Learn to Skate Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What class should I sign up for?

A: If you have never skated before or have never had any formal instruction, we recommend starting in the following classes: Snowplow Sam 1 for ages 3-6; Basic 1 for ages 7-15; Adult 1 for Adults ages 16+. Skaters who are interested in hockey should first pass Basic 1 and 2 before enrolling in Learn to Play.

Q: What is included with the price of my class?

A: Class fee includes 30 min. of weekly instruction for the Snowplow, Basic and Adult levels and 60 minutes of instruction for the Free Skate levels. Also included is skate rental on day of class and public skate admissions (for the skater enrolled in class only) for the duration of the class session. (Skaters will need to pay $3 skate rental on day other than class day.) For more information on redeeming your public session access pass, please see below.

Q: What is the class progression?

A: After Snowplow Sam 1, ages 3-6 advance to Snowplow Sam 2-4 and then to the Basic levels. After Basic 1, ages 7-15 advance to Basic 2-6 levels, then onto the Free Skate levels. After Adult 1, ages 16+ advance into Adult 2-6. Skaters at the Free Skate levels advance at different rates therefore, we recommend these skaters also enroll in private lessons. If you have questions about the progression of classes or private lessons, please email our directors, Jessica Robinson or ReBecca Teegarden.

Q: How and when do I sign up?

A: Sign up through our online system on the Registration page. Register early to ensure your spot, which will not be reserved until payment is received. Please register at least 48 hours before the first day of class– if there are less than 3 enrollments for a class at that point, the class may be cancelled or combined.

Q: Do you offer any discounts?

A: Yes! If a skater signs up for more than one class in a session, they receive 50% off each additional class. If immediate family enrolls for classes in the same session the 2nd family member receives 20% off, 3rd member receives 30% off, etc. In order to receive the discount, all registrations must be completed at the same time.

Q: Is there an incentive to sign-up early for classes?

A: Classes can fill and sometimes class times closeout altogether. Therefore, to ensure your space in the class of your choice, register for classes at least two days prior to the first day.

Q: What is the difference between Basic 1 and Hockey 1?

A: Both classes will learn the same skills and are basic learn to skate classes. Since these skills are foundational skating skills, the class will prepare skaters for both figure skating and hockey.

Q: What should I do if my child has never skated before?

A: Many of our skaters have never skated before and this will be their first experience. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to allow enough time to get skates on and find your class. While waiting for your class, have the child march in the skates to help learn balance (be sure to stay on the rubber mats to protect the blades). All introductory classes (Snowplow Sam 1, Basic 1, and Adult 1) begin off the ice.

Q: What size and type of skates should my child wear?

A: Any single blade skate is appropriate; however hockey skates can be more challenging to a beginner because of the blade shape. USA Hockey recommends that beginners wear figure skates as the longer blade and toe pick add stability. Sizing varies depending on the manufacturer and type of skates and therefore there is no general rule. If you are using rental skates, be sure to come early to allow time to find the right fit. If you plan on purchasing skates, it’s best to be fitted or at least have the skater try them on in the store. Our directors are great resources if you have questions about equipment or purchasing skates.

Q: How do I put the skates on my child?

A: Make sure that the skater’s foot is fully in the boot by asking them to stand up in the skate. Also, because they look alike, make sure the skates are on the correct feet. Just as you would a work boot, tighten the laces over the foot so they are snug. Work your way all the way up to the top making sure that all hooks or loops are used, then tie the laces like you would a shoe. Skates should be tight enough that you can fit no more than two fingers between the skate tongue and the skater's shin. If your skater is unable to stand up without their ankles rolling in or out, it is likely their skates are not tied tight enough. Tightly tied skates are better than loosely tied skates! For further assistance, please see a staff member.

Q: What do I need to do the first day?

A: Please arrive 15-20 min prior to the start time of your first class. Staff will help you with your rental skates and guide you where to go. Be ready to have fun!

Q: What do I need to wear? Are helmets required for class? What kind of helmet is acceptable?

A: Skaters should wear long pants and sleeves, gloves or mittens, and thin socks. Layers are recommended. Water proof pants can be beneficial to beginners as they will spend time on the ice, although thick snow-pants can hinder movement. Avoid shorts, jeans, and be sure to wear socks. Long hair should be pulled back. Helmets, such as a bike helmet or an HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) helmet, are recommended but not required for children under the age of six.

Q: What is the Learn to Skate USA membership?

A: All skaters are required to pay the $16 annual (July 1– June 30th) membership fee to Learn to Skate USA. This provides insurance from USFS for all of our skaters during class time and skaters will receive fun items such as a practice book, phone app and magazine. The Learn to Skate USA membership also gives skaters access to free public sessions with a Public Session Access Pass during the duration of their session enrollment.

Q: What is the Public Session Access Pass and how do I get it?

A: Skaters who are currently enrolled in lessons and have an active LTS USA membership are eligible for a Public Session Access Pass. The pass allows skaters to skate for free during public sessions. In order to get the pass card, skaters should see the directors, Jessica (Tuesdays) and Becca (Saturdays) with proof of their LTS USA membership at the start of the session. The pass is only good for the duration of the skater's enrolled session so be sure to get your card at the start of the session!

Q: Can I make up a missed class?

A: If you miss a class, please contact the Skating Directors, Jessica Robinson (Tuesdays) or ReBecca Teegarden (Saturdays), about scheduling a make up time. Make-ups must be scheduled and need to be completed within two weeks of missing a class.

Q: Can I get a refund?

A: We have a “no refund” policy on classes; If you miss a session we can hold your credit to be used at a later date.

Q: How do I redeem my public skate admissions?

A: You can practice on any of our public skate sessions by checking in at the pro shop counter with your public session access card. Your public session access card will be provided with proof of LTS USA membership. Please see our directors at the start of your LTS session to receive your pass card.

Q: Where can I purchase skates or equipment?

A: Our directors can connect you with local and online skating resources. Email Jessica Robinson or ReBecca Teegarden for more info.

Q: Are there weather related class cancellations?

A: Generally, classes are not cancelled for weather. Should classes need to be cancelled, reasonable efforts will be made to notify participants and provide make-up accommodations. We will contact participants via email and by posting on the ICI Facebook page.

Q: Can I pay for just one class?

A: Class Walk-Ons are only permitted at the discretion of the Skating Directors and for this reason, may not be allowed. Should the Skating Director allow entrance to a class as a walk on, the fee for a Learn to Skate class is $12.50 and a Free Skate class is $18.75.

Q: Are there other skaters/classes out on the ice during my child’s lessons?

A: Because the ice surface is large, we can accommodate several classes on the ice at one time. These different classes allow us to separate skaters into groups of similar ability and age.

Q: How many skaters are in a class and what is the student to teacher ratio?

A: Class sizes and instructor to student ratios will vary depending on the level and the number of registrants. The average ratio is 1 to 10 with more teachers assigned to Snowplow Sam classes which serve a younger age group.