Our skating programs follow United States Figure Skating’s
Learn to Skate program.
We’re proud to offer fun and instructional group ice skating lessons taught by certified instructors with years of experience on the ice. In addition to learning basic skating skills, both hockey and figure skating instruction will focus on edge work, footwork, power, and good form. Powerskating is taught in the more advanced hockey skating classes while jumps, spins, artistry, moves in the field, etc., will be taught in the more advanced figure skating classes. We hold group skating lessons all year long.
Groups are divided by age and skill level, and additional opportunities to hone your skills are available through our periodic basic skills skating camps, exhibitions, and clinics, as well as freestyle ice time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I wear to lessons?
A: Dress warmly, as it is cold in the ice rink. In addition to long pants or snow pants, wear a long-sleeved shirt, coat/jacket, hat and gloves. Children ages 6 and under are required to wear helmets (bicycle, skiing, etc).
Q: Do I need to buy skates to participate in Learn to Skate?
A: We have excellent quality Reidell rental skates for figure skating and hockey. Our coaches would rather you use the rental skates than buy cheap skates that do not have adequate ankle support.
Q: Can I bring my own skates?
A: Yes! If you own a pair of figure skates, that have adequate ankle support, you are welcome to wear them to your lessons. We offer skate rental to anyone who does not own skates at no additional charge.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start of your class. You will need this time to check-in, rent skates, properly lace your skates and warm up. Classes will start promptly at the appointed time, please do not be late.
Q: The Learn to Skate session is an hour-long and my child get a half-hour of direct instruction. What does my child do for the other half-hour?
A: Most beginner skating levels (Snow Plow Sam 1-4 and Basic 1, 2 & 3) are usually held during the first half-hour of the session (subject to enrollment). During the second half-hour, the more advanced skating levels have their lessons. When a skater is not in a lesson, they are expected to practice their skating skills in the “free skate” area. This is NOT a time to fool around, play tag or lie on the ice!!
Q: My child wants to play hockey. Should I enroll him/her in Learn to Skate?
A: ABSOLUTELY!! It is imperative that your child master basic skating skills such as forward stroking, gliding, stops and turns before enrolling in our Hockey Learn to Play program. A good rule of thumb is that a skater should have passed the Basic 2 level before enrolling in the Learn to Play program.
Q: Can I skate with my child?
The only way adults are permitted on the ice is if they actually sign up for skating lessons. We offer adult-only skating lessons as well!
Q: My child was sick and missed their lesson. Can they make it up?
Each skater can make up 1 (one) lesson per session. This makeup lesson MUST be within the same session. Please check in with the Skating Director, Jamey Barber, when you arrive for your makeup lesson to find out the time and coach for your child’s level as they can be different from your child’s regular day.
Q: Can my child be in the same class as their friends?
We try to accommodate grouping requests, however if your child’s friends are at a different skating level, we cannot. Also, it may be impossible to schedule your child and their friends during the same half-hour of lesson time (first or second half-hour).