Learn to Skate FAQ's:
- What classes do you offer?
We offer beginning classes for skaters as young as 3-years-old. Adult classes do not have an upper age limit. In addition to beginner classes, we offer figure skating and hockey classes that are open to those who have achieved basic level skating skills (NOTE: skaters must be at least 5-years-old to enroll in hockey classes).
- Do boys have to enroll in hockey classes and girls have to enroll in figure skating classes?
Absolutely not. Skaters of either gender are encouraged to do the classes that interest them and may do both hockey and figure skating if they choose.
- Why are the classes more expensive when compared to basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, et cetera?
There are many factors that are associated with the price of our Learn to Skate classes. The first, and most obvious, is the energy cost associated with keeping the ice frozen. For a gymnasium or an outdoor field, the main energy cost is lighting and (for indoor establishments) keeping the temperature at a level that is comfortable for patrons. In terms of an ice rink, our energy costs not only include lighting and keeping the lobby and bleacher temperatures at a comfortable level, but also, as mentioned previously, keeping the ice frozen. If you were to run your home air conditioner at around 17 degrees non-stop, your energy bill would be somewhat comparable to our “ice cost.”
Another factor is the cost associated with instructors. A majority of the population has experience with team sports (such as basketball and soccer) and can therefore coach teams and players. A significantly smaller portion of the population, especially in this area, has experience with advanced/competitive figure skating and hockey and advanced ice skating skills, and therefore, the cost to obtain and retain quality instructors is high (in comparison).
Furthermore, our facility is a private facility and is not city-supported (e.g. tax payer funded).
- When are classes offered? How long are sessions? What do I sign-up for?
Although our schedule is subject to change, Learn to Skate classes are typically offered on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. A typical, non-summer session is 7-weeks long. Classes typically meet on-ice for 30-minutes per week. When you enroll, you will sign-up for Tuesday OR Saturday classes. If you wish to do both days, you would pay one full enrollment fee plus 90% of another full enrollment fee. Skaters ages 3- to 5-years-old who have never skated before and/or are not strong skaters would sign-up for Snowplow Sam 1. Skaters ages 6-years-old and older who have never skated before and/or are not strong skaters would sign-up for Basic 1. Adults (ages 14-years-old and older) who have never skated before and/or are not strong skaters would sign-up for Adult 1.
