Our Programs

From October through March we offer 3 different USFS affiliated programs for recreational and competitive skaters:

For the youngest beginners we offer an easy intro to skating class that helps them learn all the basics to start getting comfortable on the ice.

The Snowplow Sam Learn to Skate 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.

Basic Skills classes are for those skaters who are working on the foundational elements of skating, either new to the ice or still gaining their confidence and fundamental skills. These 6 levels prepare a skaters for a future in any ice skating sport they choose to pursue.

Basic Skills teaches the FUNdamentals of ice skating and provides the best foundation for figure skating, hockey, and speedskating. 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.

Discover, Learn and Play – Basic 1 and 2: These introductory levels allow new skaters with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning to skate.

FUNdamentals – Basic 3–6: These levels develop all of the fundamental skating skills on the ice. Focus is on learning the ABCs of basic athleticism: agility, balance, coordination and speed. Upon completion of these levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating.

Off-ice orientation:

• Equipment check: proper fit and lacing of skates, appropriate attire, safety helmets

• Practice falling and recovery, marching in place, dips and one-foot balances in skates

Our Comp Prep Program is for those skaters who have passed all the required Basic Skills levels and would like to pursue more in the sport of Figure Skating. Private lessons are the core of this program. We currently teach Free Skate, Dance, Program Choreography, and Skating Skills (previously called Moves in the Field). Skaters enrolled in this program also have the choice to test or compete in USFS sanctioned events.

Skating Skills tests are crucial for developing fundamental skating abilities and serve as a foundation for other disciplines like singles, pairs, and ice dance. Skating Skills patterns focus on edges, turns, and fundamental skating skills.

Each Freeskate level is comprised of a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps — all of which build on the previous skill, providing skaters a strong foundation of all elements. These levels will be taught in a positive and interactive group format as well as individual instruction during private lessons. Instructors will focus on quality and mastery of skills. 

In U.S. Figure Skating, Pattern Dances are categorized into levels from Preliminary to Gold, with specific dance requirements at each level. These dances are part of the ice dance discipline and are standardized routines performed by couples. For testing purposes these dances can be solo, or partnered with a professional ice dance testing partner.

Program Choreography is an essential piece of performance, whether in competition, testing, ice shows, or just as a way to learn the flow and beauty of combining skating elements together.

• Testing & Competing - It's so fun to perform the skills they've been working so hard on, learn good sportsmanship, and have the opportunity to get feedback from the judges. We support our competition skaters by choreographing their programs to music, finessing that routine, assist with details like finding skating dresses and costumes, and when possible attend testing and competitions alongside them for "in real time" coaching and support!

• Non-Competitive - Other performance opportunities that are still in the works are a Christmas Club Showcase and/or End of Year Ice Show! We will need sponsors and parent volunteers to make these a reality. We would love to put your creative energy, decorating, organizational, or fundraising skills to work!