Marty Pavelich Ice Rink
The Marty Pavelich Ice Rink is Big Sky’s outdoor winter gathering place—offering skating, hockey, curling, and community programs in the heart of Big Sky Community Park. Operated by Big Sky Community Organization, the rink brings neighbors together through recreation, teamwork, and shared winter traditions.
Big Sky’s Outdoor Ice Tradition
What began as a grassroots effort to bring hockey and skating back to Big Sky has grown into one of the community’s most beloved winter gathering places.
Learn to Skate
Learn to skate has ended for the season — however you can still rent skates from East Slope Outdoors and try it out during our Open Skate Hours.
Ice Rink Schedule →Adult Rec Leagues & Pick-up
Big Sky’s winter community comes alive on the ice at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink. From friendly competition to learning new skills, BSCO’s adult programs include curling nights, learn-to-skate opportunities, 3v3 adult hockey leagues, and pick-up hockey sessions—creating a welcoming place for both experienced players and newcomers to stay active and connect with the community throughout the winter season.
2026 Ice Rink Schedule
The Marty Pavelich Ice Rink hosts a variety of winter programs including open skate, youth and adult hockey, curling, and community events. Check the schedule below for the most up-to-date times and plan your next skate in Big Sky Community Park.
Who is Marty Pavelich?
The rink is named in honor of Marty Pavelich, a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings and a member of hockey’s legendary “Production Line.” After his professional career, Pavelich became a beloved part of the Big Sky community and a supporter of local hockey. The Marty Pavelich Ice Rink celebrates his legacy and passion for the sport while providing a place for Big Sky residents to skate, play, and gather throughout the winter.
Early 1980's
Big Sky’s First Hockey Rink
Not long after Big Sky Resort was established, a group called the Gallatin Canyon Hockey Association created a seasonal outdoor rink at Buck’s T-4 Lodge. The rink supported hockey for several years before interest faded, and by 1987 the rink no longer existed.
In the spring of 1902, Crail brought his wife, Sallie, and their three children, Eugene, Emmett and Lilian, up the logging road from Bozeman and moved them into this small cabin, which was already on the property.
We do not know what they did with the extra space, although photographs indicate that Sallie’s father, Abraham Creek, was living with them. The small cabin was originally located about 70 yards south of its present location. It was moved in the 1950s so that it would not block the view of Lone Peak from the main cabin. Much later in its history, the small cabin suffered a fire, evidence of which can be seen on some logs and the boards around the door.
2009
The Idea for a Community Rink Returns
More than two decades later, Ryan Hamilton and Bill Simkins revisited the idea of a larger community skating rink in Big Sky Town Center. While helping design Town Center Park with the Arts Council, Hamilton realized the park could also host a winter ice rink. In March 2009, a public meeting confirmed strong community interest in bringing hockey and skating back to Big Sky.
2010
The Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association Is Formed
Following the public meeting, an organizing group officially established the Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association (BSSHA). Founding members included Ryan Hamilton, Ryan Blechta, Gary Hermann, Griffin Kilby, Brian Dolan, and Marty Pavelich, a former NHL player and four-time Stanley Cup champion. The organization later achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Early 2010
Building a Rink Through Volunteer Effort
With limited funding, volunteers sourced used wooden dasher boards from North Dakota for $500 and transported them to Big Sky. Without a Zamboni, Ryan Blechta engineered a homemade ice resurfacing device, helping maintain playable ice while the community rallied around the rink.
Early 2010
A Zamboni Arrives in Big Sky
2014
Community Fundraising Expands the Vision
BSSHA hosted its first Icehouse Open golf tournament, raising funds to support the rink and its growing programs. Additional support from local foundations and businesses helped provide equipment, lighting, and improvements to the facility.
2015
A Regulation-Size Hockey Arena Becomes Reality
Through community fundraising and matching support from the Resort Tax Board, BSSHA replaced the aging wooden boards with a new regulation set. Donations from the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation and other local partners helped complete the project—allowing the rink to become Big Sky’s first regulation-size outdoor hockey arena.
Put Your Name on the Boards: Sponsor an Ice Rink Banner
Show your support for Big Sky’s hockey and skating community by sponsoring a banner at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink or the Multi-Use Fields at Big Sky Community Park. Banner sponsorship helps sustain local programs while placing your business at the center of one of Big Sky’s most active community spaces. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email sara@bsco.org.
