Learn to Skate
Welcome to the wonderful world of ice skating at the Slater Family Ice Arena! From Figure Skating and Hockey to simply learning the basics for the first time, there is a program designed for all ages!
Programs transition from basic instruction to joining local organizations focused on developing the ice sport of your choice! The Ice Arena, along with local skating organizations; the Bowling Green Skate Club and the Bowling Green Youth Hockey Association, offer a full range of skating opportunities. Skaters can begin taking lessons at age three all the way through adult ages!
Learn to Skate USA is the national curriculum sponsored by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey to introduce and instruct skating at the beginning levels to build a strong foundation. All Learn to Skate program participants need to have a Learn to Skate USA Membership for the current skating season (July 1 - June 30).
2025 Winter Sessions
- Winter I: January 11 - February 19
- Winter II: February 22 - April 2
Learn to Skate Information
Curriculum follows Learn to Skate USA Snowplow Sam, Basic, Free Skate, and Adult, badges.
In order to participate, all skaters must obtain the appropriate level of membership corresponding to their skill level.
- Learn to Skate USA (LTS USA) membership is the basic level of membership required for all Learn to Skate classes.
- LTS USA memberships can be purchased through the Ice Arena at the time of activity registration or directly through the LTS USA website.
- If purchased directly through the LTS USA website, please notify the Program Director so the membership can be loaded to the skater's account properly.
- LTS USA level membership is also available through the Bowling Green Skate Club (BGSC) if you wish for your skater to joining the BGSC as well. Joining the BGSC is a great way to get involved and stay up-to-date with all things skating!
- If purchased directly through the LTS USA website, please notify the Program Director so the membership can be loaded to the skater's account properly.
- The membership season runs July 1 - June 30 of each year and cannot be pro-rated.
- U.S. Figure Skating or USA Hockey memberships may apply. Please inquire if you or your skater already has one of these memberships.
- Fall I, Fall II, Winter I, and Winter II sessions - Six weeks of 30-minute lessons held on the Multi-Purpose ice.
- Spring sessions - Three weeks of 30-minute lessons held on the Multi-Purpose.
- Summer I session - Four weeks of 30-minute lessons held on the Multi-Purpose.
- Summer II session - Six weeks of 30-minute lessons held on the Multi-Purpose.
- Rental skates during class.
- Free practice pass automatically loaded to their registration account to Public Skate (skate rental not included outside of lesson time).
- A sport helmet is required of all skaters
- Gloves/mittens
- Thin socks or knee high stockings
- Layered, comfortable clothing
- New skaters - Enter lessons at the Tot (ages 3-4), Beginner (ages 5-7 & 8-13), or Adult (14 and older) classes based on age.
- Returning skaters - Sign up for the class level indicated on the last evaluation sheet handed out. Sign up for the same class/skill level previously taken if you did not get an evaluation sheet, forget, or have been off the ice for an extended period of time. Skaters can always be moved up or down a skill level once evaluated by a coach.
- If you are not sure which class is the appropriate place to begin contact Ice Arena staff at 419-372-2264 or Laura Fischer at 419-372-8686, dunnle@bgsu.edu.
Parents are welcome to watch classes, but please see that your presence is not distracting to your child's participation or anyone else on the ice. Parents are not allowed on the ice.
Learn to Skate Classes
Skill Levels:
- Tots (ages 3-4): Snowplow Sam 1-4 badges
- Beginner (ages 5-7): Basic 1-2 badges
- Beginner (ages 8-13): Basic 1-2 badges
- Beginner Adult (age 14+): Adult 1-2 badges
Sessions: 30-minute classes
- Fall I - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Fall II - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Winter I - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Winter II - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Spring - 3 weeks, $39.00
- Summer I - 4 weeks, $52.00
- Summer II - 6 weeks, $78.00
>> Multi-Activity Discount applied when signing up same skater for more than one class during the same session.
Skill Levels:
- Intermediate: Basic 3-4
- Advanced: Basic 5-6
Sessions: 30-minute classes*
- Fall I - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Fall II - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Winter I - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Winter II - 6 weeks, $78.00
- Spring - 3 weeks, $39.00
- Summer I* - 4 weeks, $72.00
- Summer II* - 6 weeks, $108.00
*Summer sessions held for 50-minutes
>> Multi-Activity Discount applied when signing up same skater for more than one class during the same session.
Beginner skaters working on Basic 3 – 6, still gaining their skills and exploring what skating has to offer. Programming offered to introduce the wide range of skating from figure skating, youth hockey, to recreational skating. Skills begin to have a greater focus on figure skating at levels Basic 4-6. Skaters will prepare a group program to perform at seasonal exhibitions that reinforces the skills they are learning. Additional opportunities available based on skating interest. *If skater is 14 or older, inquire about the Advanced Adult class.
Skill level
- Skaters must have passed Basic 2
- Basic 3 - Basic 6 badges covered. Skaters are broken down into skill appropriate groups.
Sessions:
- Fall I - 6 weeks, $108.00
- Fall II - 6 weeks, $108.00
- Winter I - 6 weeks, $108.00
- Winter II - 6 weeks, $108.00
- Spring - 3 weeks, $54.00
- Summer I - 4 weeks, $72.00
- Summer II - 6 weeks, $108.00
*Multi-Activity Discount applied when signing up same skater for more than one class during the same session.
Performance Classes - Classes focused on introducing and preparing skaters for varying exhibitions and competitions throughout the season. Offered at a variety of age and skill levels beginning at Basic 2/3 skill levels through Advanced Figure Skating. Classe offerings vary throughout the season.
Twizzles and Swizzles - On-ice curriculum includes USFS ASPIRE programming and follows a rotating schedule each week incorporating the following disciplines and elements: Jumps, Moves in the Field, Spins, and Ice Dance. Skaters also practice their skills and develop artistic choreography while preparing group programs performed at seasonal exhibitions.
Advanced Figure Skating - Curriculum designed to cover Pre-Free Skate/Free Skate levels through advanced figure skating test levels, including USFS ASPIRE programming. Encompasses the fundamentals of learning to jump and spin through doubles and beyond while also focusing on skating skills and elements from Moves in the Field. Skaters also practice their skills and develop artistic choreography while preparing group programs performed at seasonal exhibitions.
Hockey School Classes - Classes and clinics specific to the development of hockey skills from introductory to Bantam skill levels offered at varying times throughout the season.
First Day Resources
Contact us
Address: 417 North Mercer
Bowling Green, OH 43403
Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 419-372-2264
icearena@bgsu.edu
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Updated: 11/21/2024 11:38AM