Figure Skating

Snowplow Sam

The Snowplow Sam levels are introductory classes divided into four progressive levels allowing children with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning the basic skills of skating.

These classes are designed to help children six and younger develop the ABCs of movement – Agility, Balance, Coordination and speed. The ABCs are essential for developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy.

All classes will be taught in a safe and positive environment, incorporating fun and games making class time an enjoyable experience for all.

Snowplow Sam 1

Beginners Six & Under

  • Sit and stand up with skates on – off-ice
  • Sit and stand up – on-ice
  • March in place
  • March forward (8-10 steps)
  • March, then glide on two feet
  • Dip in place

Snowplow Sam 2

  • March followed by a long glide
  • Dip while moving
  • Backward walking, toes turned inward, shifting weight (4-6 steps)
  • Backward wiggles (6 in a row)
  • Forward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
  • Beginning snowplow stop motion – in place or holding onto barrier
  • Two-foot hop, in place

Snowplow Sam 3

  • Forward skating (8-10 steps)
  • Forward one-foot glide, two times skater’s height (R and L)
  • Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
  • Backward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
  • Moving forward snowplow stop (two-foot)
  • Curves

Snowplow Sam 4

  • Forward skating
  • Backward two-foot glide, length of skater’s height
  • Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
  • Rocking horse – one forward, one backward swizzle, repeat twice
  • Two-foot turns from forward to back-ward, in place (both directions)
  • Two-foot hop, in place.

Basic Skills

Basic Skills teaches the FUNdamentals of ice skating and provides the best foundation for figure skating. Six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, and turns.

Upon completion of the Basic Skills 1-6 levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating. All classes will be well structured with the focus on proper skill development taught in a positive, fun, and social environment.

Skaters will progress at their own rate and advance after skill mastery is demonstrated.

Basic 1

Beginners 7 & Up

  • Sit on ice and stand up
  • March forward across the ice
  • Forward two foot glide
  • Dips
  • Forward swizzles 6–8 in a row
  • Backward wiggles 6–8 in a row
  • Beginning snowplow stop on two feet or one foot

Basic 2

  • Scooter pushes R and L
  • Forward one-foot glides R and L
  • Backward two foot glide Gliding the length of skater’s height
  • Rocking Horse (one forward swizzle, one backward swizzle) Repeat twice
  • Backward swizzles 6–8 in a row
  • Two-foot turns from forward to backward in place clockwise and counterclockwise
  • Moving snowplow stop

Basic 3

  • Beginning forward stroking showing correct use of blade
  • Forward half swizzle pumps on a circle 6–8 consecutive clockwise and counterclockwise
  • Moving forward to backward two foot turns on a circle clockwise and counterclockwise
  • Beginning backward one-foot glides
  • Backward snowplow stop
  • Forward slalom

Basic 4

  • Forward outside edge on a circle R and L
  • Forward inside edge on a circle R and L
  • Forward crossovers clockwise and counterclockwise
  • Backward half swizzle pumps on a circle clockwise and counterclockwise
  • Backward one-foot glides R and L
  • Backward stroking
  • Beginning two foot spin Up to two revolution

Basic 5

  • Backward outside edge on a circle R and L
  • Backward inside edge on a circle R and L
  • Backward crossovers clockwise and counterclockwise
  • Forward outside three-turn R and L
  • Advanced two-foot spin 4–6
  • Hockey stop both directions

Basic 6

  • Forward inside three-turn R and L
  • Moving backward to forward two foot turn on a circle clockwise and counterclockwise
  • Backward stroking
  • Beginning one-foot spin 2–4 revolutions, optional free leg position and entry
  • T-stops R and L, Bunny hop
  • Forward spiral on a straight line R or L 

General Information

Class Schedule

Skaters enrolled in Learn to Skate classes will train two days a week. Register using our Self-Service Portal. Please follow the instructions for using the Self-Service Portal provided in the Self-Service Portal User Guide.

Enrollment and Fees

Sessions begin on the first of each month for youth learn to skate programs. Enrollment is open so you may sign up at any time. The fee for Learn to Skate classes is $60 for one day a week per month. $100 for two days a week per month. Eight ice sessions in total. Monthly payments are billed automatically and require a 10 day notice to drop.

Pre-Requisite Training

Successful completion of previous skill class is required to advance.

Class Placement

Students are placed in classes based on age, previous experience, and skating ability.

Equipment

All participants must provide their own protective equipment. Hockey helmet is recommended for Skate classes up to Basic 3. Rental skates are included free of charge for all enrolled participants. We encourage skaters to wear warm clothes during sessions.