Natural Ice Skating in Arosa
Skating Under Open Skies
Ice skating in Arosa is awinter tradition that takes full advantage of the village's cold alpine climateand natural setting. The main skating options include the open-air artificialice rink at Ochsenbühl, the indoor Eissporthalle (ice sports hall), and, whenconditions allow, the frozen surface of the Obersee lake itself. The open-airrink operates from December through early April (weather permitting), while theice sports hall is open from June through April, making skating available formuch of the year. From leisurely laps to curling, ice stock sport, ice minigolf and evening ice discos, Arosa's ice sports facilities offer something forevery age and ability.
The Open-Air Ice Rink at Ochsenbuhl
The Ochsenbühl open-air icerink is located on the Ochsenbühl sports field, right next to Lake Obersee andthe Arosa Sports and Congress Centre. In summer, this space is covered withartificial grass; in winter, it transforms into a large open-air ice rinkmeasuring 96 by 58 metres, set against a mountain backdrop that makes everyskating session feel distinctly alpine. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. (weather permitting), with the 2025/26 season running from 1 December2025 to 6 April 2026. On selected evenings from late December through earlyMarch (Mondays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting), the rinkhosts ice disco sessions with music, lights and a lively atmosphere.
The open-air rink is popularwith families and casual skaters who enjoy the freedom of a large surface underopen skies. A kiosk on site offers sweets, drinks and coffee. The rink can alsobe rented by clubs or groups for private sessions. For visitors without theirown skates, rental is available at the nearby ice sports hall for CHF 7 perperson.
The Ice Sports Hall and Obersee Lake
The Eissporthalle (ice sportshall), located adjacent to the Ochsenbühl rink at the Arosa Sports and CongressCentre, provides a covered alternative for skating regardless of weather. Thehall is open from June 2025 to April 2026, with public skating sessionsscheduled around ice hockey training and match commitments (check the bookingschedule at Arosa Tourism or online). Admission without the Arosa Card is CHF 7for adults and CHF 4 for children; Arosa Card holders skate free duringdesignated public sessions. Skate hire costs CHF 7 per person. The hall alsohosts the Ochsner Hockey Academy training camps and regular EHC Arosa homegames, which are worth attending for the local atmosphere.
When temperatures dropsufficiently, the Obersee lake at the entrance to the village freezes andbecomes a natural ice skating surface. Skating on the frozen Obersee is aquintessential Arosa winter experience, with families gliding hand in handagainst a backdrop of snow-covered peaks and the warm glow of villagelampposts. Natural ice skating on the lake is weather dependent and notavailable every winter, but when conditions are right, it is an experience thatconnects you to a long alpine tradition. The lake has also historically hostedevents including horse racing on snow and winter golf tournaments.
More on the Ice
Beyond straightforward skating,Arosa offers several ice-based activities worth exploring. Ice mini golf onPostplatz Arosa runs from 5 December 2025 to 5 April 2026, daily from 11 a.m.to approximately 8 p.m., where players use hockey sticks to navigate 18 holes(CHF 15 for adults, CHF 7 for children). Curling is available on request at theOchsenbühl rink (CHF 150 per rink for 2 hours, minimum 4 participants, age14+), and Bavarian curling (Eisstockschiessen), which is easier to learn andpopular with groups, costs CHF 120 per rink for up to 10 people over 2 hours(minimum age 12). Group instruction for both can be arranged through ArosaSports.
Practical Information
The Ochsenbühl open-air rinkand the Eissporthalle are centrally located, just a short walk from the Arosatrain station. The local bus stops at Ochsenbühl. Skate hire (CHF 7) isavailable at the ice sports hall. Ice hockey pucks can be purchased for CHF 3(only soft pucks allowed during public skating). The Arosa Card provides freeentry to the ice sports hall during public sessions in summer; in winter, thereis no Arosa Card, but standard admission rates apply. For all ice sportsbookings and enquiries, contact Arosa Sports at sportanlagen@arosa.swiss or +4181 378 70 36. It is advisable to dress warmly in layers, wear gloves, andconsider a helmet for children and less experienced skaters.
Hotel Altein and Winter Skating
Hotel Altein's central locationin Arosa places the Ochsenbühl ice rink and the Eissporthalle within easyreach. An afternoon skating session, followed by a warm drink and relaxation inthe hotel's wellness area, makes for a satisfying winter day that balancesactivity with comfort. The hotel's sauna facilities are particularly welcomeafter time spent on the ice. Reception can provide current rink schedules, helparrange curling or ice stock sport sessions for groups, and offer suggestionsfor combining skating with other winter activities such as sledging,snowshoeing or a visit to the Arosa Bärenland bear sanctuary.
