Startup cost
$4.5M
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start an Ice Skating Rink
Decision Snapshot
Ice Skating
Idea Score
39
Profit margin
8%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Rising
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start an Ice Skating Rink business - Background
Many people enjoy ice skating or participate in sports that take place on ice rinks. Ice skating rinks provide the public and teams with a place to skate, for which individuals and teams pay. According to IBISWorld, the ice rink industry brings in $618 million annually and is growing.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start an Ice Skating business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening an ice skating rink?
The startup costs involved in opening an ice skating rink are high. One feasibility study for an ice rink in Europe placed the startup costs at €2.3 million (about $2.5 million). These expenses broke down as follows:
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$1.34 million for construction costs (e.g. foundation, walls, roofing, etc.)
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$523,000 for mechanical and electrical works (e.g. plumbing, heating, electricity, etc.)
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$109,000 for site finishing (e.g. landscaping, external fittings, etc.)
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$180,000 for equipment (e.g. an ice resurfacer, a scoreboard, etc.)
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$255,000 for design and project management (including salaries of project managers)
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$215,000 for project development costs
While it may be tempting to reduce an ice rink business’ startup expenses by making concessions on construction or technology costs, properly constructing a rink and using high-quality technology help keep ongoing expenses manageable. Reducing these upfront expenses can lead to prohibitively expensive ongoing costs because the ice will require more energy to be kept in proper condition.
What are the ongoing expenses for an ice skating rink?
The ongoing expenses for an ice skating rinks are high. Ice rinks must pay for electricity, which is used to keep the ice cool, other utilities, maintenance and staffing. In some cases, the ongoing expenses are partially paid for by a municipality so that an ice skating rink is financially feasible.
Who is the target market?
An ice skating rink’s ideal client is a sports league, such as a hockey, figure skating, speed skating or curling league. A league will need to rent ice time for multiple practices and games, which will provide a stable income for the season. Additionally, several players may rent additional ice time for individual training.
How does an ice skating rink make money?
An ice skating rink makes money by charging customers to use the business’ ice rink(s). Most rinks offer a combination of open skating, in which the public is welcome to skate for an admission fee, and ice time rental, in which teams and organizations pay in advance to rent an ice rink.
How much can you charge customers?
Ice skating rinks typically charge around $10 per person for an open skate, and many rinks charge an additional fee for renting ice skates if the customers didn’t bring their own. They’ll frequently charge over $100 per hour for renting an ice rink. For example, the Oakland Ice Center charges $10.50 per adult for open skating. Ann Arbor Ice Cube charges anywhere from $212 to $311 for rink rentals depending on the season, day, and time period.
How much profit can an ice skating rink make?
Ice skating rinks can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, but much of their revenue goes towards operating expenses. Many ice rinks aren’t profitable unless they’re debt free, which is why municipalities often run or subsidize rinks.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Ice skating rinks can increase their revenue by offering concessions, leagues and clinics. They may also offer events like birthday parties.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at an ice skating rink?
A typical day’s tasks at an ice skating rink involve:
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Checking the ice’s condition
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Welcoming customers and taking admission fees (if paying on a per-use basis)
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Making sure teams and organizations renting ice time are properly set up
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Repairing any malfunctioning equipment
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Cleaning the facility
When not directly interacting with customers or working on equipment, business owners frequently spend time managing employees, scheduling teams’ practices, games and tournaments, promoting their ice rink, and paying bills.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful ice skating rink?
Successfully running an ice skating rink requires a knowledge of both the industry and how to properly maintain ice rinks. The U.S. Ice Rink Association offers courses in both of these areas. There are also two ebooks available, Ice Skating Rink Business Plan and Ice Skating Rink Facility Startup Business Plan, that may help business owners learn about the industry.
What is the growth potential for an ice skating rink?
Most ice skating rinks have one or two locations that serve a particular city or area. A single location can have more than one rink. Holiday & Leisure Rinks is an example of a large ice rink business that operates two locations, which each have two rinks.
What are some insider tips for jump starting an ice skating rink?
When starting an ice skating rink, selecting the right location is key. In general, the Ice Skating Institute says a rink should have 100,000 people within a 5-mile radius, and 250,000 people within a 10-mile radius — and there shouldn’t be any other rinks in the area. Additionally, a rink ideally will be close to all of the following:
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A major highway interchange, so the rink is easy to get to
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A school, which makes it easy to market to students and parents
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Hotels, so the ice rink can host tournaments and provide lodging options for out-of-town teams
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Health clubs, which may be willing to partner with an ice rink on cross promotions.
How and when to build a team
An ice skating rink requires a team of employees and subcontractors. People are needed from the outset to welcome skaters, maintain the ice and repair any malfunctioning equipment. A rink may also want to work with coaches and referees to set up its own sports leagues and offer specialized clinics.
Part 2 - Is an Ice Skating Rink business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Ice Skating business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Ice Skating Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Ice Skating Rink business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.