Winter sports in Rotterdam: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating

You do not need to wait for snow in the Netherlands to go skiing or snowboarding around Rotterdam. Real-snow indoor slopes operate year-round in Zoetermeer and The Hague, Rotterdam has its own roller-slope ski school, and the city's ice-skating season starts during the October school holiday.

Winter sports around Rotterdam at a glance

If you want to ski or snowboard on real snow, SnowWorld Zoetermeer and De Uithof in The Hague are the main options near Rotterdam. Both operate indoor snow slopes throughout the year.

If your priority is technique or preparing for a ski holiday without travelling to a snow dome, Indoor Ski & Snowboard Rotterdam and Alpine Sports in Den Hoorn use roller and dry-slope facilities for lessons and training.

For ice skating inside Rotterdam, the 2026-27 season brings confirmed rinks at Schaatsbaan Rotterdam and Plaswijckpark.

SnowWorld Zoetermeer

SnowWorld Zoetermeer is the largest real-snow option close to Rotterdam. The indoor complex has four slopes and ten lifts, with snow conditions maintained at approximately -5°C throughout the year.

Its longest run is a 300-metre red slope with a gradient of more than 20 degrees. SnowWorld describes it as the steepest indoor ski slope in Europe. Beginners have two 140-metre blue slopes, while younger children can use the 30-metre Kinderland slope.

You can ski or snowboard independently or book lessons and courses. For free skiing and snowboarding, you need to reserve a time slot online. Equipment can also be hired at the venue.

Address: Buytenparklaan 30, 2717 AX Zoetermeer.

Official information: SnowWorld Zoetermeer

De Uithof in The Hague

De Uithof combines skiing, snowboarding and ice skating in one large indoor sports centre. Its snow slope is 211 metres long, uses real snow throughout the year and is kept at approximately -8°C.

Four lifts serve the snow area: two drag lifts and two conveyor lifts aimed particularly at children and beginners. Ski and snowboard lessons are available at different levels, while experienced visitors can book regular slope access.

Current slope tickets start at €14.50 for one hour excluding equipment. Advance reservations are required.

Address: Jaap Edenweg 10, 2544 NL Den Haag.

Official information: De Uithof snow track

Ski and snowboard training in Rotterdam

Indoor Ski & Snowboard Rotterdam

Indoor Ski & Snowboard Rotterdam lets you practise skiing or snowboarding without leaving the city. This is a roller-slope training centre rather than a snow dome, so the focus is on technique, balance and conditioning.

The school has operated since 1986 and offers training from beginner through advanced level. Its current 2026-27 season runs from 2 September 2026 through 29 April 2027.

Address: Folkert Elsingastraat 11, 3067 NW Rotterdam.

Official information: Indoor Ski & Snowboard Rotterdam

Alpine Sports in Den Hoorn

Alpine Sports is another option if you want to work on your skiing or snowboarding technique before heading to the mountains. The indoor centre uses three roller slopes and a separate training slope, while younger children can learn on a brush-covered slope.

Lessons are available for beginners and advanced participants, with small-group training as well as private sessions. Equipment is included with lessons.

Address: Hooipolderweg 4, 2635 CZ Den Hoorn.

Official information: Alpine Sports

Ice skating in Rotterdam in winter 2026-27

Schaatsbaan Rotterdam

Schaatsbaan Rotterdam remains the city's main dedicated seasonal ice rink. Its Funbaan opens early during the autumn school holiday from 17 to 25 October 2026, while the full season runs from 21 November 2026 to 27 February 2027.

The main attraction is the covered 400-metre track with its colourful illuminated tunnel. The venue also offers recreational skating, lessons, skate hire and curling.

Address: Toepad 95, 3063 NJ Rotterdam.

Official information: Schaatsbaan Rotterdam

Plaswijckpark

Plaswijckpark opens its covered real-ice rink on 14 November 2026. The rink is particularly useful if you want to combine skating with a family visit to the park.

Skates can be borrowed free of charge, including double-bladed skates for younger children. You can also bring your own figure or ice-hockey skates. Gloves are compulsory.

The rink also forms part of Winterwijck, which runs from 1 December 2026 to 28 February 2027 with additional winter games and activities.

Address: Ringdijk 20, 3053 KS Rotterdam.

Official information: Plaswijckpark skating rink

What about IJsvrij Festival?

IJsvrij Festival previously brought a temporary ice rink, winter terrace and activities to central Rotterdam. However, no 2026-27 edition has currently been announced.

The IJsvrij website remains online with information from previous editions, but it does not currently provide dates for this winter. We therefore recommend using Schaatsbaan Rotterdam or Plaswijckpark if you are planning an ice-skating trip.

Which winter sports venue should you choose?

Choose SnowWorld Zoetermeer if you want the largest nearby indoor skiing and snowboarding experience on real snow. De Uithof is useful if you want skiing and ice skating at the same sports complex.

If you mainly want lessons or technique training, Indoor Ski & Snowboard Rotterdam is the closest option inside the city, while Alpine Sports offers another training centre just outside Rotterdam.

For skating, Schaatsbaan Rotterdam offers the most complete dedicated ice-skating experience, while Plaswijckpark works well as part of a family day out.

For more detailed rink dates, ticket prices and skate-hire information, read our guide to ice skating in Rotterdam in 2026-27.