Adult Advanced:

The Advanced Skating Class is designed for skaters who are comfortable on the ice and eager to move beyond the basics. This program focuses on enhancing skills, introducing more complex techniques, and improving overall skating proficiency. Held in a supportive group setting, these lessons provide an engaging and social learning environment.

• Location: East St. Paul Arena (Fall/Winter)

• Schedule: Thursday 9 - 9:45 PM (Fall/Winter)

Program Highlights:

• Group Lessons: Skaters participate in structured group lessons, which foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement among participants.

• Advanced Techniques: The curriculum covers more advanced skating skills, including intricate footwork, edge control, spins, and introductory jumps. Skaters are guided through exercises that challenge and refine their abilities.

• Skill Development: Each session is designed to build upon previous lessons, ensuring continuous progression and mastery of new techniques.

• Assessment Opportunities: The program includes opportunities for skaters to test their skills at various CanSkate or STAR levels, offering a structured pathway for progression and achievement with ribbons and badges in CanSkate and report cards in STAR to benchmark their progress and reward their effort and participation.

• Peer Interaction: Group dynamics encourage skaters to learn from one another, share tips, and celebrate each other's progress. This social aspect enhances the overall learning experience.

• Qualified Instructors: Taught by a team of NCCP-certified coaches who provide personalized feedback and tailored guidance to help each skater achieve their best.

• Testing Opportunities: The program includes opportunities for skaters to test their skills at various STAR levels, offering a structured pathway for progression and achievement.

• Ice Fees: Included in the program registration fee

• Coaching Fees: Included in the program registration fee

• STAR Assessment Fees: The STAR assessment fee is paid at the time of testing for every assessment. For those on STAR 6 - Gold assessments, assessment days are held separately from normal skating days and will include additional costs.

• Competition Fees: Each event (Programs, Elements, Improv, Team, etc.) has a fee listed by Skate Canada. Additionally, there is a coaching fee for the time spent with the skater at the event, which varies per coach. This fee can include charges for time, mileage, hotels, meals, etc., depending on what the coach charges for.

Adaptive Skating:

Our Adult Advanced program is inclusive and welcoming to skaters of all abilities. We proudly support athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities or impairments who can participate in Special Olympics in either recreational or competitive skating. The program is designed to accommodate individual needs, ensuring every skater can develop their skills in a supportive environment. The CanSkate program is open to adaptive skaters, with elements tailored to their unique needs. Our coaches are experienced in working with athletes of varying abilities, and we strive to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all participants. 

Through Adaptive Skating, athletes develop sports skills, social skills, and self-esteem to assist them in becoming an involved member of the community. It promotes an active lifestyle and quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities through participation in sports.

Adaptive Skating Competition:

Special Olympics Skating provides athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in invitational, interclub, and international competitions.

• SINGLES: Level 1 - 6
• DANCE (Solo & Pattern Ice Dance): Level 1 - 6
• Pairs FreeSkate: Level 1 - 3
• Adult Singles: Master 1/2 - 3/4

For detailed competition information, please refer to the Special Olympics Competition Page.

This class is perfect for those who wish to advance their skating skills in a fun, interactive, and supportive environment. Whether preparing for more advanced programs or simply looking to improve personal skating proficiency, the Advanced Skating Class offers the tools and community to help skaters achieve their goals. ⛸️✨

Equipment:

• CSA-approved hockey helmet (At your own discretion) – CSA helmets are designed specifically for rink conditions. Bicycle helmets DO NOT offer the same level of cold-resistance or impact protection needed for skating

• Sharpened skates – hockey or figure skates, whichever is preferred

  • Figure Skate Sharpening: Getting figure skates sharpened at a local figure skate-specific sharpener is recommended. Most retail sharpeners are not trained in the specifics of figure skate blades. Please discuss with your club coach for further details. The prices at the local sharpener recommended by club coaches are $15.

  • Hockey Skate Sharpening: For hockey skates, go to any local sharpener (retail or private). The price at many local pro shops is $10 - $15.

    • When to Sharpen Skates: It is recommended to get skates sharpened approximately every 15-20 hours of skating.

• Mittens or gloves – keep hands warm in the cold rink while also providing protection from injuries

• Warm clothing – long pants and a warm sweater or jacket helps skaters stay comfortable

• Soft cloth or towel for drying skates and blades to prevent rust

• Skate guards – hard guards are recommended for walking back and forth to the ice surface, as well as soft guards/soakers for keeping blades protected and rust-free between skating sessions in your skate bag

For examples of equipment, how to wear it, and recommendations, refer to our Equipment Information playlist!

Adult Competition:

Adult Skate offers the ability to compete at invitational, interclub, and international competitions. 

Competition Categories:

• FreeSkate Programs: Bronze - Masters Elite
• Ice Dance (Solo & Partner): Bronze - Gold
• Pairs FreeSkate: Adult Pairs - Masters Pairs
• Artistic: Bronze - Elite
• Showcase: Bronze - Elite
• Synchro: I - III

All events receive a ranked placement, with the top three receiving medals. 

Competition Requirements

Each year, two Adult International Skating Competitions bring together skaters from across the globe. Every season, events will be hosted in North America in the fall and in Germany during the spring.

These competitions are among the most anticipated highlights of the adult skating calendar, offering athletes the chance to perform, connect, and celebrate their shared passion for figure skating.

The upcoming 2025 ISU International competitions will include: 

• FreeSkate Programs: Bronze - Masters Elite
• Ice Dance ( Solo & Partner): Bronze - Gold
• Pairs FreeSkate: Adult Pairs - Masters Pairs
• Artistic: Bronze - Elite
• Synchro: I - III

Disciplines at the International Adult Figure Skating Competition are open only to competitors who have reached at least the age of 28 before July 1 of that year.

    Oberstdorf International TEC Pack

For more competition details, visit the Adult Skate Competitions Page.