Chestermere Skating School

Parent & Tot Skating Skills

Readiness and Comfort on Skates:

• Be comfortable wearing skates, a helmet, and gloves
  
• Balance off ice in skates without assistance
  
• Walk forward off the ice in skates independently
  
• Learn the remainder of beginner skating skills off ice
  
• Last an entire 30-minute lesson on the ice
  
• Face fears of falling down
  

Basic On-Ice Movement and Balance:

• Balance on the ice for 1–3 seconds
  
• Fall down and get up (stand up like a great big tree)
  
• Walk forward on the ice (to pop bubbles)
  
• Learn how to make colored snow with Mom and Dad
  
• Two-foot jump on the spot
  
• Walk backward
  

Exploration, Play, and Motor Skills:

• Learn that snow is not food and ice is cold
  
• Engage in play and socialization with peers and the coach on the ice
  
• Crawl on the ice to catch balls or balloons
  
• Bend over to touch toes and pick up teaching aids (puzzle pieces)
  
• Draw pictures and color on the ice with washable markers
  
• Play hockey with pucks or balls

Preschool/Kindergarten Beginner Skating Skills

Readiness and Independence:

• Enter the ice independently and join the group without a parent
  
• Learn to listen to the coach and follow simple directions
  
• Move safely around other skaters without needing hand-holding
  
• Stand up independently after a fall every time
  
• Build confidence skating away from the boards
  
• Participate in small group games with peers
  
• Learn basic rink safety and boundary awareness
  

Basic On-Ice Movement and Balance:

• Balance on two feet for 3–5 seconds
  
• March forward across a short distance
  
• Begin glide steps (march-glide, or 1–2 marching steps into a glide)
  
• Two-foot glide for 1–3 seconds
  
• Make snow; learn to snowplow (using both feet)
  
• Two-foot chair-sit glide (bend knees and touch hands to knees while gliding)
  
• Two-foot jump on the spot
  
• Introduction to twisting
  
• Beginner backward walking (tiny steps in place, then small backward pushes)
  

Exploration, Play, and Motor Skills:

• Collect and carry objects while moving (balls, wooden/plastic toys, balloons, rings, foam shapes)
  
• Skate to targets (cones, toys, spots, bubbles)
  
• Follow obstacle courses that include basic skating progressions such as gliding and steering around toys
  
• Play movement games like Red Light/Green Light, Dice, Simon Says, Freeze, or Follow the Leader
  
• Draw or color on the ice with washable markers, make colorful snow, or “trace” paths laid out by the coach
  
• Practice balance challenges such as touching toes, reaching for toys, or tapping knees while gliding
  

Skill Development Goals:

• Increased independence and confidence without a parent
  
• Ability to skate forward across the rink on their own
  
• Ability to get up after falling
  
• Comfort on the ice without a parent
  
• Improved coordination through playful, imaginative tasks

Beginner Skating Skills (Ages 6+)

Readiness and Independence:

• Enter the ice independently and join the group on time
  
• Listen to instructions and follow multi-step directions
  
• Move safely and confidently around other skaters
  
• Develop spatial awareness and maintain personal space
  
• Navigate safely around other skaters and avoid boards
  

Basic On-Ice Movement and Balance:

• Strong balance on two feet while standing and gliding
  
• Confident forward skating with increasing speed and control
  
• Controlled two-foot glide for 3–5 seconds
  
• Introduction to one-foot balance (stationary, then supported gliding)
  
• Forward two-foot skiing and/or forward two-foot bubbles
  
• Chair sit glide (bend knees and sit back while gliding, hands on knees)
  
• Two-foot jump on the spot and moving forward
  

Stopping Skills:

• Beginner forward snowplow stop (one foot or both feet, learning both)
  
• Sideways snowslides
  

Technique Development (Forward):

• Forward two-foot bubbles
  
• Forward two-foot skiing
  
• Forward two-foot to one-foot glide (left and right)
  
• Forward one-foot balance 1–3 seconds (left and right)
  
• Forward consecutive push/glide sequence
  
• 2-foot turn (on-the-spot only, not picking up feet)
  
• Forward 180° glide turn (clockwise and counterclockwise)
  
• Forward 2-foot jump while gliding (learning and mastering proper form)
  
• Snow slide steps and forward snowplow stop
  

Play-Based + Applied Skill Activities:

• Circuits/obstacle courses reinforcing gliding, turns, jumping, and stopping
  
• Collecting or moving objects/teaching aids while skating
  
• Games like Follow the Leader, Red Light/Green Light, or relay challenges
  
• Tracing paths with markers or snow to reinforce skating progressions
  

Skill Development Goals:

• Confident forward skating across the rink
  
• Reliable snowplow stopping ability
  
• Consistent two-foot glide and developing one-foot balance
  
• Ability to turn on the spot
  
• Ability to perform and master two-foot jumps while gliding
  
• Ability to perform snow slide steps and develop forward snowplow stop
  
• Improved balance, posture, and skating coordination
  
• Spatial awareness and personal space while navigating around peers
  
• Ability to avoid collisions with other skaters, boards, or teaching aids
  
• Readiness to progress to Intermediate skating

Intermediate Skating Skills (Ages 6+)

Readiness & Independence:

• Enter the ice confidently and complete a self-directed warm-up
  
• Follow multi-step instructions with increased precision
  
• Maintain control and spatial awareness
  
• Demonstrate safe and consistent stopping
  
• Maintain balance and flow while skating with a group
  
• Transition smoothly between skills (forward → backward → turning)
  

Backward Skating & Balance:

• Backward two-foot glide for 3–5 seconds
  
• Backward “C-pushes,” leaning side to side for continuous backward movement
  
• Backward two-foot skiing
  
• Backward bubbles
  
• Backward edge awareness (inside/outside feel)
  
• Backward two-foot chair-sit glide
  
• Backward two-foot jumps
  

Crossovers & Power Development:

• Introduction to walking crossovers (moving sideways along a line)
  
• Proper posture, lean, and knee bend for developing power
  

Edge Control & Gliding:

• Forward one-foot glides (3–5 seconds, left and right)
  
• Forward shallow outside and inside edges
  

Turning Skills:

• Introduction to forward-to-backward two-foot turns
  
• Introduction to backward-to-forward two-foot turns
  
• Twisting and rotational awareness while gliding
  

Stopping Skills:

• Strong forward snowplow stop (left, right, and both feet)
  

Intro to Spinning + Coordination:

• Two-foot spin entry (walking a small circle and pumping in with one foot)
  
• Two-foot spin on the spot (2–4 revolutions)
  
• Arms-in vs. arms-out rotational awareness
  
• Balance and rotational drills to prepare for one-foot spins
  

Applied Skill Activities:

• Forward → backward → forward transitions through circuits
  
• Edge pathways (coach-drawn curves, S-lines, loops)
  
• Relay and developmental games using forward and backward movement
  
• Marker tracing to reinforce turning, spinning, and pathways
  
• Speed-control challenges: slow skating, fast skating, controlled stopping
  

Skill Development Goals:

• Confident backward skating using C-pushes and backward gliding
  
• Forward crossovers (walking crossovers) in both directions on a line
  
• Reliable forward stopping
  
• Turning confidently on the move (two-foot gliding turns with feet staying on the ice and no extra pushes)
  
• Stronger edges, posture, balance, and continuous flow
  
• Controlled two-foot spin with 1–2 clean rotations
  
• Readiness to progress to Advanced Skating Skills (1-foot edges, more complex turns, stronger crossovers around a circle, mohawks/C-steps)
  

Advanced Skating Skills (Ages 7+ / Experienced Skaters)

Readiness & Independence:

• Confidently complete a full warm-up routine independently
  
• Maintain speed, posture, and flow through multiple skill combinations
  
• Demonstrate strong balance and edge control on curves, circles, and pathways
  

Forward & Backward Edge Development:

• Forward outside and inside edges on a curve (controlled hold for 3–5 seconds)
  
• Backward outside and inside edges on a curve (3–5 seconds)
  
• One-foot edge changes (inside ↔ outside) on a shallow curve
  
• Introduction to edge power pushes (digging into edges for acceleration)
  

Advanced One-Foot Skills:

• Forward one-foot gliding with power and stability
  
• Backward one-foot glide (left and right) for 3–5 seconds
  
• One-foot skiing (forwards and backwards)
  

Crossovers & Power:

• Full forward crossovers around a circle (left and right)
  
• Full backward crossovers around a circle (left and right)
  
• Crossunder pushes and proper lean for power
  
• Building acceleration using repeated crossovers from stand still
  

Turning Skills:

• Mohawks/C-steps (inside to inside) — both directions
  
• Step-behind transitions (introduction)
  
• Forward three-turns
  
• Backward-to-forward step turns
  
• Multi-direction turning sequences (F → B → F on a circle)
  

Stopping Skills:

• Strong T-stop (left and right)
  
• Backward snowplow stop
  
• Developing 2 foot side stop technique (beginner-friendly, focusing on entry edge, weight shift, and safe control)
  

Spinning & Rotational Control:

• Entry spiral edge for controlled spinning
  
• Two-foot spin with stronger centering and increased revolutions (4–6+)
  
• Introduction to one-foot spin prep: balance, position, entry edge
  
• Rotational control with arms/head alignment
  

Jumps & Power Coordination (Fun + Developmental):

• Two-foot hop around a circle and over a line
  
• Two-foot bunny hop moving forward in a line
  
• Side-to-side power hops
  
• Preparation for one-foot jump takeoffs (stationary drills)
  

Applied Skill Activities:

• Continuous skating circuits combining forwards, backwards, edges, turns, and crossovers
  
• Edge pathways: loops, figure-8s, deep curves, tight circles
  
• Crossovers + stop + transition combinations
  
• Agility challenges focusing on speed, control, and direction changes
  
• Skills obstacles (cones, markers, pathways) for precision skating
  

Skill Development Goals:

• Confident forward and backward crossovers around a circle
  
• Strong one-foot edges (inside/outside) with control
  
• Reliable T-stop in both directions
  
• Smooth mohawks and basic step turns
  
• Controlled two-foot spin with multiple centered rotations
  
• Improved acceleration, flow, and skating stamina
  
• Readiness to progress to Pre-Figure Skating/Power Skating skills (three-turns, deeper edges, one-foot spins, stronger stops)

Teen Learn-to-Skate (Ages 12–17)

For teens who may be brand new to skating but learn quickly and progress into higher-level skills with confidence.

Foundations & First-Day Skills:

• Learn how to safely fall and get up independently
  
• Step, march, and walk on the ice with stability
  
• Understand rink safety, awareness, and proper skating posture
  
• Forward movement with marching → gliding
  
• Two-foot glide (short → extended, controlled glide)
  
• Basic snowplow stopping
  

Core Skill Building:

• Forward bubbles and developing skiing
  
• Forward L pushes for stronger momentum
  
• Weight-shifting and balance drills
  
• Stationary two-foot twists/turns → simple gliding turns
  
• Backward bubbles and backward skiing
  
• Controlled slowing, stopping, and maintaining balance while moving
  

Teen Rapid Progression Skills:

(Teens typically pick up new movements much faster due to coordination and strength.)

• Longer forward glides with smoother flow
  
• Forward one-foot balance drills (intro to one-foot glides)
  
• Beginning backward C-pushes
  
• Stronger snowplow stops (left, right, and both)
  
• Backward gliding with stability and control
  
• Deeper weight shifts and gentle edge awareness
  
• Smooth direction changes while skating
  

Incorporated Intermediate-Level Skills:

(These are realistic goals for many beginner teens within a few sessions.)

• Forward one-foot glide for 3–5 seconds (left and right)
  
• Shallow forward outside and inside edges
  
• Simple forward-to-backward transitions (two-foot turns)
  
• Backward two-foot glide (short → stable glide)
  
• Beginning crossovers (walking crossovers along a line)
  
• Developing stronger push power and knee bend for speed and flow
  
• Two-foot spin entry drills (walking a circle and centering)
  

On-Ice Activities & Practice:

• Circuit-style skating combining forward, backward, and turning skills
  
• Balance and agility challenges suited for teens
  
• Pathways, curves, and markers for edge work and turning
  
• Confidence-building activities (not child-focused)
  

Skill Development Goals:

• Confident forward skating with longer glides and smooth pushes
  
• Reliable stopping on both sides
  
• Comfortable backward movement with controlled gliding
  
• Stronger balance, posture, and basic edge control
  
• Ability to turn, switch directions, and maintain flow
  
• Readiness for higher-level skating skills as comfort increases

Adult Learn-to-Skate (Ages 18+)

Supportive, confidence-building instruction designed for adults who may be new to skating, returning after many years, or looking to improve their fundamentals safely.

Foundations & Safety First:

• Learning how to invest in proper equipment and fall safely to avoid injury (especially protecting wrists)
  
• How to get up independently using safe body positioning
  
• Understanding proper posture for stability and balance
  
• Rink safety, awareness, and navigating around others
  
• Slowing down and stopping without panic
  
• Building confidence on the ice at a comfortable pace
  

Beginning Movement & Balance:

• Stepping and marching on the ice with control
  
• Two-foot gliding (short → extended, stable glide)
  
• Forward L pushes for smooth, balanced movement
  
• Forward bubbles and skiing
  
• Beginner snowplow stop
  
• Balance and weight-shifting exercises to reduce stiffness and fear
  

Skill Building for Adults:

• Controlled forward gliding with increased power
  
• Smooth direction changes
  
• Two-foot turns (stationary → simple moving turns)
  
• Backward wiggles and backward bubbles
  
• Backward two-foot gliding (short → longer glide)
  
• Developing strong knee/ankle bend for stability and confidence
  
• Understanding edges (gentle inside/outside awareness)
  

Optional Intermediate-Friendly Skills (as confidence grows):

• Forward one-foot balance drills and intro to one-foot glides
  
• Backward C-pushes
  
• Backward movement with stronger control
  
• Shallow forward/backward edges
  
• Walking crossover progressions
  
• Developing stronger snowplow stops on both sides
  
• Simple rotational drills like gentle twisting, turning and small-circle walking
  

Adult-Focused Coaching Approach:

• Emphasis on safety, confidence, and injury prevention
  
• Gradual progression based on individual comfort
  
• Techniques to reduce fear of falling
  
• Strategies for head (concussion) safety and proper protective gear
  
• Encouragement without pressure — no embarrassment, no judgment
  
• Supportive atmosphere with clear, simple instructions
  

On-Ice Activities:

• Guided circuits combining forward movement, turning, and controlled stopping
  
• Balance challenges tailored for adults
  
• Pathways, markers, and curves to build flow
  
• Optional light games or partner drills for confidence and comfort
  

Skill Development Goals:

• Confident forward skating with stable gliding and smooth pushes
  
• Reliable stopping in both directions
  
• Comfortable backward movement and safe transitions
  
• Improved posture, balance, and edge awareness
  
• Ability to skate with control in open ice without fear
  
• Preparedness for more advanced skating skills if desired

Private Skating Lessons

Private lessons are perfect for skaters who want personalized instruction, faster progress, or specialized coaching. Each lesson is customized to the skater’s comfort, goals, and learning style, whether they are stepping on the ice for the first time, building confidence, or refining advanced skills.

What We Offer:

• Beginner foundations: safe falling and getting up, balance, posture, forward and backward movement, and stopping techniques
  
• Recreational & Teen Development: forward/backward glides, edges, turns, crossovers, and confidence-building exercises
  
• Figure Skating: jumps, spins, field moves, edges, turns, and choreography
  
• Hockey & Ringette: mohawks/C-steps, three-turns, choctaws/S-steps, brackets, rockers, twizzles, forward/backward edges, crossovers, speed, power, and advanced turns
  
• Adult Skaters: safe, supportive learning environment with emphasis on confidence, injury prevention, and comfort
  

Benefits of Private Lessons:

• Personalized, focused instruction with instant feedback
  
• Rapid skill progression at your pace
  
• Flexible scheduling to fit busy lifestyles
  
• Confidence-building for nervous or cautious skaters
  
• Suitable for lakes, indoor arenas, outdoor rinks, or private rinks
  

Goal: To help every skater improve their skills safely, build confidence on the ice, and enjoy skating, whether for recreation, figure skating, hockey, or ringette.