Seven Daysies Awards: Best public place to ice skate, 2019

Seven Daysies Awards

Best public place to ice skate

C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena

Best public place to ice skate
Luke Awtry
C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena

C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena — Cairns Arena is home to both the men’s and women’s Saint Michael’s College hockey teams, the University of Vermont club hockey team, and scads of local high school and junior-league squads. It’s a good bet that many of the players on those teams, not to mention a fair number of local figure and speed skaters, got their first taste of the ice at the two-rink arena. Cairns has been a destination for Burlington-area skaters — and the occasional curling club — since it opened in 1995, thanks to immaculately maintained ice, friendly staff, affordable equipment rentals and, believe it or not, a surprisingly tasty snack bar.

Other Finalists

  • Calahan Park Community Rink
  • Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center
  • Essex Skating Facility
  • Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena at Leddy Park
  • Stowe Mountain Resort