Learn to Skate Group Lessons

MacInnes Student Ice Arena will be Closed for Renovations in the Spring & Summer

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Location

Our Learn to Skate program offers fun, challenging, and rewarding beginning skating classes for all ages and abilities. Students learn at their own level with others in their age group; classes are available for preschool-age children (3-6 year–olds) and children age 7 years and older.

Program Details

AGES 3-6

Snowplow Sam—Discover, Learn and Play

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.

Hockey

The Hockey curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. In four badge levels, skaters will learn how to be more proficient and agile on the ice. Proper skating techniques for the game of hockey are the primary focus of the levels. All elements will be taught without a puck. Skaters will learn the basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, use of edges, and other necessary fundamentals to be successful in hockey practices and game situations.

AGES 7+

Basic Skills—FUNdamentals

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 a 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.

Hockey

Our Learn to Skate program meets weekly for 1 hour and 20 minutes. On one half of the ice, lessons will be taking place, rotating groups every 25 minutes. The other half of the ice is used as a practice session for skaters (before/after their assigned lesson) and parents/guardians of beginner-level skaters (Sam 1, Basic 1, Hockey 1 only) who purchase a chaperone pass. Please note that the practice session is NOT for parents of higher-level skaters, the general public, or siblings. The chaperone pass is not transferable between parents.

Class and Practice Schedule

5:00-5:25pm Lessons	5:30-5:55pm Lessons	5:55-6:20pm Lessons
1st-time Program Participants/Beginner	Returning Program Participants/Mid Level	Returning Program Participants/Intermediate
Snowplow Sam 1 (3-6 year olds)	Snowplow Sam 2-4	Basic Levels 3-6
Basic Level 1 (7+ year olds)	Basic Level 2	Hockey Levels 3-4
Hockey Level 1 (3-6, 7+ year olds)	Hockey Level 2	Power Skating

*Skaters may skate on the practice side of the ice surface before/after their assigned lesson between 5:00-6:20pm. Instructors will NOT be available during the practice session.

Required Equipment and Suggested Dress

Skaters should dress in warm layers: long pants, sweater, jacket, and mittens. Snowpants and snow jackets are often worn by younger participants.

All participants— children and adults— regardless of ability, must wear skates and a helmet while on the ice. Bicycle helmets are also acceptable.

Helmets are available through the Skate Rental Center for the MTU Learn to Skate program but must be pre-purchased at the time of registration with the skate/helmet rental package. Inventory is limited and will only be issued to those with the session rental package on a first come, first serve basis (based on order of registration). See Skate Rental Center Equipment and Services for more details.

Skates are available through the Skate Rental Center for the MTU Learn to Skate program but must be pre-purchased with the skate/helmet rental package at the time of registration with the skate/helmet rental package. Inventory is limited and will only be issued to those with the session rental package on a first come, first serve basis (based on order of registration). Inventory is limited and will only be issued to those with the session rental package. See Skate Rental Center Equipment and Services for more details. For helpful information on choosing the appropriate skate to rent, see Skate Rental Quick Guide.

Equipment that is rented will be picked up each day of the program (just prior to session time) and returned immediately following the session end time. The Skate Rental Center is located on the ice level in the arena.

Locker rooms will be available during the program time. The SDC is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Please do not leave items unattended.

Program Schedule

Sundays, 5:00-6:20pm

TBD

Registration and Payment

Registration Opens: TBD

Registration Closes*: TBD

Registration and payment can be completed online, by phone at 906-487-2073, or at the SDC Ticket Office. A parent or legal guardian is required to sign a waiver of liability and concussion awareness form for their child (and themself if they will be skating).

Cost

Group Lessons

Session: $108 per participant
Session + Skate/Helmet Rental Package: $148 per participant

5:00-5:25pm Classes

Snowplow Sam 1 (1st time, age 3-6 yrs old)
Basic Skills 1 (1st time, age 7+ yrs old)
Hockey 1 (1st time, age 3-6 yrs old)
Hockey 1 (1st time, age 7+ yrs old)

5:30-5:55pm Classes

Snowplow Sam 2
Snowplow Sam 3
Snowplow Sam 4
Basic Skills 2
Hockey 2

5:55-6:20pm Classes

Basic Skills 3
Basic Skills 4
Basic Skills 5
Basic Skills 6
Hockey 3
Hockey 4
Hockey Powerskating

Chaperone* Practice Pass
*only available to chaperone (18+ yrs old, non-transferable) of beginner-level session skaters (Sam 1, Basic 1, Hockey 1)

Session: $40 per chaperone
Session + Skate/Helmet Rental Package: $80 per chaperone

Questions?

Please refer to our Learn to Skate FAQs!

Contact Jada Gullstrand at 906-487-2227 or email jmgullst@mtu.edu.