So you want to skate?
Come visit us at the Sub-Zero Ice Center. Open hockey, freestyle figure, and public skate are all offered. Make sure you protect your head! Bring your own helmet or rent one from us at the Rink Services desk.
Both instructional lessons and informal drop-in opportunities are available in this state of the art space.
Daily Schedules
Sub-Zero Ice Center
1976 Observatory Dr
Madison WI, 53706
(608) 263 - 6566
Ice Schedules
- Public Skate
- Freestyle Skate: Basic 4+/Adult Advanced 4+
- 18 & Older Stick & Puck
- 18 & Older Open Hockey
- Ice Dance
Public Skate is open for recreational, beginner, and advanced skaters to enjoy time on the ice.
Instruction by skating professionals during Rec Skate is prohibited. Our staff has the authority to stop any activity that may create safety or maintenance concerns. Skating direction is at the discretion of the staff on duty.
This offering is an opportunity for figure skaters to work on their skills in an environment dedicated solely to figure skating. Skaters are required to fill divots created from jumps, slush will be provided for that purpose.
Basic 4/Adult Advanced 4 entails the following skills:
- Forward outside edge on a circle, left & right foot
- Forward inside edge on a circle, left & right foot
- Forward crossovers, clockwise & counter clockwise
- Backward 1-foot glide, left & right foot
- Backward 1/2 swizzle pumps, clockwise & counter clockwise
Stick and puck is a chance for players ages 18 and up to practice skills in a non-competitive setting. A helmet and gloves are required, and full hockey gear is recommended. Helmets can be rented from the front desk for $2. Goalies are welcome but competitive games are not allowed during stick and puck. Proof of age is required.
Open Hockey is a chance for players ages 18 and up to compete in pick-up hockey games. A helmet with a face cage and hockey gloves are required, and full hockey gear is recommended. Helmets can be rented from the front desk for $2. The first two goalies to arrive for each session will be admitted at no charge. Proof of age is required. 30 player maximum attendance. First come first served.
Ice Dance provides figure skaters with a session dedicated to just ice dance and is open to all ages, either solo or partner skating. Skaters should have passed at least one USFSA pattern dance or be planning on testing within one month, and should be knowledgeable of the general patterns of ice dance. Footwork practice specific to ice dance is permitted but no skating skills/moves in the field practice. Generally, dances will be played starting with the lower-level dances first and progressing to higher-level dances.
Fees & Rentals
A valid Rec Well membership or photo ID card is required.
| UW Student & Youth | $4 |
| Rec Well Member | $5 |
| Non-Rec Well Member | $6 |
A valid Rec Well membership or photo ID card is required. Skate rentals are available to all Sub-Zero Ice Arena users and can be purchased at the Sub-Zero Ice Arena Member Services Office.
| One-time rental | $3 |
Purchase a Skate Pass for unlimited access to our Public Skate, 18 & Older Open Hockey, 18 & Older Stick & Puck, and Freestyle Figure Skating. Public Skate and Freestyle Figure Skating are open to all ages. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and wear a helmet and gloves to participate (full hockey gear is recommended) in 18 & Older Open Hockey & Stick & Puck.
| Semester/Summer | Semester/Summer + Skate Rental* | Fall – Spring | Fall – Spring + Skate Rental* | |
| UW Student | $40 | $60 | $70 | $90 |
| Rec Well Member |
$50 | $70 | $90 | $110 |
| Non-Rec Well Member** |
$60 | $80 | $110 | $120 |
| Youth*** |
$40 | $60 | $70 | $90 |
Locker rentals for the academic year have concluded. Sales are in-person at the rink services desk and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Small | Tall | |
| Fall + Spring (UW Students Only) September 2, 2025 – May 8, 2026 |
$40 | $90 |
| Summer (Available to anyone) June 16, 2025 – August 24, 2025 |
$20 | $40 |
| Immediate Sparx Sharpening Done while you wait, no custom radius |
$10 |
| Next day 24 hour service Drop skates off for sharpening, next day pick up, custom radius available |
$5 |
Reservations & Rentals
Interested in bringing a group to the ice rink or reserving the rink for your event? Please submit the event request form.
Rental Process
Step 1: Submit the online Event Request Form. Please allow three business days for us to respond to your request. Organizations must be free of unresolved issues related to prior use of facilities.
- RSOs or university departments: Submit the request form at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. All RSOs must be in good standing with the Center for Leadership and Involvement.
- Non-university affiliated organizations: Submit the request form at least four weeks prior to the date of the event.
Step 2: You may be contacted by the Events team to discuss details and logistics.
Step 3: Our team will compile the information and create a confirmation contract. The confirmation will be emailed to you to review, sign, and return. The event is officially scheduled when the following conditions are met:
- The cost estimate is accepted by the requesting party
- Confirmation contract is signed and returned no later than one week prior to event
- If applicable, groups will also need to provide a certificate of insurance and/or sign a vending agreement
Step 4: After the event has occurred, our team will send an invoice. The account must be settled within 30 days. Specific instructions will be provided at that time.
Getting There
Parking:
- Lot 67 (located across the street from the Bakke): hourly parking rates
- Lot 36 (Observatory Drive ramp): hourly parking rates
- Bike stalls are available in front of the Bakke
- For more parking information, please contact UW Transportation
Bus:
- Convenient bus lines include the 28, 38, 65, 80, 82, and 84
BCycle:
- The nearest station is located outside of Bakke on the east side