Spend a weekend on the ice at Hockey Special Events in Ponderay: open hockey sessions, community BBQs, and an accessible family-friendly vibe at 995 Kootenai Cutoff Road. Learn what to bring, when to arrive, and why locals treat this as their winter hangout.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–8 hours (session-based)
Fitness Level
Light to moderate: basic balance and stamina for skating sessions, but beginners are welcome.
Wildlife
History
Ponderay and neighboring Sandpoint developed around lake and rail commerce; community rinks have long served as seasonal gathering spots for local recreation.
Conservation
Pack out trash from the BBQ area, respect posted facility rules, and avoid wearing outdoor boots on the ice to reduce grit and maintenance demands.
The Pond presented by STCU
The Pond presented by STCU is an outdoor ice facility in Ponderay, Idaho, operated in partnership with North Idaho Ice and the City of Ponderay. It offers a range of seasonal ice experiences for players and families, including tournaments, drop-in hockey, stick-and-puck sessions, public skate, private rentals, skate sharpening, and organized youth hockey.
Tournaments at The Pond are hosted with North Idaho Ice and the City of Ponderay, featuring lower-level and upper-level divisions across a weekend schedule. Private rentals provide 90 minutes of exclusive ice time for groups to skate, play hockey, or run games. Stick & Puck sessions allow focused skill practice in a lower-intensity setting; helmets are required. Drop-in Hockey offers casual pond hockey for players of all skill levels; helmets are required. Public Skate welcomes skaters of every ability and includes free rental skates when available; helmet use is encouraged. Skate sharpening is available at The Pond’s ticket booth when staff are on duty. Youth Hockey at the Pond delivers an inaugural season of organized play and player development with North Idaho Ice.
The Pond’s affiliations with STCU, North Idaho Ice, and the City of Ponderay provide local oversight and community support. Safety policies and clear session descriptions help visitors choose the right activity. Reservations are recommended for private rentals and some events to secure space and time. Schedule, staffing, and availability vary by season; visitors should check The Pond presented by STCU event calendar or contact organizers for up-to-date hours, pricing, and booking information and policies.
Location
Ponderay, Idaho
Located in the City of Ponderay
Experiences
7 experiences
Range from public skate to tournaments
Private Rentals
90 minutes
Exclusive ice sessions per booking
Safety Policy
Helmets required
Helmet requirement for several sessions
Reserve private rentals, check public skate times, or view the tournament and youth hockey schedule — verify helmet rules and availability.
Arrive Early
Sessions can fill up on Saturday evenings; arrive 20–30 minutes early to find parking and get laced up.
Bring a Helmet for Kids
Helmets reduce head injury risk for beginners and are recommended for all youth on the ice.
Layer Up
Dress in insulating layers you can peel off—indoor rinks stay cool and a mid-sesh sweater can make a big difference.
Be Aware at the Boards
Stay alert near the boards during pick-up hockey; pucks and sticks move fast in informal games.
Ice skates
Properly sharpened skates make skating safer and more enjoyable.
winter
Helmet
Protects children and new skaters during falls and collisions.
winter
Insulated layers
Warm base and mid-layers keep you comfortable between sessions in the chilly rink environment.
winter
Hand warmers
Small, disposable warmers help parents and skaters stay comfortable at the benches.
winter