Northern Colorado Youth Hockey

What are the avenues that the basic skills of skating can lead to?
Ice Skating is extremely versatile.  Basic skills of skating can lead to figure skating, hockey, speed skating.  They can be recreational avenues or competitive ones.  The basic foundation of blade usage on ice skates can even translate into skills on skis.

Can I skate 7-days a week?
Just like any athletic activity, having 1-2 rest days are important for recovery and strength building.

Can I skate year round?
Absolutely! We encourage it!

What do I get for the Learn to Skate registration?
You get 6-weeks of 30-minute lessons, end of session assessment, skate rentals, and 15-minutes of practice each week.

Can I register midway through the session?
A skater who shows up after the second week of class can be a distraction to the other students as he/she has missed skills that have been previously introduced, and require the instructor to review that material, instead of moving the rest of the class ahead.  

Do I get free skate rental?
Yes. Skates are provided at no additional cost.

How long are the classes?
Classes are 30-minutes in length, and they meet once a week on Sundays.

Are there make-up classes?
Due to our extensive hockey schedule, we do not have a secondary day for Learn to Skate classes. Therefore, we cannot accommodate make-up classes.

What happens if my child misses a class?
Due to not having any make-up classes, this is just a missed class. We recommend they get some practice time in between classes whenever a public session is feasible.

What time should we arrive?
We always encourage skaters to arrive 15-30 minutes early for their first class in order to get properly sized and fitted in their rental skates and to get dressed properly.  

Do I need a helmet?
While not a requirement, a safety helmet is also a good idea (a lightweight bicycle helmet or a hockey helmet works well).

What is the proper attire for ice skating classes?
Skaters should dress comfortably warm in layers. Long, thin socks are the best to wear for any type of skate. Gloves are HIGHLY recommended, hat, snow pants and as an added note, jeans get coldest the quickest.

Should I buy or rent skates?
When you are first starting out, renting ice skates are just fine. Our program provides rental skates as part of the fee, so you are all set! Once you discover if this is the sport for you, then may be a good time to buy.

My child wants to play hockey. When should I put him in hockey skates or buy gear?
We don't recommend hockey skates until your skater can comfortable move forward, backward and on one foot with balanced control. Figure skates have a flatter, longer edge which makes them ideal for those just starting to ice skate. There is far much less blade touching the ice on a hockey skate. This requires skaters to really lower their center of gravity and understand balance, therefore figure skates are the better option for learning.

Where does my skater go once they are ready?
There is an ice map at the check in desk as well as on the glass of the lobby door entering the ice arena.

Are the instructors trained?
YES! All of our instructors are professional members through Learn to Skate USA, have received a background check and completed SafeSport Training as required. We always have someone within the program/building who has been CPR/First Aid and Concussion Trained as well.

How can I found out who the instructor is for the next session?
The instructors can change their availability and are rotated from level to level each session. They do not get their new assignments until the week before a new session of classes.

Who can join Learn to Skate?
Learn to Skate is designed for skaters of any level or age from 3 years old to adult.

My child is under 4, but wants to participate in Snowplow Sam instead of Parent & Tot. Is that permitted?
In order for your skater to participate in snowplow Sam, they must feel comfortable skating on their own; learning the skills needed. Typically, we recommend that they participate in Parent & Tot until they can march, fall down and get up on their own.

I am not sure of my skater's level.  What should I register for?
Register your skater at the appropriate age level (4-6yrs. old-Snowplow / 7yrs & older-Basic). The instructors will make an evaluation and recommend to the director as needed if the skater is above or below the level they are currently participating in.

This class seems too easy for my child. Can they switch classes?
Skaters receive some type of evaluation weekly in order to ensure skill progressions are followed. Beyond that, it depends on the skills they are working on. If this is of concern to you, please e-mail the Skating Director, Liz Egetoe, to have her evaluate your child and make sure they are in the appropriate class.

How will I know when my child passes a level?
We host an evaluation day on the final day of learn to skate (week 6), and your skater will come off of the ice with a report card.

My skater's report card showed "Needs Improvement" on only 1 skill, do they have to repeat that level for the entire 6-week session?
No. Your skater will be moved up to the next level as soon as THEY are ready. It does not have to be on our 6-week schedule. This is part of the weekly evaluation that takes place.

How long should it take for my child to complete the whole Learn to Skate program?
Every child is different and each child has his own strengths and weaknesses. It is our main goal to make sure each child is proficient in all the elements of the level before progressing. The Learn to Skate program is designed to be completed over several years.

I see my child playing games in class, isn’t this a waste of time?
Games are a great way to make children feel comfortable on the ice. Often it is easier for a child to relax through having fun. Games are also a good way to teach balance, coordination and cooperation.

Can I watch my child’s skating lesson?
Of course! Parents are encouraged to watch skating lessons from the bleachers or the lobby as to not distract their child from the learning process. The player’s benches should not be a place to sit and watch. We ask that parents stay off the ice during their child’s lesson.

I have a child that has never taken skating lessons before, but would like to play hockey. Where do I start?
We require that all children complete at least Snowplow Sam 3 and/or Basic 2 of Learn to Skate before starting any of our hockey programs. Even during hockey seasons, all players can benefit from Basic 3-6 Skills as they develop the necessary crossovers and transitions to assist in their game play.

When can I register for the Hockey Classes?
Your skater can register for Hockey 1 once they have completed Snowplow Sam 3 or Basic 2. These classes introduce the proper foundation of all skating! Once these techniques are mastered your student will be ready to branch off into Hockey 1 where they will begin to build off of the techniques they have learned and add in proper Hockey skating skills. However, continuing through Basic 6 while also taking Hockey is highly recommended

What gear does my child need for the hockey Classes?
Once you are registered for our hockey classes, your player will need: hockey skates, helmet, gloves and a stick as required gear. However, we also recommend shin pads at a minimum. Full gear is at the discretion of your family.

Are the hockey classes, Learn to Play classes?
Hockey 1-4 & Hockey-Power Skating are not Learn to Play or Inroduction to Play classes but they are the step you take before entering one of those programs. In Hockey 1-4 you will learn the basics of hockey skating and solidify those techniques before moving on to an Intro or Learn to Play class. These skills are the basis of all hockey play and are necessary for the proper development of your player. 

How often should I have my skates sharpened?
This depends on how often you skate.  On average, 4-8 weeks is recommended.  If you are skating approximately 2-3 times a week then you are probably going to need them sharpened once every 6 weeks.