Winter sports and activities undoubtedly contributed to the success of the Leavenworth’s transformation into a Bavarian wonderland. But what happened to ice skating? In Part 1 we noted the popularity of skating on the river and other bodies of frozen water over the course of the last century. This should have eventually resulted in the development of a formal ice rink at some stage. You would even think the many Christmas-themed motion pictures filmed in Leavenworth, such as Cloudy with a Chance of Christmas or Ira Finklestein’s Christmas, would influence the creation of an ice rink. Actually, the last 20 years did see some significant progress towards this goal.
In 2013, after 30 years of various ice rink plans falling through, the non-profit Leavenworth Ski Hill Heritage Foundation (LSHHF) advanced plans for the Leavenworth Pavilion & Ice Rink. In fact, this ice rink was one of only three primary projects for the LSHHF, along with preserving the historic lodge at the Ski Hill and maintaining the Pacific Northwest Ski Hall of Fame.
The plans for the ice rink progressed well over the following years, with an approved design highlighting an open air structure with old world Bavarian charm. The town’s leadership got behind this effort as well and passed a resolution which enabled them to donate funds, commission a feasibility study, and eventually donate the parking lot downtown located next to the Festhalle.
Although fund raising and planning continued, time was not on the LSHHF’s side. In the next few years priorities changed and with parking demands increasing, the town was no longer able to offer the parking lot as a site to host the ice rink. With no land available, the project was tabled.
Visitors and residents had to wait until 2019 when they finally got their first actual refrigerated ice rink right in the center of town. Well, sort of. A California-based company named The Holidays on Ice opened a temporary rink next to Leavenworth City Hall at Lions Club Park. It operated for two months, from mid-November through the end of January 2020. It was basically a success, attracting crowds and garnering positive feedback. But due to its smaller size of only 100 feet by 65 feet, it was typically at capacity and couldn’t host ice sports or other events.
According to a 2019 article in the Wenatchee World, the arrangement with the city was they provided electricity, water, restrooms and garbage removal. In return, the town was to receive 50% of gross ticket sales once the business reached an initial goal of $200,000. According to a council member, ticket sales came in just shy of their goal and the city received no compensation. Despite a request to bring back the ice rink in subsequent years, the city chose not to move forward with this arrangement.
Well here we are in 2025 and the future of ice skating in Leavenworth is brighter than ever. A group of passionate local business people are bringing the Leavenworth Ice Rink to town in 2025-2026. This effort will finally fulfill a century’s old promise plus so much more! It will offer an NHL size rink, which is over 3X the area of the temporary rink from 2019. With a six month season offering daily skating sessions day and night, seating for shows and sporting events, gourmet dining and ice sports for all ages, the Leavenworth Ice Rink will be the main attraction in town from October through March. Check it out and witness history in the making.
Leavenworth’s outdoor ice rink, a new hub for winter memories.
