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Learn to Skate

Registration for Session 5 (May through June) is now open!

Welcome to the 2023-2024 Season!

Joining more than 1,000 rinks and clubs across the nation, the Skating Association of Maine (SAM) is proud to offer Learn To Skate USA in central Maine.  Learn To Skate USA is endorsed by USA Hockey, US Speedskating, and US Figure Skating as the program that instructs the fundamental skills of skating on ice to people of all ages, starting at age 3.

For the 2023-2024 season, SAM will offer five (5) sessions at the Ice Vault in Hallowell, ME.  Each session consists of six (6) weekly classes, except for some holidays.  Skaters may join the program at the beginning of any 6-week session; they do not have to skate in the program for all 6 sessions. This season, we are offering Snowplow Sam, Intro To Figure Skating, and Basic Skills on Monday evenings. And we will be offering Adult Skills on Saturday mornings.

Youth Calendar for Session 5 (Mondays Only)

Day/Date Week
Monday, May 6, 2024 Week 1 of 6
Monday, May 13, 2024 Week 2 of 6
Monday, May 20, 2024 Week 3 of 6
Monday, May 27, 2024 No Classes (Memorial Day)
Monday, June 3, 2024 Week 4 of 6
Monday, June 10, 2024 Week 5 of 6
Monday, June 17, 2024 Week 6 of 6
Youth Program Name Start Time End Time Class Length Cost
Snowplow Sam Class 1 (ages 3 to 6) 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 30 minutes $85
Snowplow Sam Class 2 (ages 3 to 6) 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 30 minutes $85
Intro to Figure Skating (see note 1 below) 5:30 PM 6:15 PM 45 minutes $145
Basic Skills (ages 7 and older) 6:15 PM 7:00 PM 45 minutes $125

(1) Before enrolling in Introduction to Figure Skating, skaters must have completed Basic Skills Level 6  -OR-  take the class in combination with Basic Skills Level 5 or Level 6. The price for the combination of Basic Skills and Introduction to Figure Skating is $200.

Adult Calendar for Session 5 (Saturdays Only)

Day/Date Week
Saturday, May 11, 2024 Week 1 of 6
Saturday, May 18, 2024 Week 2 of 6
Saturday, May 25, 2024 Week 3 of 6
Saturday, June 1, 2024 Week 4 of 6
Saturday, June 8, 2024 Week 5 of 6
Saturday, June 15, 2024 Week 6 of 6
Adult Program Name Start Time End Time Class Length Cost
Adult Skills 7:25 AM 8:10 AM 45 minutes $125

Class schedules and costs

To follow is the schedule for the various class that will be offered on Monday evenings.  The cost shown is per student for 6 weeks of instruction.  There is an $8 discount on registration for each additional skater in the family. 

We are striving to keep our skating program accessible and affordable for skaters and families. So, we have kept our program prices for the 2023-2024 season at the same level as it has been for the past several years, in spite of increases in ice time and other expenses. 

We also offer a scholarship program for those who require assistance. Please download the scholarship application below, fill it out, and email it to Mark Ellis at learn@maineskaters.com. Once received, the application requires review and approval by the Skating Association of Maine (SAM) Board of Directors.

About Our Classes

SNOWPLOW SAM

Snowplow Sam is a 4-level introductory program that consists of preliminary skills for children ages 3-6 or for the skater not yet ready for the Basic Skills program.  Skaters participate in a group setting and are encouraged to progress at their own unique developmental rate.  Helmets are strongly recommended. 30 minutes of instruction.

BASIC SKILLS

This program consists of 6 levels which include elements that are the fundamentals for the sport of Hockey, Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and recreational Skating.  Each level of the Basic Skills program contains different skill elements that must be mastered before advancing to the next level.  Upon completion of this program, skaters will have gained the ability to skate forward and backward efficiently, stop and turn, as well as perform crossovers and other footwork with a fair amount of speed and agility.  Basic Skills graduates are safe, confident skaters, who are ready to further pursue their interest in Hockey or Figure Skating.  "Introduction to Figure Skating" classes are offered to skaters who would like to continue to learn new skills. Helmets are strongly recommended for young and new skaters. 45 minutes of instruction.

ADULT SKILLS

Equivalent to the Basic Skills classes described above.  Class sizes are generally smaller allowing for more individualized instruction.  It is a more relaxed atmosphere in which the adult skater can learn the fundamentals of a great sport.  45 minutes of instruction.

INTRODUCTION TO FREESTYLE

This program consists of 6 levels that are designed to introduce the skater to the elements of Figure Skating including jumps, spins, footwork, and edge drills.  Skaters must have passed level 6 of the Basic Skills Program to enroll in this class or may take this class in combination with Basic Skills levels 5 & 6.  45 minutes instruction.

BOOSTER LESSONS (COACH & ME)

This program is offered for skaters who would like to work individually with a private coach in addition to taking the Basic Skills Instruction. Lessons usually run for 15 minutes and the cost is $5 for ice plus the cost of the coach.  If you are interested please contact Mark Ellis, Skating Director, at learn@maineskaters.com.

Learn To Skate USA is endorsed by:

Meet our director

For nearly thirty years, Mark Ellis has been instructing in learn to skate programs across Maine.  He also served as the president of SAM’s predecessor organization -- the Skating Club of Maine.  As a competitive skater, Mark won a bronze medal at the 2006 US Figure Skating Adult National Championships in Dallas, TX.

Mark Ellis, SAM Skating Director

Mark Ellis, SAM Skating Director

Learn to Skate Orientation Video

SAM Inclement Weather Policy

Practices or Games will be held and only canceled if the Ice Vault is closed for inclement weather conditions. Only the SAM President or Vice President can cancel a practice or game if the Ice Vault is open for business. Parents still have their personal choice to have their player attend or not attend a practice or game during inclement weather conditions.