Welcome Back to Dobson Arena!
A new era of Dobson Arena
After an extensive renovation, Vail's iconic arena is almost ready to welcome back skaters, hockey players, concertgoers, community groups and visitors of all ages.
While preserving the spirit and history that have made Dobson Arena a beloved gathering place for generations, our revitalized facility will offer modern amenities, enhanced accessibility and an improved experience for everyone who comes through its doors!
Whether you're lacing up for a public skate session, cheering on the Vail Yeti, learning to play hockey or attending a special event or concert, Dobson Arena will soon be the place where our community comes together once again. We can't wait to welcome you back to Dobson.
Dobson Arena is located at 320 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657.
FALL 2026 VRD YOUTH HOCKEY PROGRAMS
The Vail Recreation District is excited to announce that registration is now open for fall U6 and U8 hockey programs! Be among the first to hit the ice at the newly renovated Dobson Arena in Vail.
All programs take place at Dobson Arena in Vail. Parking is available at the Lionshead Parking Structure; from there it is a short walk to the arena.
Fall registration is open now at www.vail.finnlyconnect.com for all programs below except for Avalanche Learn to Play, which has its own registration link.
Winter program registration for U6, U8 and Girls Intro to Hockey will open in early November.
New Registration System
Online registration is available in our new registration platform, powered by FinnlyConnect. We heard the feedback from our community and have moved to a system that will create a better experience for our users.
Because FinnlyConnect is a new system, everyone will need to create a new account before registering for youth hockey. Setting up your account only takes a few minutes and will make it easy to register for Vail Rec District activities going forward. Any current registrations in our old system (summer sports camps, summer races, etc.) at register.vailrec.com will remain active.
- Log In or Create Account in the new registration system.
- Once you are logged in, go to Register>Activity in the blue bar at the top of the website.
- Once you are in Available Activities, you can filter by "Activity Type" in the filter bar or search by Activity Name. Select your activity and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
- To view your Account, click your name in the right hand corner of the screen (desktop). From there, you can view and export your calendar, add account members, view open invoices, sign necessary waivers and more.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Mini Mites U6 Learn to Play
2020 and 2021 birth years | Register HERE
Players will learn the fundamentals of ice hockey through fun and educational instruction and enjoy an introduction to competition. Select weekends throughout the season will include games at the Eagle Ice Rink.
Rental equipment is available for $50 on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email Andy Holland at aholland@vailrec.com to set up an equipment fitting.
Times & Dates
- Thursdays, 4:15-5:15 p.m. and Sundays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Fall Season: Nov. 5-Dec. 20, 2026
- Winter Season: Jan. 8-March 7, 2027
Cost
- Fall Season: $135
- Winter Season: $175
- Play both seasons and receive $50 off winter registration!
Mites U8 Learn to Play
2018 and 2019 birth years | Register HERE
This program will build on the fundamentals of ice hockey through fun and educational instruction, and participants will enjoy an introduction to competition.
Rental equipment is available for $50 on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email Andy Holland at aholland@vailrec.com to set up an equipment fitting.
Times & Dates
- Thursdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. and Sundays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Fall Season: Nov. 5-Dec. 20, 2026
- Winter Season: Jan. 8-March 7, 2027
Cost
- Fall Season: $135
- Winter Season: $175
- Play both seasons and receive $50 off winter registration!
Girls Intro to Hockey
Ages 9 and older | Register HERE
Girls will learn the fundamentals of skating and hockey in a fun and educational environment. Rental equipment may be available for $50. Please email Andy at aholland@vailrec.com regarding equipment.
Times & Dates
- Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Fall Season: Nov. 8-Dec. 20, 2026
- Winter Season: Jan. 3-March 7, 2027
Cost
- Fall Season: $75
- Winter Season: $100
Colorado Avalanche Mile High Mites Learn to Play Hockey
Perfect for kids ready to give hockey a try, Learn to Play is an introductory program offered by Dobson Arena in partnership with the Colorado Avalanche, the NHL and the NHLPA. Open to boys and girls ages 4-10 who are not currently on a hockey team, the program provides a fun, supportive introduction to the sport.
Registration includes a full set of brand-new hockey equipment( skates, stick, jersey, helmet and protective gear) plus six one-hour on-ice sessions. Best of all, participants keep all of their equipment after completing the program!
While Learn to Play is not required before joining our Mini Mite or Mite programs, it's the perfect first step for new players. Learn more and sign up here.
Times & Dates
- Fall Session: Nov. 11, Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16
- Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Cost
- $305 per player (includes a full set of hockey equipment to keep)
Learn to Skate Programs start in January 2027; stay tuned for details.
The Skating Club of Vail offers recreational and competitive figure skating for all levels.
Get more info at skateclubvail.com.
Public Skating and Stick & Puck Schedules coming October 2026! Toddler Time Skating will begin in November; schedule coming in October.
For information about adult hockey at Dobson Arena, please contact Andy Holland at aholland@vailrec.com or call 970-479-2271.
2026 Adult League Info Coming Soon!
Contact Jared Biniecki at jbiniecki@vailrec.com or call 970-479-2271 to schedule your event.
Throughout the year, Dobson Arena plays host to corporate events, concerts and various groups and parties of all sizes.
Some recent highlights include concerts featuring The Fray, Ziggy Marley, Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Leftover Salmon to name a few, events such as the Lippizaner Stallions and E.A.G.L.E.S. State Gymnastics Championships, and groups such as the Future Business Leaders of America.
Dobson Arena
320 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 | 970-479-2271 | dobson@vailrec.com
Enjoy indoor, on-ice skating at Dobson Ice Arena. Fees for private parties vary, or skating birthday parties can be held in conjunction with public skate time. Call 970-479-2271 or email dobson@vailrec.com for more information.
The Vail Yeti are Vail's semi-professional hockey team who compete in the Mountain West Hockey League. Don't miss the chance to experience exciting, high-level hockey right here in the heart of the Rockies!
View schedules, buy tickets and more at vailyeti.com!
Follow Dobson Arena
