Learn to Skate

ISCC Learn to Skate is Connecticut’s leading ice skating academy. We offer high-quality small-group skating lessons for all ages using Learn to Skate USA curriculum endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey.

We teach the fundamentals of skating with a variety of safe and enjoyable instructional techniques, encouraging learning through play. The Learn to Skate Program strives to develop strong basic skating skills (i.e. forward & backward skating, edges, turns, and more) and self-confidence and encourages participation in recreational skating, hockey, and figure skating. Learn to Skate provides exercise and enjoyment for the whole family.

Check us out for yourself! We look forward to providing you with a fun, social, and safe environment to learn and grow. Explore our programs below to find the best fit for you.

Snowplow Sam

Designed for children 3 - 6 years old develop agility, balance, coordination, and speed; essential for developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. Taught in a fun, safe positive environment where learning is encouraged through play. Helmets are required for skaters under the age of 7. Bike helmets are fine.

FALL LEARN TO SKATE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

2023

Saturday Fall Cycle I: Sept 9, 16, 23 Oct 7, 21, 28

Saturday Fall Cycle II: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16

2024

Saturday Winter Cycle I: Jan 6, 13, 20 Feb 3, 17, 24

Saturday Spring Cycle I: Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr 6

Saturday Spring Cycle II: Apr 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18

Basic Skills

For beginner through mid-level skaters ages 3 through 16. Basic Skills focuses on the FUNdamentals of skating, to help skaters build confidence and learn coordination on the ice in a positive, fun, and social environment. Adults who cannot attend the Saturday Adult Skating Academy class may attend the Basic Skills classes. Helmets are required for skaters under the age of 7. Bike helmets are fine.

FALL LEARN TO SKATE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

2023

Saturday Fall Cycle I: Sept 9, 16, 23 Oct 7, 21, 28

Sunday Fall Cycle I: Sept 10, 17, 24 Oct 8, 22, 29

Wednesday Fall Cycle I: Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6

Saturday Fall Cycle II: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16

Sunday Fall Cycle II: Nov 5, 12, 19 Dec 3, 10, 17

2024

Saturday Winter Cycle I: Jan 6, 13, 20 Feb 3, 17, 24

Sunday Winter Cycle I: Jan 7, 14, 21 Feb 4, 18, 25

Wednesday Winter Cycle I: Jan 10, 17, 24 31 Feb 7, 14

Wednesday Winter Cycle II: Feb 21, 28, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27

Saturday Spring Cycle I: Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr 6

Sunday Spring Cycle I: Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Apr 7

Wednesday Spring Cycle I: Apr 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 11

Saturday Spring Cycle II: Apr 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18

Sunday Spring Cycle II: Apr 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19

Ice Explorers

A 6-week introductory skating class for children (2.5 – 4 years old) with no prior experience and their caregivers to build confidence. Caregivers must have basic skating skills. We start with off-ice activities for two weeks leading to on-ice activities and skating classes. Focus is given to social and motor development for children. Helmets are required for children (bike helmets are fine). Skate rentals are included for caregivers and children.

Want to sign up but unsure how to skate yourself? Check out our Adult Skating Academy. We ask that caregivers can sit and stand on the ice, and march forward/push followed by a glide.

FALL LEARN TO SKATE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

2023

Fall Cycle I Friday: Sept 15, 22, 29 Oct 6, 13, 20

Next Step - Aspire

Next Step - Aspire gives skaters (Basic 4 through pre-preliminary) an introduction to the elements of figure skating, providing the next steps to those who would like to skate recreationally or competitively.

If your skater is interested in learning to jump, spin, compete, test through levels, or explore all the avenues figure skating has to offer, this is the class for them! Aspire consists of off-ice classes, warm-ups, on-ice specialty classes with a variety of talented ISCC coaches, goal setting, parent education, and more! Take the next step today and see what Figure Skating has to offer.

FALL REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

2023

Fall Cycle I Saturday: Sept 9, 16, 23 Oct 7, 21, 28

Fall Cycle II Saturday: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16

2024

Winter Cycle I Saturdays: Jan 6, 13, 20 Feb 3, 17, 24

Spring Cycle I Saturdays: Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr 6

Spring Cycle II Saturdays: Apr 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18

Adult Academy

Designed for adult skaters (ages 16+) both beginning and experienced looking to skate for the first time, return to the ice, or sharpen up their skills. A perfect spot for physical fitness, improve balance and coordination, while teaching proper skating techniques.

FALL LEARN TO SKATE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

2023

Fall Cycle I Saturday: Sept 9, 16, 23 Oct 7, 21, 28

Fall Cycle II Saturday: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16

2024

Winter Cycle I Saturdays: Jan 6, 13, 20 Feb 3, 17, 24

Spring Cycle I Saturdays: Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Apr 6

Spring Cycle II Saturdays: Apr 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18

HOMESCHOOL programs

This is a new program designed for homeschool students! For beginner through mid-level skaters ages 6-17 years old. This class follows our Basic Skills curriculum. Learn the FUNdamentals of ice skating, build confidence, and learn coordination in a fun, positive, and social environment. Helmets are required for skaters under the age of 7. A bike helmet is fine.

FALL LEARN TO SKATE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

2023

Fall Cycle I Tuesday: Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24

Fall Cycle II Tuesday: Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 Dec 5, 12

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What You Get when you register for LEARN TO SKATE:

When you sign up for a session of classes, you will also receive:

A membership with Learn to Skate USA is included in the program cost – Be a member of the best skating program endorsed by US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating!
Receive secondary sport accident insurance
Subscription to Learn to Skate USA Magazine
Participate in lessons, performances, competitions, and all activities associated with Learn to Skate USA!

Questions?

We've put together a list of the questions we hear the most, but if you don't see what you're looking for, let us know!

How do I register?

ISCC Skating Academy offers secure and safe online registration. Choose the class that is right for you, learning to skate is just a click away. Register here.

Are makeup or switches allowed?

We do not pro-rate or provide make-ups for missed classes or class switches.

Can I join the class after the session?

Please call the rink at 860.651.5400 or email us at Jzielinski@isccskate.com to inquire regarding availability. Please be aware we do not pro-rate.

What level do I sign up for?

Skaters should register for their last passed level. If you/your skater are a new skater between the ages of 3 – 6, register for Snowplow Sam 1. Ages 6+ and adults should register for Basic Skills. Adults will be placed in an adult class. ISCC keeps track of each skater’s level in our own database, so don’t worry if you can’t remember what level your skater is currently at! We doublecheck each entry.

What should I expect on my first day?

Watch the “Learn to Skate USA” orientation video at the bottom of the page for details.

What is Basic Skills?

For beginner through mid-level skaters ages 6 through 16, or those under the age of 6 who have completed the Snowplow Sam Program. Focuses on the FUNdamentals of skating, to help skaters build confidence and learn coordination on the ice in a positive, fun, and social environment. Basic Skills is part of the Learn to Skate USA curriculum endorsed by U.S. Figure skating and USA Hockey. The session includes 40 minutes of group instruction followed by 10 min free time.

How long does it take to pass each level?

Every level is built from the fundamentals learned in previous levels. Every skater progresses at their own pace, but generally, it takes one to three sessions to pass a level. Coaches will communicate with skaters and parents about what needs to be worked on and will help reinforce the skills before moving to the next.

Do you offer lessons for adults?

Yes, every session we offer an adult group. Adults are recommended to participate in the Adult Skating Academy, but are welcome to join our Basic Skills class. We have a separate class for adult skaters running on the ice.

If I sign up with my child, will we be in the same class?

If you sign up for Learn to Skate with your child, you will not be in the same class. You will be placed in our adult class with other skaters who are 18+, and your child will be placed in either Basic Skills (for ages 6+) or Snowplow Sam (ages 3-6). At this time, we don’t offer toddler & me classes but are hoping to expand for the 2023 season.

What should I wear?

Layers are always a good choice to ensure warmth during the lesson. Waterproof snow pants that still allow for movement and gloves or mittens are recommended. Please, no knee pads as they are slippery and make it difficult to stand up and limit your range of motion. Helmets are required for skaters under the age of 7. Bike helmets are fine.

Are skate rentals available?

Yes, skate rentals (Figure or Hockey) are available for $4 for a pair.

Watch the “Learn to Skate USA” video below on how to tie your skates.

Where can I buy ice skates?

Some sporting goods stores carry ice skates. Figure skates are recommended for beginners as they provide better support and a better blade to learn on. We prohibit double runner blades, (2 blades on each skate). We recommend renting before buying. As students show interest in hockey vs figure skating, we can recommend our in-house sports shop or other figure skating-specific stores.

Are helmets required?

Helmets are required for skaters under the age of 7. Bike helmets are fine.

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Juliette Zielinski

Learn to Skate Director

860-651-5400

Fall Learn to Skate Cycle II

BASIC SKILLS (all ages 6+)
Wed. 6:00-6:50pm: Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6
Sat. 9:30-10:20am: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16
Sun. 2:00-2:50pm: Nov 5, 12, 19 Dec 3, 10, 17

SNOWPLOW SAM (ages 3 - 6)
Sat. 9:30-9:55am: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16
Sat. 10:00-10:25am: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16
Sun. 1:30-1:55pm: Nov 5, 12, 19 Dec 3, 10, 17

ICE EXPLORERS (ages 2.5 - 4)
Dates coming soon.

ADULT SKATING ACADEMY (ages 16+)
Sat. 10:30-11:20am: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16

ASPIRE (Basic Skills level 4+)
Sat. ON-ICE 10:30-11:20am & OFF-ICE 11:30-12:15pm: Nov 4, 11, 18 Dec 2, 9, 16

HOMESCHOOL (ages 6 - 17)
Tues. 12:30-1:20pm: Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 6, 13

Use the code "EARLYBIRD" through October 15th for $10 off your registration!