Program Guide
Not sure which program is the right fit? Here’s an overview of our skating programs, what skaters can expect and how they can progress as their skills develop.
PreCANSkate
PreCanSkate is designed for young children who are completely new to skating. The program introduces skaters to the ice in a fun, supportive environment while helping them build confidence, balance and basic movement skills.
PreCanSkate may be a good fit for children who are very young, have never skated before or are not yet ready for a longer CanSkate session.
As skaters gain confidence and develop the skills needed for CanSkate, our coaches can help families determine when they are ready to move into the next program.
CANSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada’s nationally recognized learn-to-skate program. It teaches the fundamental skating skills needed for recreational skating, figure skating, hockey, ringette and other ice sports.
The program focuses on three key areas: Balance, Control and Agility.
Skaters are grouped with others of similar ability and may move between groups as their skills develop. Groups do not always correspond directly with a particular CanSkate stage, so remaining in the same group does not mean a skater is not progressing.
Skating skills become more challenging as skaters move through the CanSkate stages, and some stages naturally take longer to complete than others. Skills are introduced, practised and refined throughout the program so skaters can build a strong foundation rather than simply rushing through levels.
Warm-Up
Sessions begin with a warm-up to help skaters prepare for their time on the ice. Warm-ups may include off-ice movement with skates on as well as on-ice activities that encourage proper movement, balance, speed and control.
Stations
CanSkate uses a circuit-based format designed to keep skaters moving and engaged.
Stations focus on the three fundamental areas of Balance, Control and Agility, with activities and circuits changing regularly to introduce new skills and reinforce previously learned ones.
Coaches and Program Assistants help guide skaters through each station, and fun activities may also be incorporated to give skaters an opportunity to practise their skills in a different way.
Cooldown
Sessions finish with a short cooldown or group activity. This gives skaters an opportunity to finish the session together while safely slowing down after an active lesson.
PowerSkate
PowerSkate is a high-energy skating program designed to improve the skills used in hockey and ringette.
The program focuses on balance, control, agility, power and speed through progressive skating drills and exercises. It is intended for skaters who already have basic skating ability and are ready to develop stronger, more efficient skating skills.
Participants should have at least CanSkate Stage 4 experience or equivalent skating ability. Skaters must wear hockey skates, gloves and a CSA-approved helmet and use a hockey or ringette stick as required during the program.
PowerSkate is an excellent way for hockey and ringette players to build stronger skating fundamentals that can transfer directly to their sport.
PreStarSkate
PreSTARSkate is an Athabasca Skating Club program designed to help advancing skaters make the transition from CanSkate into STARSkate.
As skaters move beyond the basic learn-to-skate stages, they begin working on more advanced skating skills and are introduced to the foundations of figure skating.
Placement in PreSTARSkate is based on a skater’s readiness and overall skill development. Our coaches will recommend progression when they feel a skater has developed the balance, control, confidence and foundational skills needed to be successful in the program.
Allowing skaters to progress when they are ready helps ensure they feel confident on the ice, can safely keep pace with the group and have the foundation needed for more advanced skills.
StarSkate
STARSkate is Skate Canada’s figure skating program for skaters who are ready to continue developing their skills beyond the learn-to-skate level.
Skaters work on areas such as skating skills, freeskate, ice dance and artistic skating, with opportunities for assessments, personal achievement and competition.
The STAR program begins with STAR 1–5, where skaters develop the fundamental skills needed for figure skating, and progresses into STAR 6–Gold as athletes continue to build more advanced skills.
STARSkate provides opportunities for skaters of different ages and goals, whether they enjoy working toward assessments, competing, performing or simply continuing to improve their skating.
Progress
Every skater develops at a different pace. Progress is based on skill development, confidence, readiness and consistent practice rather than simply how long a skater has been enrolled in a program.
Families can support their skater by encouraging regular attendance, celebrating progress and helping them maintain a positive attitude as they work toward new skills.
Our coaches are always happy to answer questions about a skater’s development or help families understand what the next step may be.