Skating Lessons

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Three kids on ice skates The Minnetonka Ice Arena offers the Learn-to-Skate USA program, endorsed by USA Hockey, US Figure Skating, US Speed Skating and the Special Olympics. Learn-to-Skate USA makes skating fun and safe for all, while building solid skill progression and growing self-esteem.

Lessons are offered for skaters ages 3 and up, including adults.
View our skate programs in the current Recreation Brochure.
Register online for skating lessons and programs.

Annual Ice Show

The ice showcase runs annually the first weekend of May.

Participants must be registered for the winter session of skating lessons (January-March) to participate.

Class Descriptions

Skating Fundamentals (Ages 3-5)

Classes are designed to help children 5 and younger develop the ABC’s (Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed) of movement. Helmets and mittens or gloves required for ALL Snowplow Sam classes. Snow pants recommended.

Class	Requirement	Learn
Snowplow Sam 1	No prior skating experience; need help marching across the ice.	To stand, fall and move across the ice
Snowplow Sam 2	Passed Snowplow Sam 1 or can confidently march across the ice	Gliding, dips while moving, stopping
Snowplow Sam 3	Passed Snowplow Sam 2	Forward and backwards swizzles and one foot glides
Snowplow Sam 4	Passed Snowplow Sam 3	Refinement of forward and backward skating and two foot turns

Basic Skills (Ages 6 and older)

Learn the fundamentals of skating and the best foundation for figure skating and hockey skating skills. Six progressive levels teach skaters to move confidently and advance to specialized skating. Skaters progress at their own rate and advance after skills are mastered. Helmets required for Basic 1 & 2.

Class	Requirement	Learn
Basic 1	No previous lesson experience or not passed Basic 1	To move forward, balance and glide. Introduction to backward skating
Basic 2	Passed Basic 1	Forward stroking, stopping, one foot glides and refinement of backward skating
Basic 3	Passed Basic 2 and wear figure skates	Proper edge control and push for forward cross-overs
Basic 4	Passed Basic 3 and wear figure skates	Forward cross-overs and proper pushing technique for backward cross-overs
Basic 5	Passed Basic 4 and wear figure skates	Backward cross-overs, hockey stops and outside edge 3-turns
Basic 6	Passed Basic 5 and wear figure skates	Inside edge 3-turns, backward stroking, T-Stops and more
Pre-Free Skate	Passed Basic 6 and wear figure skates	Inside edge Mohawks, backward to forward transitions, beginning jumps and one foot spins

Hockey Skating Skills (Ages 6 and older)

Learn the fundamentals of hockey skating, without sticks or pucks. In the four badge levels, skaters increase agility and proper technique and learn basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, use of edges and other necessary fundamentals of hockey skating. We recommend skaters pass Basic 1 before enrolling in Hockey 1. No sticks or pucks used in this class. Participants must wear hockey skates and helmets.

Class	Requirement	Learn
Hockey 1	Passed Basic 1 or possess basic skating skills	To glide and beginning stroke
Hockey 2	Passed Hockey 1	Proper edge and pushing technique for forward and backward skating
Hockey 3	Passed Hockey 2	Proper edge and pushing technique for forward cross-overs. Backward power skating, stops and power turns
Hockey 4	Passed Hockey 3	Refinement of forward and backward cross-overs. Quick starts, hockey stops and Mohawks

Figure Skating

Each free skate level contains a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps — all of which build on the fundamentals, providing skaters a strong foundation. Instruction is focused on quality and mastery of skills.

Class	Requirement	Learn
Free Skate 1	Passed Pre-Free Skate	Edge work, 3-turns, one foot spins and beginning jumps
Free Skate 2	Passed Free Skate 1	Beginning jumps and spins, edge work and spirals
Free Skate 3	Passed Free Skate 2	A footwork sequence and advanced jumps and spins
Free Skate 4	Passed Free Skate 3	Power threes, sit spins and advanced jumps
Free Skate 5	Passed Free Skate 4	Advanced footwork, camel spins and jump combinations
Free Skate 6	Passed Free Skate 5	Advanced footwork, combination spins and axel jump
Advanced Free Skate	Passed Free Skate 6	Double jumps and advanced spin techniques
Tricks & Twirls	Passed Basic 2, but not Free Skate 4 and wears figure skates	Beginning jumps, spins and tricks
Intermediate Power and Edge	Passed Pre-Preliminary Skating Skills or Free Skate 3	Stroking, edges, power and consistent carriage through turn execution
Advanced Power and Endurance	Passed Bronze Skating Skills or Advanced Free Skate	Refinement of stroking, edges, power, carriage and endurance
Pre-Preliminary through Pre-Silver Skating Skills	Passed Free Skate 2 or instructor permission	USFS Skating Skills patterns
Jump & Spin	Passed Free Skate 5	Proper advanced spin and jump technique and positions for axel thru double jumps

Adult Skating

Class	Description
Adult Beginner	Introduction to skating for those with no experience. Helmet recommended.
Adult Intermediate	For adults who can comfortably skate forward and backward and are able to stop.
Adult Advanced	Introduction to jumps and spins
Adult Ice Dance	Emphasis on USFS Dance patterns. Need instructor permission or previous ice dance experience.

If you have questions regarding levels or need additional assistance, feel free to contact the ice arena office, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at 952-939-8310.