Learn to Skate (LTS)

We will close registration for a session two days prior to the start of the session for administrative reasons. Email Caitlin (caitlin.gierer@maryvilleuhc.com) about availability. If a session has begun, email Caitlin (caitlin.gierer@maryvilleuhc.com) about availability to add additional skaters in a particular level.

If you have any other questions about registering, please email Caitlin (caitlin.gierer@maryvilleuhc.com).

If your skater is 4-5 years old, sign your skater up for Snowplow Sam level classes. Sometimes a skater that is age 6 and in kindergarten does better in the Snowplow Sam level classes with younger skaters.

If your skater is age 6 and up, sign your skater up for Basic Skills classes.

If your skater has taken time off between sessions, it may be best to repeat the last class they took as a review.

If your skater has never skated before or has never been in lessons before, then please sign your skater up for Level 1.

On the last class of the session each skater will be evaluated and given a sheet with their recommended level for the next session.

Please read the list of skills below to find the best placement for your skater. It is better to underestimate your skater’s skills. The progression of levels is as follows:

• Snowplow (Ages 4-6)
  • Snowplow 1
  • Snowplow 2
  • Snowplow 3
  • Snowplow 4
• Basic (Ages 6-18)
  • Basic 1
  • Basic 2
  • Basic 3
  • Basic 4
  • Basic 5
  • Basic 6
• Specialty Classes
  • Hockey (Must have passed snowplow 3/4 or basic 2)
  • Pre-Freestyle (Must have passed all basic level classes)
  • Freestyle (Must have passed pre-freestyle)

IF YOU SIGN YOUR SKATER UP FOR THE WRONG LEVEL CLASS WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE REGISTRATION.

Dress for class in warm, flexible layers with mittens or gloves. A helmet is highly recommended. (a bike helmet is fine.) You must provide your own helmet.

Skate rental is included in the cost of the lessons.

Skates need to be tight at the instep and the tightest at the ankle. The foot and ankle should not be able to easily slide around. Feel free to approach a Skating Academy coach for skate tying assistance.

Arrive early! Check in at the 'Welcome Table'. Get skates on and head into the rink. Signs will be located in the rink with class names. Find your sign and meet your instructor there!

If a session has begun, email Caitlin (caitlin.gierer@maryvilleuhc.com) about availability. Please be aware we do not pro-rate.

This time is open to all skaters enrolled in the current session. No parents or siblings not enrolled in classes may skate during this time. Coaches will be on the ice supervising skaters and are available to answer skills questions from any skater. We encourage all skaters to take advantage of this time to practice and have fun.

Each level is built off the fundamentals learned in previous levels and each skater progresses at their own pace. It normally takes one to three sessions to pass a level. Coaches often determine that skaters should repeat certain levels for reinforcement before moving on to the next. Practice makes perfect!

There is no pro-rating, or make-ups for missed classes for any reason.

Snowplow Sam 1

• 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 (optional)

Snowplow Sam 3

• Forward skating (8-10 steps)
• Forward one-foot glide, one time skater’s height (R and L)
• Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
• Backward two-foot glide
• Backward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
• Moving forward snowplow stop (1 or 2 feet)
• Curves

Basic / Hockey Skating 1

• Sit on ice and stand up
• March forward across the ice
• Forward two-foot glide
• Dip
• Forward swizzles (6–8 in a row)
• Backward wiggles (6–8 in a row)
• Beginning snowplow stop (on one or two feet)
• Bonus Skill: Two-foot hop in place

Basic / Hockey Skating 2

• Scooter pushes (R and L)
• Forward one-foot glides (R and L)
• Backward two-foot glide, 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
• Bonus Skill: Curves

Basic / Hockey Skating 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 — focus on balance
• Backward snowplow stop (R and L)
• Forward slalom
• Bonus Skill: Forward pivots (clockwise and counterclockwise)

Basic / Hockey Skating 4

• Forward outside edge on a circle (R and L)
• Forward inside edge on a circle (R and L)
• Forward crossovers — clockwise and counterclockwise (4-6)
• Backward half-swizzle pumps on a circle — 6-8 clockwise and counterclockwise
• Backward one-foot glides (R and L)
• Beginning two-foot spin (up to two revolutions)
• Bonus Skill: Forward lunges — both legs

Adult 1 / 2

• Falling and recovery on ice
• Forward skating across the width of the ice
• Forward two-foot glide
• Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
• One forward swizzle/one backward swizzle (rocking horse)
• Forward snowplow stop (one or two feet)
• Forward one-foot glides (R and L)
• Forward slalom
• Backward wiggles
• Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
• Two-foot turns
• Forward half-swizzle pumps on the circle, clockwise and counterclockwise (6-8 in a row)
• Forward outside and inside edges on a circle (R and L)
• Forward crossovers, clockwise and counterclockwise