
Skating Programs
The KSU Ice Arena provides high-quality skating programs in a safe, inclusive environment where skaters of all ages, interests, and skill levels can feel at home. Our certified Learn to Skate USA instructors guide recreational skaters and help aspiring athletes grow in both figure skating and hockey. We’re committed to building confidence and inspiring a lifelong passion for skating.
Video Links
-
- Includes how to tie skates, clothing to wear, helmets, parent viewing area
For information on how to create an account and register online for programs, please click on the Ice Arena FAQs link in the left menu.
-
Learn to Skate Overview
- The format of a 60-minute Learn to Skate class* is as follows: 30 minutes of lesson time and 30 minutes of supervised practice. Practice time is vital to the progress of a skater. More time on the ice means more opportunities to refine skating skills, develop muscle memory, and confidence. *The KSU Ice Arena reserves the right to combine classes based on enrollment.
- Enrollment in the KSU Learn to Skate Program includes Learn to Skate USA (LTS USA) membership, which comes with a variety of benefits:
- Season memberships are valid from July 1 to June 30.
- Access to the Learn to Skate USA mobile app to track progress and earn badges.
- Instruction from certified, background-screened instructors.
- Lessons follow a standardized curriculum designed for enjoyable and effective skill progression.
- A welcome packet that includes Learn to Skate USA The Magazine and a record book to track progress in class.
- Access to online educational materials for both skaters and parents.
- Secondary sports accident insurance coverage.
- Eligibility to participate in Learn to Skate USA sanctioned classes, exhibitions, performances, and competitions (fees vary by program).
-
Learn to Skate Program Descriptions
Snowplow Sam (Tots)
Designed for 4- and 5-year-old skaters, this class focuses on developing coordination, strength, and introductory skating skills in a fun and supportive environment. Participants must be at least four years old before the session begins. U.S. Figure Skating recommends a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters.
Basic 1
Prerequisite: Pass Snowplow Sam or be 6-8 years old. This beginner class emphasizes safety, confidence, and basic skating techniques, helping young skaters build a strong foundation for future progress. U.S. Figure Skating recommends a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters.
Basic 1 & 2
Prerequisite: Pass Basic 1 or be 9 years or older. Skaters will focus on building confidence and refining fundamental skating skills while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice. U.S. Figure Skating recommends a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters.
Basic 3
Prerequisite: Pass Basic 1 & 2. This level continues to reinforce safety, fun, and confidence while introducing more complex skating techniques, preparing skaters for advanced skills.
Basic 4
Prerequisite: Pass Basic 3. Skaters will deepen their understanding of forward edges and work on strengthening their backward skating abilities, laying the groundwork for more technical skills.
Basic 5
Prerequisite: Pass Basic 4. The focus at this level is on enhancing backward skating skills and introducing advanced stops and turns, refining control and precision on the ice.
Basic 6
Prerequisite: Pass Basic 5. This class builds upon previous techniques while introducing additional advanced stops and turns, as well as fundamental jumps, spins, and artistic elements.
Pre-Free Skate
Prerequisite: Pass Basic 6. Skaters will transition into free skating, combining previously learned skills into complex sequences and patterns. This level also introduces additional jumps, spins, and artistic movements, helping skaters prepare for advanced skating opportunities.
Adult 1 & 2
Designed for beginners, this class introduces fundamental skating skills with a focus on safety, balance, and proper technique. Skaters will develop confidence and coordination while learning forward skating, forward snowplow stops, forward one-foot glides, backward skating, and forward two-foot turns.
Adult 3 & 4
Building on foundational skills, this class emphasizes forward edges and strengthens backward skating techniques. Skaters will refine their ability to perform forward edges and crossovers, backward skating, backward one-foot glides, backward-to-forward turns, and backward snowplow stops.
Adult 5+
This advanced-level class further develops backward skating, intricate turns and stops, and spinning techniques. Skaters will work on backward edges and crossovers, forward three-turns, one-foot spins, and T-stops, integrating skills into more complex movements.
-
Learn to Skate Program Schedule
Please check back in July for our Fall 2025 offerings.
-
Learn to Skate FAQs
What if I don’t have my own skates?
Free skate rental is included with your Learn to Skate class registration. Skates are available at the Skate Rental Counter. Sizes available: Youth 5 – 13, Junior 1 – Adult 14. **Use of double runner blades is not permitted in a Learn to Skate class.
What size skate do I ask for at the Skate Rental Counter?
Let the Ice Arena staff know your shoe size, and they will find you the correct skate size. Rental skates are designed to fit everyone. Shoe size does not necessarily match skate size.
What type of skate should I ask for at the Skate Rental Counter?
Standard ice skates (with a figure skate blade) are recommended for all first-time skaters, as they make it easier for the skater to balance.
Should I wear a helmet to skate?
U.S. Figure Skating strongly recommends the use of a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters and children 6 years of age and younger. Participants supply their own helmet.
What should I wear to skate?
Skaters need to wear long pants and long sleeves when they are skating. Gloves are necessary for warmth and to protect hands as skaters learn to fall and get back up. Wear one pair of lightweight socks that are tall enough to cover the ankle and above the skate to prevent the skate from rubbing your skin. Thick, bulky socks can bunch up and create uncomfortable bumps in the skating boots.
Is there a class specifically for teenagers who are beginner skaters?
We understand that some teenaged skaters may not want to skate in the youth classes. Teens (13 years and older) are welcome in the Adult classes*. The Basic 1-4 youth levels are very similar to the Adult 1-4 levels. *The KSU Ice Arena reserves the right to combine classes based on enrollment.
Where do I park?
The Ice Arena parking lot is located on the corner of Loop Road and Johnston Drive right beside the Ice Arena.
Can I make up a missed class?
Due to class limitations, make-up classes are typically not permitted. Any exception will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Are refunds or prorated fees available?
Refunds and prorated fees are not permitted. Any exception will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can parents watch skating class?
Parents may watch the skating class from the bleachers on either side of the arena. The scorer’s box, penalty boxes, and player boxes are for skaters and instructors use only.
Where do I go for my skating class?
Snowplow Sam, Basic 1, and Basic 1&2 skaters will meet their instructors in the designated areas of the lobby. All other classes will meet their instructor rink side. Please do not enter the ice until directed by the instructors.
-
KSU Frozen Flashes Learn to Skate Program
The Frozen Flashes Learn to Skate Program is specially designed for KSU student skaters, offering a structured progression through five skill levels. Modeled after the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, each level introduces 10–11 foundational skills that build upon one another.
Achieving proficiency at each level is essential for ensuring skater safety, success, and confidence on the ice. This program provides a supportive environment where skaters can refine their abilities while developing strong fundamentals for long-term improvement.
Level 1
Designed for beginners with little to no skating experience, this level focuses on building balance, forward movement, and stopping skills to help skaters gain confidence on the ice.
Level 2
Skaters enrolling in this level are comfortable skating forward and are beginning to explore backward skating. Instruction includes a variety of forward and backward skating techniques to develop control and stability.
Level 3
Skaters entering this level should be able to stop, glide forward and backward, and perform controlled one-foot glides. This level strengthens backward skating, edges, crossovers, and introduces basic spinning skills.
Level 4
Proficiency in forward edges, crossovers, and one-foot glides is expected at this stage. Skaters will refine their technique with backward edges, backward crossovers, forward three-turns, and beginner artistic elements.
Level 5
Skaters entering this level should have a strong foundation in skills from Levels 1-4. This class focuses on integrating learned techniques into complex sequences and patterns, while introducing jumps, spins, and artistic movements for advanced skill development.
-
°µÍø½ûÇø Club Figure Skating
The KSU Ice Arena is home to the °µÍø½ûÇø Club Figure Skating team. Check out their website and social media pages for more information about the program and prospective recruits.