The Ice Skating Lover's Guide to Boston

This guide covers the ice skating lover's guide to boston at Boston University (BU) in Boston, Massachusetts. Guide to BU provides student-focused perspectives based on real experiences.

As a BU student, you're living in one of the best cities for ice skating in the Northeast. Whether you're a hockey player, figure skater, or just looking to enjoy a casual public skate, Boston has tons of great options right near campus. In this guide, we'll cover the top rinks, lessons, and events to make the most of the winter weather.

Being a college student in Boston means you'll have access to some of the city's coolest skating spots, from the iconic Frog Pond in the Boston Common to the new state-of-the-art rink at Warrior Ice Arena. With so many choices, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to ice skating in Boston for BU Terriers.

If you're new to ice skating or just want to enjoy some casual time on the ice, Boston has plenty of public skating sessions to choose from. The most well-known is the Boston Common Frog Pond, located right in the heart of downtown Boston. It's open from late November through mid-March and offers affordable public skates for just $6 for students. The rink is also known for its festive holiday lighting and events, like the annual Mayor's Cup hockey tournament.

Another popular public skating option is the Warrior Ice Arena, just a 15-minute walk from campus at the Warrior Ice Arena. They have public sessions on weekends and school holidays for $10 per skater. The rink is regulation size and features hockey locker rooms, so it's a great spot for more experienced skaters to practice their skills.

Some other convenient public skating options near BU include the rinks at the Walter Brown Arena (BU's hockey arena) and the Boston University (BU) Fitness & Recreation Center. These are free for students, but have more limited public hours.

If you want to take your skating to the next level, Boston has some excellent instruction and club programs for BU students. The most comprehensive is the learn-to-skate program at the Bay State Skating School, located at the Matthews Arena just a mile from campus. They offer group lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with affordable packages starting at just $132 for 8 weeks.

For aspiring figure skaters, the Skating Club of Boston is one of the top training facilities in the country. They have group classes, private lessons, and even a collegiate-level competition team that BU students can join. It's a bit pricier at $45 per 30-minute private lesson, but the instruction is world-class.

And for hockey players, BU has its own club team that competes in the ACHA Division 1 league. Tryouts are held at the start of each semester, giving students the chance to represent the Terriers on the ice.

Beyond just public skates and lessons, Boston also hosts a variety of special ice skating events and activities that BU students can enjoy. One of the most popular is the Boston Winter festival in the Boston Common, which features the Frog Pond as the centerpiece. In addition to public skating, there are holiday markets, live music, and festive food and drink offerings.

Another fun option is attending a Boston Bruins or Boston Pride (NWHL) hockey game at the TD Garden, just a quick Green Line ride from campus. Seeing the Bruins or the Pride, one of the top women's professional teams, is an exhilarating experience for any hockey fan.

Finally, the city also hosts a number of ice skating competitions and shows throughout the winter. The annual Mayor's Cup hockey tournament at the Frog Pond is a highlight, as is the New England Regional Figure Skating Championships held at the Warrior Ice Arena. Tickets are affordable for students, and it's a great way to see some incredible skating talent.

BU's social scene is more decentralized than at schools with dominant Greek systems or sports cultures. Finding your community requires more initiative—but the groups you find tend to be tighter-knit as a result.

When evaluating The Ice Skating Lover's Guide to Boston, BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.