Pacific View Mall or somewhere near the Harbor.
In recent years, "Ventura on Ice" has tried to make a comeback. In late 2024 and 2025, there was a seasonal outdoor rink set up in the mall parking lot. It’s beautiful skating under the stars with the salty air, but let’s be real: outdoor ice in Southern California is basically a giant Slurpee by 2:00 PM.
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If you’re going to hit a seasonal rink in Ventura, go at night. The ice is harder, the lights are on, and it actually feels like winter. Just a heads-up: these rinks are usually smaller and made of "real" ice that requires a lot of maintenance. If it's a 75-degree day in December (thanks, Santa Ana winds), the ice quality might be... questionable.
Skating Plus: The "Not-Ice" Alternative
If you just want the feeling of gliding and don't care about the temperature, Skating Plus on Mesa Verde Ave is a Ventura legend.
Yeah, it’s roller skating. But hear me out. If you’re trying to teach a kid the basics of balance and edges, the physics are surprisingly similar. Plus, they have "Cheap-Skate Night" on Wednesdays and "Adult Skate Night" (18+) later that same evening. It’s way cheaper than driving to Goleta and paying for ice time plus gas.
Why Is It So Hard to Get a Rink Here?
You might wonder why a city as big as Ventura doesn't have its own permanent sheet. It mostly comes down to the "Bring Back Our Ice" movement led by VC Ice Sports.
Building an ice rink in a coastal California climate is a massive financial and environmental lift. The cooling systems required to keep 46,000 square feet of ice frozen when it’s 80 degrees outside are incredibly expensive to run.
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There are groups working on it, though. They want to build a facility that supports sled hockey for athletes with disabilities and curling teams. But for now, we're in a "wait and see" phase.
Pro Tips for Ventura Skaters
If you're planning a trip to any of these spots, keep these things in mind so you don't waste a Saturday:
- Check the Schedule: Rinks have very specific "Public Session" hours. If you show up during "Freestyle," you’ll be watching high-level figure skaters do triples while you sit on the bleachers.
- Dress in Layers: It sounds obvious, but Goleta and Simi rinks are cold. However, once you start moving, you’ll sweat. A light hoodie over a T-shirt is the pro move.
- The Skate Rental Trap: If you plan on going more than three times a year, buy your own skates. Rental skates at public rinks are often "well-loved" (read: dull and smelly). Even a basic pair of $80 recreational skates will save your ankles.
- Weekdays are Gold: If you can swing a Wednesday afternoon, you’ll practically have the ice to yourself.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Session
If you’re ready to lace up, here is what you actually need to do next:
- For a serious workout: Book a "Learn to Skate" session at Ice in Paradise. They follow the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, which is the gold standard.
- For a cheap family night: Hit Skating Plus in Ventura on Wednesday nights. It's not ice, but the vibe is unbeatable.
- For the holiday experience: Keep an eye on the Pacific View Mall social media around November. If the seasonal rink returns, buy your tickets online in advance. They sell out fast on weekends.
- Support the cause: If you really want a permanent rink in town, follow VC Ice Sports. They’re the ones lobbying for a new facility in the Ventura/Oxnard area.
Ice skating in Ventura CA requires a bit of a commute, but the community is still alive. Whether you're heading north to Goleta or east to Simi, the ice is waiting. Just remember to check those public session times before you head out.