Learn to Skate

Learn to Skate Classes

The K.B. Willett Arena offers programs for skaters of all ages and abilities using the Learn to Skate USA curriculum. We offer two sessions per season, Fall and Winter.

2023-2024 Dates 

  • Fall session: Saturday classes start September 9 and end October 28, 2023. Tuesday classes begin September 12 and end October 31, 2023. Classes run for eight weeks.
  • Winter session: Tuesday classes start January 2 and end February 20, 2024. Saturday classes begin on January 6 and end on March 2, 2024. No class Saturday, January 27, due to Badger State Games. Classes run for eight weeks.
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New to Learn to Skate?

Welcome, and thanks for joining a class! 

Class Descriptions and Add-Ons

*Not all classes are available every session

Teddy Bear (Age 3): This class is for kids three years old and new to skating. This class utilizes fun and games to encourage your three-year-old to become comfortable on the ice. Many skaters who are three years old will start with Teddy Bear for a session or two and move on to our Snowplow Sam 1 for 4-6-year-old individuals. The first lesson will be an orientation off the ice.

Snowplow Sam 1 (Ages 4-6, Prerequisite: none): Skaters will learn to sit and stand on and off the ice, march, dip, and glide. The first lesson will be an orientation off the ice.

Snowplow Sam 2 (Ages 4-6, Prerequisite: Snowplow 1): Skaters will continue to improve on skills from Snowplow Sam 1 while also learning backward walking, backward wiggles, forward swizzles, beginning snowplow stops, and two-foot hops in place.

Snowplow Sam 3-4 (Ages 4-6, Prerequisite: Snowplow  2): Skaters will continue to improve on skills from Snowplow Sam 1 and 2 while also working on forward skating, one-foot glides, backward swizzles, and curves.

Basic 1 (Ages 7-17): Skaters will become comfortable on the ice while learning how to sit and stand up on and off the ice, marching forward, two-foot glides, dips, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, and snowplow stops. The first lesson will be an orientation off the ice.

Basic 2 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 1): Skaters will continue improving skills from previous levels while learning scooter pushes, one-foot glides, rocking horses, backward two-foot glides, backward swizzles, and two-foot turns.

Basic 3 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 2): Skaters will continue to improve on skills from previous levels while also learning beginning forward stroking, forward half swizzle pumps, moving two-foot turns, backward one-foot glides, backward snowplow stops, and forward slalom.

Basic 4 (ages 7-17, Prerequisite Basic 3): Skaters will continue to improve upon past skills while also learning beginning forward stroking, forward half swizzle pumps, two-foot turns on a circle, backward one-foot glides, backward snowplow stops, and forward slaloms.

Basic 5 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 4): Skaters will continue to improve on skills from previous levels while also learning backward outside and inside edges on a circle, backward crossovers, forward outside 3-turns, advanced two-foot spin, and a hockey stop.

Basic 6 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 5): Skaters will continue to improve on skills from previous levels while also learning forward inside 3-turns, backward to forward two-foot turns, backward stroking, beginning one-foot spin, T-stops, Bunny Hops, and straight-line forward spirals.

Pre-Free Skate (Prerequisite: Basic 6): Skaters will continue to improve on skills from previous levels while also learning mohawks, backward crossover to backward outside edge glides, backward outside edge to forward outside edge transition, 10-step mohawk sequence, one-foot upright spin, mazurka, and a waltz jump. Once a skater passes INTO Free Skate 1, they are eligible to take Saturday afternoon classes in addition to Free Skate classes and/or private lessons. Private Lessons are offered through the Crystal Ice Figure Skating Club. Once a skater completes Pre-Free Skate, they are eligible to join the Crystal Ice Figure Skating Club.

Open Freestyle (Prerequisite: Pre-Free Skate): Skaters who have passed a minimum of Pre-Free Skate can practice their freestyle, moves in the field, and dance skills while utilizing the whole ice surface. 

Free Skate 1: Skaters will work on jumps, spins, and edge work, which include forward power stroking, forward outside and inside consecutive edges, back outside 3-turns, upright spin with backward crossover entry, half flip, and a toe loop.

Free Skate 2: Skaters will work on jumps, spins, and edge work, which include forward outside and inside spirals, backward outside and inside consecutive edges, backward inside 3-turn, beginning backspin, half lutz jump, and the salchow.

Free Skate 3: Skaters will work on jumps, spins, and edge work, which include alternating backward crossovers to backward outside edges, mohawk crossover sequence, waltz threes, advanced backspin, loop jump, and jump combinations.

Free Skate 4: Skaters will work on jumps, spins, and edge work, which include forward power 3-turns, waltz eight, forward upright to back upright spin, sit spin, half loop jump, and the flip jump.

Free Skate 5: Skaters will work on jumps, spins, and edge work, which include backward power 3-turns, 5-step mohawk sequence, camel spin, jump combinations, and the lutz jump.

Free Skate 6: Skaters will work on jumps, spins, and edge work, which include forward power pulls, creating their own step sequence, camel-sit spin combination, layback spin, jump sequences, and a beginning axel jump.

Axel Class: Skaters must receive permission from their private coach to enroll in the class.

Adult: The skill sets will be tailored to the individual goals at the beginning of the class. Adults will be able to work at their own pace.

Axel Class: This class will focus on the fundamental skills to perform an Axel Jump. This class is offered as an on-ice and off-ice course. Skaters are encouraged to take both on and off-ice classes to benefit the most. Skaters must receive permission from their private coach to enroll in this class.

The Aspire Program: (Prerequisite: Basic four or above): All Learn to Skate individuals who have passed into Basic four or above are eligible to register. This class is meant to be an additional course and is not meant to replace the skater's Basic Skills/Free Skate class. This course is designed to immerse your child in skating. The Aspire program marks the transition from skater to figure skater and teaches athletes of all ages the skills they need to make the most out of their figure skating journey. From tips for practicing on your own to a repeatable off-ice warm-up, resources from the Aspire program will help you become the best skater you can be.

The main components that are included in Aspire programming are:

  • Eight weeks of off-ice training
  • Eight weeks of on-ice classes
  • Informational meetings involving how to support your skater 
  • Specialized skater and parent resources

Learn to Skate Logo

The K.B. Willett Arena is proud to partner with Learn to Skate USA
to bring the world's best ice skating program to Central Wisconsin.