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There’s never been a better time to lace up and learn to skate at the Crystal Ice House! Typically skating programs experience a boom during Olympic years, but 2022-23 has proven anything but typical, with record enrollment in group hockey, figure, and Ice Explorers (parent-tot) classes.
Crystal Ice House’s Learn to Skate USA programming is endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey and offers programs for skaters of all ages and abilities. “Skaters age six and younger typically begin in Snow Plow Sam [age seven and older begin in Basic 1 or Hockey 1] and progress through Hockey or Figure Basic Skills levels," explains Kim Johnson, Skating Director. "Once Basic Skills are mastered, figure skaters graduate to Free Skate levels where skating elements like jumps and spins are taught, while Hockey skaters begin considering joining our Junior Jackets, Stingers or Yellowjackets program and can perfect their skills in Excel Hockey class."
“Excel Hockey combines the talents of Coach Caryn and Coach Scott to improve balance, power, acceleration, stick handling, passing, and shooting," Johnson adds. "The class is perfect for skaters Hockey 2 or higher as well as those already participating on teams." Full equipment is required.
New this fall will be an ASPIRE program for skaters to explore what it means to train like a figure skater. The ASPIRE program and membership will offer an introduction to freestyle practice ice, specialty classes, off-ice training, parent education, and the ability to compete on behalf of our rink partner, Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club. Membership even includes access to introductory U.S. Figure Skating tests, one of the requirements to try out for our Annual Ice Show. "If your skater is curious about what it takes to be a soloist in the show, ASPIRE is the perfect place to start," Johnson noted.
The key to soaring enrollment might be our flexibility. “Moving our registration schedule to three times a year has had a positive effect on enrollment,” explained David Lichterman, General Manager. “We reduced the number of times families need to sign up for classes. This keeps skaters enrolled and progressing. We also prorate enrollment fees, allowing skaters to join at any time. We encourage multi-sport families to sign up when it is convenient for them, rather than wait until the next session. Anytime is great to skate.”
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