Before the outdoor skating rink was built, Jasper residents skated on the frozen lakes and ponds. One of the earliest skating rinks was located on Snape’s Hill where the engineers camp was located. Hockey matches became part of Jasper’s winter carnival on Lac Beauvert. From the earliest days, there were men’s, women’s and mixed games. There were also competitions with hockey teams in the neighbouring towns of Edson, Hinton, towns on the coal branch and across the border to Lucerne.

The outdoor rink was located on Pyramid Road and, because it was natural ice, it was difficult to maintain when the weather was mild. Every time it snowed, the rink had to be shovelled, and the snow stacked outside the boards where the spectators stood. In between the periods everyone would crowd into the building where they would huddle around a large pot-bellied heater to warm up.

In 1961, the Jasper Arena opened and became the new home for hockey, figure skating, winter carnivals, rodeos and many other events. In the early days the ice was scraped between games by the spectators and later the “Rink Rats” were formed. A 45-gallon tank of hot water was dragged across the ice surface to flood it before a tractor was used. Later a Zamboni was purchased.