U.S. Ice Sports Complex

1. What classes do you offer?

We offer beginning classes for skaters as young as 4-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).

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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. Skaters ages 4- to 5-years-old who have never skated before and/or are not strong skaters would sign-up for Tot-Beginner. Skaters ages 6-years-old and older who have never skated before and/or are not strong skaters would sign-up for Pre-Alpha 1. Adults (ages 14-years-old and older) who have never skated before and/or are not strong skaters would sign-up for Adult.

5. Do you offer any discounts on classes?

Yes. When a family enrolls in classes, the first family member is charged a full enrollment fee. The second family member receives a 10% discount; the third family member receives a 15% discount. Further family members receive a 15% discount. Please note, discounts are taken off of the lowest priced classes.

6. What payment methods do you accept and when is payment due?

We accept cash, checks, debit cards, MasterCard and Visa. WE DO NOT ACCEPT DISCOVER OR AMERICAN EXPRESS. Payment is due at the time of registration.

7. What is your class make-up policy?

Due to the progressive nature of Learn to Skate classes, missing your regularly scheduled class is not recommended. If an extenuating circumstance arises, you must submit a request to do a make-up on the alternate class date. For example, if you miss your Tuesday class, you must request permission from the teacher of the Saturday class to do a make-up prior to arriving for your make-up class. Due to class size and structure, make-ups are limited.

8. Do you offer refunds?

No. In the place of refunds, we offer a credit that may be used for future Learn to Skate classes, birthday parties, private ice rentals, public session passes, et cetera. In the case of a medical injury, a credit is given with an approved doctor’s note stating the reason that the skater must refrain from taking lessons at the present time.

9. Can I rent skates? If so, is the cost included in the class fee? Are there male skates and female skates?

Yes, you can rent skates. We actually recommend beginning skaters rent skates before purchasing a pair to determine proper sizing and to ensure that skating is something the skater intends to stick with. Skate rental is NOT included in the session fee. You may rent skates for $3.00 per rental or you may purchase a “Skate Rental Punch Card” for $20.00 that is good for 10 skate rentals; a Skate Rental Punch Card may be used to rent skates for classes and public sessions.

There are not “male” skates and “female” skates. We offer figure skates and hockey skates for rental. Males and females may wear whichever style of skate they prefer. Figure skates are recommended for beginning skaters.

10. What do I wear?

Dress for warmth by layering your clothing. Most indoor arenas are kept between 40-50 degrees, so jackets are recommended. As you get warm, you may wish to discard a layer. Comfort and ability to move freely are also very important. We suggest close-fitting, but not tight pants and no jeans. Sweatpants or warm-up pants are ideal (especially water-resistant “wind-breaker” type pants). Your feet will feel best if you wear one pair of lightweight socks or tights. Bulky or thick socks may limit the support provided by your skates and create "bumps" inside your boots, making them uncomfortable. Ankle socks often create rubs and blisters. Make sure when fitting your skates that your toes can wiggle but your heel does not slide up and down or around once your foot is properly laced in the skate.
Protective head gear is recommended for children under the age of 6 and all beginner skaters. Contact a local sporting goods store for proper fit and information regarding safety helmets. An approved bike helmet is sufficient. Knee pads may be worn if you prefer, but should be placed under the pants and not over the pants as the pads slide across the ice, hindering one’s ability to stand up/get up after falling.
Remember gloves or mittens! Learning to fall is an important part of ice skating, and your hands will feel much better if you are wearing gloves or mittens. If you forget to bring them along, check with the rink's lost and found and borrow a pair.

11. What do I do on the first day?

Please arrive 20- to 30-minutes before your scheduled class time. Upon arriving at the rink, please check in with the front desk. After checking in with the front desk (and renting skates if needed), proceed into the rink and you will see signs with the name of the class and the name of the instructor who will be teaching the class (a picture of the instructor may also be attached). Please stand by the sign and your instructor will arrive to take attendance and begin the class.

12. How do I lace my skates properly?

13. Where can I get skates and how much will they cost me?

Hockey skates can often be purchased through a local sporting goods store.  For competitive figure skates, we recommend Go Figure Skate Shop in Webster Groves, Missouri. When you purchase skates, please make sure that the boots are made of leather and NOT plastic or vinyl as both plastic and vinyl negatively compromise the foot’s ability to support the skater properly. We do not recommend purchasing skates from non-specialty stores.

14. Can I buy a bigger size skate so that they (the skates) last longer?

Simply put, no. A skate is meant to “hug” the foot and support the ankle. By buying a skate that is bigger than one’s foot to allow for growing room, the foot will be allowed to “wiggle” inside the skate. Not only does this negatively compromise the ankle’s ability to support the skater’s weight, but blisters and muscle soreness will result.

We recommend beginning with a skate size that is comparable or slightly smaller than your street shoe size. To ensure proper sizing, please visit a shop that is trained in how to properly size and fit skates. If your skates feel as comfortable as tennis shoes, chances are, your skates are too big.

If cost is a concern, you can purchase used skates as long as the skate is not too broken down and/or the blade is not rusted or improperly sharpened.

15. Why can’t my child pass this class level?  He/she has been at this level for a couple of sessions!

The Skate School curriculum is designed to work on a progressive basis. This means that elements in higher levels build upon elements mastered in lower levels. If a skater is put in a higher level without mastering elements from a previous level, he/she will struggle to attain the elements in the new level and there is an increased risk of injury. If your child is struggling to pass a certain element and/or level, please ask the following questions:

1. Is my child practicing? Learning skating skills is comparable to learning fractions or multiplication. If your child attended math class and then never did homework to reinforce what he/she learned in class, he/she will struggle to achieve higher math skills. In much the same way, skating, which is reliant on muscle memory, must be practiced to reinforce the body’s ability to “feel” the element.

2. Does my child need supplemental instruction? Private lessons are available. For more information, please see the questions below on private lessons.

3. Have I talked to the instructor about why my child is struggling and ways to improve? Our instructors are here to help you. Please speak with them whenever you have a question about your child’s progress.

4. Is your child consistent with class attendance? During a 7-week session, skaters are given progress reports on the 4th week, tested on the 6th, and given report cards on the 7th. If your child only attends week 1, week 3, and week 7, he/she will miss valuable instruction and ice time. Consistency is vital to progressing through the levels.

16. When do I need private lessons and how much will they cost me?

We recommend a skater begin private lessons when he/she needs additional help on a certain level, wants to progress through the levels at an accelerated pace, and/or wants to compete. All coaches operate as independent contractors and therefore set their own rate/fee. Additionally, the coach’s private lesson fee does not include ice time costs. You must pay for your ice time (i.e. public sessions and/or freestyles) before you step on the ice. Each coach’s rate/fee varies based on a myriad of factors including, but not limited to: personal skating abilities, experience, educational and industry attainment, areas of expertise, et cetera. All of our staff coaches have brief biographies posted on the Skate School bulletin board in the lobby.

To begin private lessons, you must fill out and submit a “Private Lesson Request Form” that is available in the lobby. This form is to be submitted to the Skating Director via the front desk. Once the Skating Director has approved your request, the form will be given to the coach requested (if you requested a coach) or will be posted in the coaches’ office and all staff coaches will be notified of the request (if you did not request a particular coach). Private lessons cannot be set-up/established without the approval of this form. Any skater who is taking private lessons must be enrolled in a Learn to Skate class or on the Synchronized team.