CanSkate is Skate Canada’s official “Learn to Skate” program. It is highly regarded by other ice sport organizations as the favoured curriculum to develop the skills needed to participate in their sports. It is also an excellent program to teach Canadians to skate for the joy of skating at any age or ability. See registration for program times.
Who’s it for?
(PreCanSkate vs. CanSkate)
PreCanSkate is a non-parented program designed for all ages who have never been on skates. Skaters must be 3 years old on the first date of class to register. We regret that we cannot accept children under the age of 3. Once skaters have met the program requirements in PreCanSkate, they move on to the CanSkate program. Skaters will learn confidence in an energetic, fun environment using skating aids and toys with the goal of having fun.
CanSkate is for beginners of all ages, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, ringette, hockey, or just skating for fun. Skaters must be able to stand/skate and stand on the ice independently.
There are 8 basic skills for the skaters in this program:
- Balance on 2 feet
- Fall down and get up unassisted
- Move forward
- Move backward
- March around on the spot
- Make “snow”
- Jump on the spot
- 2-foot twist on the spot
Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
Note: CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory.
PowerSkate is a Skate Canada program that has been designed to enhance the skating skills needed for both hockey and ringette players in the Learn to Train stage of development.
Our PrePowerSkate program helps develop basic skating abilities, including balance skills, forward and backward skating, stopping, turning and agility skills.
Who’s it for? (Prerequisite Required)
Designed for young skaters, approximately six to ten years of age, who have completed a minimum of Stage 2 CanSkate.
Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
Note: CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory.
Junior Academy
This program is for skaters transitioning from CanSkate to the Star Skate stream for figure skating.
STAR 1-5
The STAR 1-5 program offers the best-in-class figure skating curriculum in Canada, targeting athletes looking for a future in the sport. Taught by Skate Canada NCCP coaches, the program introduces participants to the basic figure skating elements to create the foundation for singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.
All skaters in this program must have passed CanSkate Stage 6 or equivalent. Skaters may be any age. Adaptive skaters who have the required skating ability welcome.
STAR 6- GOLD
STAR 6- Gold is an assessment and event structure for skaters who completed the STAR 1-5 Program. This structure builds on the skills acquired in STAR 1-5 and introduces skaters to more advanced figure skating elements.
Who’s it for? (Prerequisite Required)
Skaters must complete CanSkate and Junior Academy prior to registering for StarSkate.