Podium Pathway:

WHERE FALLING IS JUST A PART OF THE CHOREOGRAPHY

Program Overview: The Skate Canada Podium Pathway is your gateway to excellence in figure skating, encompassing Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance. It is designed to guide skaters through a structured development process, from grassroots to elite levels. Whether you are aiming for national titles or international success, our pathway provides the training, support, and competition opportunities needed to reach your full potential.

Program details:

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

• Schedule: Minimum four sessions per week,  two 2-hour sessions, two 1.5-hour sessions (approximately 8 hours)

• Participation: Skaters can opt to attend all four sessions or select the best options in consultation with their coach.

On-Ice Instruction: Skaters receive guidance from our NCCP-certified coaches covering various elements of figure skating, including:

• Ice Dance

• Skating Skills

• Free Skating (Jumping and Spinning)

• Synchronized Skating

Lessons:

• Group Lessons: Skaters will receive guidance from our NCCP-certified coaches in various elements of figure skating.

  • TEC: In the final 15 minutes of our STAR Skate session, all STAR 2+ Skaters come together to refine their skills with a focus on Turns, Edges, Conditioning, and Improv to elevate their skating performance.

• Private Lessons: Skaters may arrange private or semi-private lessons with one of our coaches for more personalized training. Coaches have their own rates and availability. Please see our "Meet our Coaches" page for more information.

Testing and Progression: Skaters continue their STAR testing journey in this program, progressing through the STAR 4+ assessments in Freeskate, Dance, and Skills. This structured approach helps skaters build on their foundation and advance through the levels systematically. Please note that there is an assessment fee associated with these tests. For more information, visit our Fee Information Page.

Strict Rules:

• Competition Programs: The Podium Pathway has specific requirements for competition programs at each level, including the types and number of elements skaters must perform. For example, at the Novice level, skaters must include specific jumps, spins, and footwork sequences.

• Assessments: Skaters must pass certain assessments to move up the levels. These assessments evaluate their skills and readiness for the next level.

Eligibility:

• Pre-Juvenile/Juvenile: Skaters must have passed all STAR 5  FreeSkate or higher to enter events. Recommended to be on STAR 6 Skills and Dance.

• Pre-Novice: Skaters must have passed all STAR 6 FreeSkate or higher to enter events. Recommended to be on STAR 8 Skill and Dance. 

• Novice/Junior/Senior: Skaters must have passed all Gold FreeSkate. Recommended to be on or completed Gold Skills and Dance. 

Qualifying Events:

• Skate Canada Sectional Provincial Championships: This is the first required qualifying event to enter the National and International circuit. Skaters compete at various levels, and the top performers who achieve the minimum technical score will advance to the Skate Canada Challenge.

• Skate Canada Challenge: This is a major qualifying event for the Canadian National Skating Championships. Skaters compete at various levels, and top performers advance to the national level.

• National Championships: The top skaters from the Skate Canada Challenge compete at the Canadian National Skating Championships, a prestigious event in the skating calendar.

Level Requirements:

• Pre-Juvenile to Senior: Each level has specific requirements that skaters must meet to compete. For example, Pre-Juvenile skaters must pass the STAR 5 FreeSkate Assessment to compete at competitions, while Senior skaters have more advanced requirements.

• Age Groups: Competitors are grouped by age, and each level has a specific age bracket. This ensures that skaters compete against others of similar age and skill levels.

Fees:

• Ice Fees: Included in the program registration fee

• Coaching Fees: Sent separately to the skater by the coach. Fees are typically sent monthly unless negotiated otherwise. Coaching fees vary per coach. Please see our "Meet our Coaches" page to contact ESPSC's coaches about lesson availability.

• Assessment Fees: 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 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.

Program Benefits: The Podium Pathway is designed to systematically develop skaters' skills and prepare them for high-level competition. It is a more rigorous and structured program compared to STAR Skate, ensuring that skaters receive comprehensive training and support to achieve their dreams.

Join us and take the first step toward your podium dreams! ⛸️✨

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

• 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 for most blades and $18 for stainless steel blades.

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

For further information consult our ESPSC STARSkate Handbook 2024

Podium Pathway Skaters have the opportunity to compete in certain competitions. For more details visit the Podium Pathway Competitions Page.