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Learn to Skate

Fall Session 1

Cost: $98 for a 7 week session + Plus a one time $18 Learn to Skate USA Membership

  • The LTS USA Membership only needs to be paid once for the membership season which is July 1 - June 30. 
  • We are a registered program with LTS USA with registered coaches who are trained and have background checks.  You will be registered as a member which includes secondary accident insurance for your skater.

What's Included: Once a week practices conducted by experienced and certified coaches.   Skate rental is also included

Format:  In each skating class, we build upon new skills in a supportive and safe environment.  Their coach will provide instruction, tips, and games during class.  During practice time, skaters can work on their elements and also work with the practice time supervising coach for any questions they may have or to play additional free time games.

Discounts and Partnerships

Multi Family Discount: We  offer a 10%  multi family member discount! where if you are registering multiple family members, 10% will autmatically apply to skater #2, #3, etc.

Multiple Days a Week: If your skater wants to take classes Tuesdays AND Saturdays, complete the tuesday registration first and then email danielle@southsidearena.com for a discounted Saturday class ($49 off!)

Adult Class Parent Discount: If you are a parent of a registered skater and want to try our adult class, use "LTSParent" for 50% off your registration! 

Niles Homeschool Partners: For registered skaters participating through the Niles Homeschool Partnership.  Use  code "NilesLTS23-24" in discount code box

Hamilton Homeschool Partners: For registered skaters participating through the Niles Homeschool Partnership.  Use  code "HamiltonLTS23-24" in discount code box.

Jenison Innovation Academy: For registered skaters participating through the Niles Homeschool Partnership.  Use  code "JenisonLTS23-24" in discount code box.


Class Descriptions

Snowplow Sam 1 (Ages 3-5) - For beginner skaters ages 3-5.  This classes starts with off-ice learning including balance, standing and marching in skates.  Then our skaters practice being able to do those same tasks on the ice.  We focus on fun and helping skaters get comfortable on the ice with age specific props and activities.

30 minute group lesson (Tuesdays - 5:00-5:30pm, Saturdays - 9:30-10am)  + 2 Family Open Skate Passes

Snowplow Sam 2 (Ages 3-5) - For skaters who have completed SS1. Skaters will gain more speed in their skating and learn beginner stopping, edges, and backwards skating.  

Tuesdays: 30 minute group lesson (5:00-5:30pm) + 20 minute practice time (5:30-5:50pm) 

Saturdays: 30 minute group lesson (9:30-10:00am) + 20 minute practice time (10:00-10:20am) 

Basic 1 (Ages 5-7) - For beginner skaters ages 5-7 with no prior skating experience.  Skaters will learn an overview of skating basics including standing on the ice, marching forward, gliding on 2 feet, stopping, and balance.   

Tuesdays: 30 minute group lesson (5:00-5:30pm) + 20 minute practice time (5:30-5:50pm) 

Saturdays: 30 minute group lesson (9:30-10:00am) + 20 minute practice time (10:00-10:20am) 

Basic 1 (Ages 8+) - For beginner skaters ages 5-7 with no prior skating experience.  Skaters will learn an overview of skating basics including standing on the ice, marching forward, gliding on 2 feet, stopping, and balance.  

Tuesdays: 30 minute group lesson (5:00-5:30pm) + 20 minute practice time (5:30-5:50pm) 

Saturdays: 30 minute group lesson (9:30-10:00am) + 20 minute practice time (10:00-10:20am) 

Basic 2 - For skaters of any age who have completed basic 1.  Skaters will build on their prior skating skills, working on backwards edges, advanced glides and stopping.

Tuesdays: 30 minute group lesson (5:00-5:30pm) + 20 minute practice time (5:30-5:50pm) 

Saturdays: 30 minute group lesson (9:30-10:00am) + 20 minute practice time (10:00-10:20am) 

Basic 3 - For skaters of any age who have completed basic 2.  Skaters will advance their skills, working on 1 ft glides and advanced edges and balance.

Tuesdays: 30 minute group lesson (5:00-5:30pm) + 20 minute practice time (5:30-5:50pm) 

Saturdays: 30 minute group lesson (9:30-10:00am) + 20 minute practice time (10:00-10:20am) 

Young Adult (Ages 13+) -  In our young adult class,  no prior skating experience is required.  Our instructor will cover all skating basics as well as work with skaters on their individual skating goals.

Tuesdays Only: 20 minute practice time (5:10-5:30pm + 30 minute group lesson (5:30-6:00pm)

Adult (Ages 18+) A specific class for adults.  No prior skating experience required.  This class focusses on building skating confidence, balance, and speed in a safe environment. 

Saturdays Only: 20 minute practice time (9:40-10:00am + 30 minute group lesson (10:00-10:30pm)


Learn to Skate Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect the first day of class?

Arrive 20-30 minutes early on the first day of class to be sure you are able to check-in your skater, get skates on, and bundled up before class.

All levels will meet their coach off ice on the first class of the session.

Parents are not allowed on the ice or in the hockey boxes during Learn to Skate. We kindly ask parents to sit in the stands during class.

What Group/Level should my skater start in?

All beginning skaters between 3 and 6 years old are placed in the Snowplow Sam Level 1 class.  All beginner skaters ages 6 and older will start in Basic Skills Level 1. On the first day our coaches will ensure that skaters are in the level that best suits their skills.

What do I wear? 

Helmets are required (a bike helmet is fine).

Skaters are encouraged to wear layers, with a sweater or jacket, waterproof pants, gloves, and a helmet. 

As you move through our program and into our hockey or figure skating classes, other attire and equipment may be required. 

What skates should I put my child in? 

If you have a new skater, we recommend using figure skates for their first session.  Figure skates help new skaters balance a little more easily when they are first starting out.  If your skater's intention is to play hockey, then when they are able to stand and move on the ice, hockey skates are fine to transition into.

Skates should fit snug, we recommend one size smaller than the shoe size and thin socks or nylons are suggested.

Should I buy or rent skates?

We suggest new skaters take advantage of rental skates for their first session or two.   Once the skater gets more comfortable, we then suggest purchasing a pair of hockey skates or figure skates.  Our coaches have a lot of experience and can point you in the right direction of where to go and skate brand.

What is your refund or make-up policy?

  • We do not offer pro-rated costs if your skater can't attend all session days.  
  • If your skater misses a class they may do a make-up class on a different class day during the week - just let a coach or the program director know.
  • Otherwise we do not offer refunds or credits other than extenuating circumstances that must be shared with the program director and is up to their discretion.

Ask the Learn to Skate Expert

Danielle Bozio

Skating School Director

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Interested in Becoming a Learn to Skate Coach?

If you or someone you know has skating experience and would be great at sharing that passion with others, then we want to hear from you! We are looking for enthusiastic and qualified coaches to join our growing program!

Please contact our LTS Director at danielle@southsidearena.com