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Important Notes for Parents and Skaters
Skate Canada Helmet Policy
On July 1, 2011 Skate Canada implemented a helmet use policy. In order to participate in the CanSkate program, all skaters who have not achieved Stage 5 in the CanSkate program or who lack good balance and control must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice. This CSA logo must be on the helmet. No other helmets are allowed.
Skates
Skates are a skater's most important piece of equipment. Proper fitting figure skates (or hockey skates if in the CanSkate program), with good support, laced correctly and sharpened regularly (new skates in the box have not been sharpened; they will need to be sharpened before your first lesson), help the skater maintain control on the ice - therefore less chance of falling. Leisure skates with buckles, clips or dials to tighten or size adjustable skates are neither figure skates nor hockey skates and are NOT recommended.
Attire
Dress for 0 to 2 degrees.
Snow pants for brand new skaters that are water resistant are recommended. For more advanced Canskaters, pants such as track pants, sweat pants, leggings, etc. are great as they have good range of movement. Please ensure the pants are not loose at the bottom as blades can get caught up in the excess
fabric. Sweaters, light parkas, sport zip ups are also good clothing choices for skating.
Gloves or Mittens - these are a must for all skaters for warmth and safety. The little stretchy kind are very popular and inexpensive. Ski mitts that repel water are the best choice when starting out.
Please do not wear long scarves. They can get tangled up and be a safety hazard on the
ice.
It is extremely important that skaters in the Pre-Star and higher programs come dressed properly for skating. This means NO STREET CLOTHES, particularly no jeans. Skaters should wear leggings, tight fleece pants, skating skirts or dresses. On top, fitted fleece jacket, hoodies, etc. Hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or clipped so it doesn’t fall in their face.
Off Ice/Jump Equipment
- Proper running shoes
- Yoga mat
- Skipping rope
- Water bottle
Punctuality
In respect of the coaches and the other participants, it is important that skaters be ready to go on the ice at the start of their session. We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes early to give skaters a chance to warm-up, get their skates on, etc.
Skaters taking private lessons who are late may lose their time and if they don’t show up, it is common practice for coaches to charge for lessons booked.
Program Descriptions
The Canmore Skating Club expects to offer the following programs during the 2024-25 season:
CanSkate
Skate Canada's learn-to-skate program focuses on agility, balance, and control for all ages. Led by professional coaches and assistants, it offers group instruction and forms the foundation for all Skate Canada programs. The program follows Skate Canada’s Long-Term Development model, emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and fun through dynamic practice environments.
- Badge Levels: 6 badge levels / stages introducing a broad range of fundamental skills suitable for hockey, ringette, speed skating, and figure skating.
- CSA-approved helmet for ice sports (hockey) is required. Other helmets i.e. ski, bike, etc. are NOT permitted and skater cannot participate in the class.
- Minimum age is 4, or 3 with CanSkate “Badge 1 Balance.”
- Parent Involvement: One adult must be present in the spectator area to assist with skate tying, helmet fitting, mittens, skate guards and bathroom visits.
CanSkate stages 4-6 (Pre-Star) + STARSkate 1-2 Group
For skaters who have completed CanSkate stage 3 and wish to focus on figure skating, and transition to Skate Canada's Star 1-5 program.
- Format: On-ice and dryland training taught in group instruction format.
- Focus: Spins, jumps, edges, dance steps, synchro elements and advanced Balance, Control and Agility skills.
Adult and Teen Lessons
Suitable for mature learners interested in group or private lessons. Focus will be on Skate Canada's CanSkate (learn-to-skate) and Star 1-5 curriculum. Registration is through the CanSkate menu option. Individual sessions can be purchased.
StarSkate / AdultSkate / Podium Pathway
For skaters continuing their figure skating development. Skaters are responsible for hiring a club coach/es to help them set their skating goals and further their skills. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Assessments through a nationally standardized system. Those who wish to challenge their figure skating skills and who show potential as competitive skaters can participate in the Podium Pathway (PP) program.
- Skate Canada suggests that StarSkate skaters skate 3–4 times per week. Podium Pathway skaters may increase frequency 1-2 times more per week.
Drop-in and Guest Skating on Star/PP sessions
(See Club policy #18)
You will NOT be permitted to participate, regardless of the number of participants present, if you have not pre-registered.
Drop-in Registration Process:
1. Email the club at canmoreskatingclub@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance stating the date and session(s) desired OR register online.
2. You will receive an invoice from Uplifter as proof that your request has been approved.
3. Pay online using your credit card or by e-transfer to canmoreskatingclub@gmail.com
Note: skaters must be Skate Canada members for the current season and have a properly executed Skate Canada Assumption of Risk and Waiver for the current season on file with the Canmore Skating Club before approval will be granted.
Drop-in Fees (Fall & Winter 2023-24) are calculated at the rate of $5 per 15 minutes of ice. Group instruction is an additional $5 per 15 minutes. Off-ice classes are $5 per 15 minutes of instruction. Sessions will be invoiced assuming the skater is participating in the session as programmed.
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