Bear Mountain Ice Rink

The Bear Mountain Ice Rink is an outdoor public rink by Hessian Lake, and its 2026–27 season opens on Saturday, November 7. Public skating costs $5, children 4 and under skate free, and skate rental is $10 a pair. NYS Parks says the rink is open from late October through mid-March, but it can close without notice for weather or maintenance, so check the rink's website the day you go.

Prices

NYS Parks lists these ice rink fees:

• Public skating admission: $5.
• Children 4 and under: free.
• Skate rental: $10 a pair.
• Skate sharpening: $10.
• Private rink rental: $300 an hour.

You also pay the park's $10 per vehicle fee to park. See hours and fees.

Season and Sessions

NYS Parks describes the outdoor rink as open to skaters from late October through mid-March. For 2026–27 the rink announced its opening for Saturday, November 7. Public sessions run at set times that change through the season and over holidays; the rink posts its session times and holiday hours online. The rink warns that it can close for inclement weather or mechanical maintenance, and asks skaters to check its website before every trip.

Private Rentals

To book the whole rink ($300 an hour), fill out the private rental form on the rink's website and return it at least 10 days before the date you want. Questions go to (845) 786-2701, ext. 266.

Where It Is

The rink is at 3006 Seven Lakes Drive, by Hessian Lake, near the Bear Mountain Inn and the merry-go-round, which also runs on winter weekends. Park in the main lots; see parking.

Is There Skiing at Bear Mountain?

Not downhill skiing. There is no ski area. NYS Parks lists snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park when there is snow, and the trail from the summit down to the Inn passes under the old ski jump, a reminder of the park's ski-jumping past. For a winter day, skating plus the zoo (open all winter) and lunch at the Inn's Hiker's Café works well.

Winter at Bear Mountain

• Perkins Memorial Drive is closed from December to March, so the summit is hike-only.
• The pool is closed.
• Trailside Museums & Zoo stays open, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Christmas). See the zoo.
• Holiday events: Trailside runs Holiday in the Park in early December.

Tips

• Dress for an outdoor rink: gloves and a hat.
• Arrive early on holiday weekends; the rink and the park lots get busy.
• Bring your own skates to skip the rental line, and sharpen them on site if needed.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for: families, date nights in the run-up to the holidays, a cheap winter outing within reach of New York City.
• Maybe skip if: it has rained or been unusually warm; the rink may close. Visit Trailside instead.