Lessons
IN PERSON • ONLINE
From beginner to advanced
Make Your Dreams Come True • Learn to Ice Skate!
Basic Skills / Beginner
Ice skating lessons for all ages / abilities. Where students will learn how to fall and get up safely, go forwards, backwards, 1 foot glides, jump, stop and spin. Lessons for both figure skating and hockey skills!
Skating Skills / Advanced
Advanced skating lessons for all ages / abilities where students further their skills by learning forward / backward / inside / outside edges, turns that go with and counter to a circle and more challenging transitions from backward to forward. Low level jumps and spins too!
Ice Dancing
These lessons focus on flow, edge quality, power / speed all while dancing with the music. Several rhythms are taught to expand a skater's musicality. All level of pattern dances and solo free dances. Ice Dancing can be done solo or with a partner.
In Person Ice Skating Lessons
I teach in Fort Collins, Colorado at EPIC - Edora Pool Ice Center at 1801 Riverside Ave. I'd love to set up a lesson time where we are on the ice together. This is the most traditional lesson in that I can, for example, physically hold your foot and ankle to help you "feel" what position you need to be in for a snowplow stop to work correctly.
My lesson rate is $69/hour (ice dance is $75/hour) and you will need to purchase a lesson ticket from the EPIC front desk for however long our lesson is - usually 30 minutes but it can be shorter or longer. You also need to purchase your ice time admission from the EPIC front desk for the session your lesson will be on (ie: public session called "open skate", freestyle session called "contract ice" or fitness session).
I'm allowed to teach up to 3 skaters in a lesson so if siblings or friends want to join - the more the merrier! Other tips I would suggest would be to wear long, over the ankle socks if you are going to get rental skates as this will help. And bring thick and thin socks to get the best fit because rental skates are only available in full sizes. Gloves are also good idea as ice is cold to the touch and we will be falling to learn how to fall and get up safely. Helmets are available for rental but you are welcome to wear your own if you choose. A thick stocking hat is also a good idea.
I also recommend skaters bring a notebook and a pen/pencil so we can jot down tips and tricks to help you skate your best... and remember the key phrases or concepts. Please also bring a water bottle, gloves and hair ties to keep any long hair out of your face.
Online Ice Skating Lessons
This option is available to anyone from all over the world. This is an option for students who have no coach or are looking for a more advanced coach or who want a second opinion about some skating technique, program or test. Using FaceTIme or Zoom our time together will be effective and I'll provide detailed corrections to improve your skating skills. If you already have a private lesson coach I will need to communicate with them as this is proper protocol among coaches. I will invite them to join us for your lesson.
My lesson rate is the same as in person lessons: $69/hour (ice dance is $75/hour). Payment can be Venmo, cash or check.
To Schedule a Lesson...
CLICk TO SEE OPEN LESSON TIMES & FILL OUT THE Request FORM
Skating FAQ
Should I learn to skate on hockey skates or figure skates?
Generally figure skates are easier to learn to skate on as their blades are longer and the toe pick can prevent some falls.
How do you tie ice skates?
Here's a 2 min video from Learn to Skate USA that shows how to tie FIGURE skates!
Here's a 2 min video that shows how to tie HOCKEY skates!
Are there group lessons offered at EPIC?
Yes! Group lessons are offered at EPIC but do tend to fill up fast. Look at the Recreator [fcgov.com/recreator/] for group lesson dates and times.
When are the public skate [aka: open skate] ice times and the fitness skate ice times at EPIC?
EPIC's public skate / open skate ice times as well as the fitness skate ice times are listed HERE as a spreadsheet* under "ice skating drop-in program schedule" found here: fcgov.com/recreation/epic/
Here are the rates and fees for admission and skate rental as well as group rates: fcgov.com/recreation/recpass.php
When are the freestyle [aka: contract] ice times at EPIC?
There is a monthly calendar put out by EPIC that shows the ice times where skaters can practice their programs to their music and skating skills for upcoming competitions and tests. You can pick up a hard copy at the EPIC front desk or the Fort Collins Figure Skating Club posts it: https://fortcollinsfsc.org/epics-ice-time
What should I wear?
I recommend:
• Lightweight gloves as the ice is cold to touch.
• Bring both light and heavy LONG socks as rental skates are only available in full sizes. This way you can adjust your socks to get the best fit possible.
• A a helmet or stocking cap with a thick or folded brim offers protection and is recommended.
• Wear layers as you'll get warm skating.
Is it easier to skate on fresh / clean ice or dirty / rough ice?
It's far easier to glide on fresh clean ice but you do tend to glide faster which requires more balance and control. Rough ice is probably preferred for beginners as it's not so "slippery" and not a fast when you do glide.
What's the best age to start skating?
Skating teaches so many skills such as balance and body awareness that getting on the ice at any age and having fun is really learning! The smallest rental ice skate EPIC has is a youth size 9.
The best age to start formal skating lessons is when a student can listen, follow directions and stay focused for 15 to 30 min - so it varies. But I always recommend going to public sessions and just have fun to see if there's an interest in skating first before investing in lessons.
What is the Fort Collins Figure Skating Club?
The Fort Collins Figure Skating Club (FCFSC) is a a volunteer organization whose mission is to create, maintain and enhance a healthy and positive environment in which our members can develop physically and emotionally while building character through the sport of figure skating at all ages.
Skaters join the FCFSC so they can participate in the club's annual ice show, compete various competitions, test and attend our social events. More information about the club can be found here: fortcollinsfsc.org
What Are Your Skating Goals?
If you become a "regular" student then I have a "Student Goal Sheet" where I learn more about you, your skating history, skating goals and your "why" - Why do you want skating lessons?
