Learn to Skate
Teaching the love of skating, while having fun!
Why Learn to Skate at Excellent Ice?
Because we have fun!
Our Learn to Skate program is renowned for teaching skaters the basics of the sport in a safe and fun environment. Our years of experience and dedicated staff make sure that everyone gets the attention they need!
Class sizes
Our class sizes are limited to make sure all skaters have room to move safely on the ice, and our small inscrutor-student ratio means all skaters get the attention they need to grow.
Varied class times
We have classes five days a week with different time options available. With a schedule that diverse, you can find the class time that best suits your family’s needs.
Experienced instructors
Our head instructors, lead by Coach Lori, have years of experience in delivering our Learn to Skate program. Our junior instructors support the program by giving personal attention to skaters.
Learning is fun!
We believe skaters learn best when they’re having fun! We use games to teach the fundamentals of skating, and make sure kids leave the ice with a smile on their face every week!
Progressive levels
We offer classes for all ability levels, so that skaters can go from complete beginners to budding hockey stars all under the same roof! Our regular evaluations and registration periods mean skaters can move to the next level when they’re ready.
We welcome all ages!
We have classes for preschoolers lacing up skates for the first time, but we also have classes designed just for older children who want to learn to skate, so that skaters can learn with their peers.
Our classes
Find the right class for you!
Please see the class descriptions below to find the class that best meets your needs.
Beginner
This class is for skaters who need help to stand and move, and may use a balance bar or need extra attention to feel comfortable on the ice.
New skaters will learn how to: fall safely and get up unassisted, walk on skates unassisted.
Classes are open to new or inexperienced skaters.
Level 1
This class is for skaters who can move on their own, walk forwards comfortably the length of the ice (without balance bar or assistance from a teacher).
Skaters in Level 1 will learn how to: push and glide forwards and start walking or skating backwards.
This class is open to skaters who have passed our Beginner class or equivalent.
(This class is not intended for beginner skaters.)
Level 2
This class is for skaters who can push and glide around the perimeter of the ice forwards and backwards.
Skaters in Level 2 will learn how to: push with longer strides to skate faster, how to complete sideways stops (left and right feet), backward skating in “C” cuts, and be introduced to cross-overs.
This class is open to skaters who have passed Level 1 or equivalent. To register for this class, skaters must be able to: push and glide the length of the ice with both feet, stop completely, begin skating/gliding backwards and turn around.
Please note that Level 2 of Preschool classes may not correspond to Level 2 of our regular LTS program, due to the age and development level of younger skaters.
Level 3
This class is for skaters who have mastered Level 2 skills (forward strides, backwards skating, full stops) and are looking to improve their power and speed to participate in other ice sports in the future.
Skaters in Level 3 will learn: Power take-off starts (in “V”), quick turns forwards and backwards, cross-overs with speed.
This class is open to skaters who have passed Level 2 or equivalent. To register for this class, skaters must be able to: skate consistently with long strides around the ice, stop quickly, skate backwards with glides, make quick turns.
SPRING 2024
Class Schedule
Our Spring 2024 class schedules will be available on our registration portal!
General registration will begin on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. online.
Preregistration for Winter 2024 participants only begins on March 15, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. online.
REGISTER ONLINE
Signing up is easy!
Prerequisites for levels 1, 2, and 3 are required for online registration.
If you do not have the necessary prerequisites, please contact us to determine the correct level for your child, so that we may add the necessary requirement before registration begins.
How to reach us
Required equipment
What to look for in helmets and skates
All skaters must wear a helmet with face protection, skates, gloves and warm clothing
Learn more about choosing your equipment by reading this article on our blog!
Want to know more?
Frequently Asked Questions
Must read
Registration Waiver
You must accept the terms of the waiver when registering online to complete purchases.
You can also download the form here and email it to lori@excellentice-kirkland .com
Please read carefully
By completing your registration, you assume the responsibility of ensuring you respect safety and social distancing protocols issued by the government of Quebec and Excellent Ice Kirkland. If you have any illness symptoms, you cannot attend your activity. Excellent Ice Kirkland is under no obligation to offer refunds or credits for missed classes.
All players are responsible for ensuring that they follow the safety guidelines put into place by Excellent Ice Kirkland. Each player is responsible for following the facility rules. Failure to comply with these directives will result in the immediate removal from the facility.
All participants (including coaches and instructors) must always wear a CSA approved hockey helmet and skates on the ice. Contracts must be signed prior to ice times.
By registering in our program, you assume the risks associated with participation in sporting activities and waive the right to claim damages from Excellent Ice.
Persons using these facilities do so at their own risk. The owner and operator of these facilities, EXCELLENT ICE (KIRKLAND) PRO LTD., its directors and employees shall not be responsible for any loss or injury occurring in connection with the usage of these facilities. The users agree to waive and release EXCELLENT ICE (KIRKLAND) PRO LTD., its lessees, directors, and employees from all claims for loss or injury however caused that may occur while using these facilities, including claims for loss and injury that may be caused or contributed to by the negligence of EXCELLENT ICE (KIRKLAND) PRO LTD., its lessees, directors, or employees.
The signed assumes all risk of personal injury or damage that may result in my participation. They hereby waive any claims to which they may become entitled for injury or damages and release EXCELLENT ICE (KIRKLAND) PRO LTD., its directors, owners, organizers and all staff or employees of any liability for injury or damage which they may sustain while participating.