Learn to Skate

Start with the basics

Northwoods offers USFS (United States Figure Skating) based programs to meet every skater where his or her skills are at. Kids and adults are both welcome to learn the foundation basics in a fun + safe environment. 

Students will learn from experienced coaches during group instruction. Skate rentals are included with your enrollment, and skaters will receive 3 passes  for public skating sessions to come and practice their skills (Passes expire at the end of the session). Please remember that in order to progress, you must have practice time in order to master the skills and be promoted to the next level.

Register for classes in two easy steps:

1. Go to learntoskateusa.com and sign up for your Learn to Skate USA Membership for $17.00 (plus $1.50 processing fee).
   
   You will receive a confirmation email with your membership number and a welcome email.

    

2. Register for classes. Be sure to sign up early. Print or bring your membership number to class.

Enrollment Fee: $140

First Class Details

Skaters will be evaluated as they skate during the first class to ensure they’re enrolled in the correct level + class. If necessary, a coach may wish to move the skater to a different level + more suitable class. Please arrive 30 minutes before class begins.

Duration	Days	Start Date	Time
6 weeks 6 weeks	Wednesday Saturday	1/8/25 1/11/25	5:15 P or 5:45 P 10:15 A or 10:45 A

Online registration opens November 23, 2024
This is a 5 week session. Cost is $117

YOUTH CLASSES 

HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR SNOWPLOW CLASSES AND SKATERS 

4-6 YEARS OLD

Snowplow I

[ Ages 4-6 ] 

This beginning class will teach how to sit + stand and march and glide across the ice.

Snowplow II

[ Ages 4-6 ]

For skaters who have completed Snowplow I, this class builds on the basics + introduces backward skating.

Snowplow III

[ Ages 4-6 ]

For skaters who have completed Snowplow II, this class builds on the basics + introduces snowplow stop.

Snowplow IV

[ Ages 4-6 ]

For skaters who have completed Snowplow III, this class builds on the basics + introduces two foot turns.

Basic I

[ Ages 7 – 12 ] 

This introductory class will guide skaters to try forward two-foot glides, forward swizzles + snowplow stops.

Basic II

After completing Basic I, skaters advance their skills with backward + forward glides, turns, snowplow stops ,and swizzles.

Basic III

Skaters will learn forward stroking, backward one-foot glides, moving two foot turns on a circle, backward snowplow stops and slalom.

Basic IV

Skaters will learn forward crossovers, forward outside and inside edges, beginning two foot spins, and backward one foot glides.

Basic V

Skaters will learn backward crossovers, forward outside three turns, advanced two foot spins, and hockey stop.

Basic VI

Skaters will learn backward stroking, forward inside three turns, one foot spins, and forward spiral.

Freestyle Class

The higher-skilled skaters will be challenged in our most advanced youth class, learning beginning jumps + spins.

[ Bicycle or inline helmets are mandatory for skaters six years of age and under. ] 

TEEN/ADULT CLASSES

Teen/Adult I + II

No experience? No problem. Designed for teens/adults new to the rink, this class will teach the basics of forward + backward skating, turning and stopping.

Teen/Adult III + IV

For the more-advanced, teen/adult skater interested in learning forward and backward crossovers, footwork, beginning spins, and advanced stroking.

[ Wrist guards mandatory for all adult skaters. ]