Learn To Skate
Learn the basic skills of ice skating. Our professional instructors excel in teaching all ages and abilities. The student to teacher ratio is kept low so that each skater gets the attention they need to advance through the levels and continue learning.
​
Outdoor Lessons!
We've partnered with the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board again to offer outdoor lessons this year!
Like true Minnesotans, we're hoping for a nice cold winter (but not too cold 😉)
Families have a choice in their skating location!
Lessons will be held at McRae Park and Lyndale Farmstead Park.
Click below for details and registration through the MPBR website.
Levels & Classes
Learn To Skate
Snow Plow Sam
-
​Snowplow Sam Levels are designed for kids age 3-5 to learn the basics of skating. Skaters will learn how to fall, get back up again, march across the ice and build the confidence to continue their skating journey.
​
Basic Skills
-
Basic Skills levels are available to all skaters over the age of 6 (or who have graduated from Snow Plow Sam). Skaters learn the fundamentals of ice skating. Basic skills set skaters up for success no matter what ice sport a skater chooses to do.
​
Freeskate
-
Learn to Skate USA's Freeskate program introduces skaters to the beginning elements of figure skating, including progressive skating skills, transitions, spins & Jumps. Skaters can eventually choose a competitive path of figure skating or a recreational one, either direction is definitely fun!
​
Adult
-
It's never too late to lean how to skate, adults skate too. Learn to skate USA has a program just for adults! It's a great way to stay in shape and improve existing skills and even learn new skills.
​
Saturday Specialty Classes
Aspire Bridge Program
-
Join us Saturday mornings (Adult & Youth) for a fun NEW group class experience! We’ll combine on and off ice training to speed up your skill progression… focusing on increasing flexibility and agility while tailoring instruction to your personal goals and challenges. Each week will be different and might focus on anything from edge control, beginning spin and jump introductions, footwork maneuvers, and variations on standard skills. Class time will consist of 30 minutes of off ice instruction followed by 30 minutes of on ice instruction.
Must have passed Adult 2 or Basic 2 to enroll
* Skaters are only expected to perform skills they are comfortable with and variations or alternates will be offered throughout.
Saturday Mornings - 9:15-10:15am - Adult & Youth
** DROP IN AVAILABLE! Not able to commit to all weeks of the program? Drop in as your schedule allows. $40 per week for drop ins, payable via PayPal.
​
Ice Dance
-
A fun way to master your existing skills and also look at them in a new and fun way... Learn the beginning skills of ice dance including steps, rhythms, and patterns. Eventually, you will put these steps and patterns to music and can even take an official USFS test! - no jumping required!
Must have passed Adult 2 or Basic 2 to enroll.
Saturday Mornings - 9:45-10:15am
** DROP IN AVAILABLE! Not able to commit to all weeks of the program? Drop in as your schedule allows. $30 per week for drop ins, payable via PayPal.
​
Intro to Private Lessons
-
A one-on-one coaching approach to provide additional assistance with difficult skills, the opportunity to learn new skills, the time and space to create a routine to music! Flexible schedule allowing you to select 5 convenient weeks out of the 6 weeks available.
Note: there is limited space available for this class, register early to secure your spot!
All ages and levels are welcome. Must be concurrently enrolled in Learn to Skate on Monday, Thursday, or Saturday.
Saturday Mornings - 9:45-10:15am
* Skaters may enroll in Intro to Private Lessons two times only. If your skater has done this and is interested in more one-on-one attention, we can help get you set up for Private Lessons with one of our great instructors!
FAQs
Learn To Skate
Where can I park?
-
See below for Parking Information
​
How old does my skater need to be to take lessons?
-
Skaters as young as three years old can sign up!
-
We recommend helmets for our youngest and newest skaters
(bike or hockey helmets are great)
-
​
How do I know which class to sign up for?
-
If your skater is brand new, we always recommend starting at the beginning:
-
Ages 3-6 - Register for Snow Plow Sam 1​
-
Age 6+ - Register for Basic 1
-
-
If your skater has skated with us before, they should register for the class they have not yet passed. It is very normal for skaters to register for some levels on more than one occasion, some levels and skills are more challenging than others and we want to be sure your skater is ready for what comes next.
-
If your skater has taken some time off since their last round of lessons, register them for the class they had most recently passed (a refresher course can be a great thing and help set them up for success!)
*We will adjust your skater up or down based on the skills they show mastery in. Just because they start on day 1 at a level 1, does not mean they will stay there through the whole session. It is always easier to move a skater up a level than bumping them back down.
Can a parent take lessons too?
-
Absolutely! We have a very strong adult skating program at Minneapolis. Adults of all levels and ages are welcome and encouraged to sign up for lessons!
​
I have to miss a week, can I make it up somehow?
-
Yes! If you need to miss a week during a session, let your instructor know and they can help you know what time a lesson would be on one of the other days of the week.
​
Where can I buy skates?
-
Strauss Skates Maplewood 651.770.1344
-
Westwood Sports Apple Valley 952.431.5590
-
Pierce Skate and Ski Bloomington 952.884.1990
​
Do you rent skates?
-
We have a limited number of skates available for use during lessons.
​
What should my skater wear?
- It's always best to wear too many layers - your skater can always take off a hat or jacket if they're too warm... but if you didn't bring them?
- Here's a cute example from our good friend, Snowplow Sam​
​
​
What else should I know before our first lesson?
- HERE is a great primer from Learn To Skate USA with lots of good detail!
Parking Info
Augsburg Arena
Between September - May
Augsburg University is in session during the day. Please do not park in Augsburg lots during the day time, you will get ticketed or towed. There is metered parking on the street or parking available in the hospital ramp across Riverside Ave.
After 5PM Lot L is available for parking free of charge (the big lot behind the football field).
​
Between May - Aug 31st
Augsburg University is not in session during the day. Lot L (big lot behind the football field) parking is free & Lot K ( small lot in front of main rink entrance) parking is free.
You will not get ticketed at this time.