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Learn to Skate Program
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The Learn to Skate program at Blue Edge offers group lessons in basic skating skills. This program follows the Learn to Skate USA curriculum and offers separate classes for children and adults, both figure skaters and hockey players.
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Schedule & Pricing
Fall term: September–December · 14 weeks
Winter term: January–April · Dates TBC
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We will offer two Learn to Skate sessions in the fall 2026–27 term:
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Sundays 1:00–2:00pm, beginning September 13 · $392
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Tuesdays 5:15–6:15pm, beginning September 8 · $392
The Tuesday sessions are for beginner skaters through Basic 6 and Adult 6. Sunday sessions also include Pre-Freestyle and Freestyle levels. The program fee is pro-rated for late signups. Check the program schedule for details. See below to learn about the different levels of classes. ​​
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Once you're registered, you’re all set to show up for the first class. You will need skates (click HERE for skate shop recommendations and discount offers) and gloves. You'll also need a helmet if you are a beginner (Snowplow Sam, Basic Skills levels 1 and 2, and Adult level 1). ​​
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Learn to Skate Levels
Snowplow Sam
This program is designed for our youngest beginners. Stories and games help teach basic coordination and skills. See our equipment guide, and download the LTSUSA Snowplow Sam Levels PDF.
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Qualifications: Skater must be willing and able to remain with the group and follow instructions. Must be at least four years old.
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Safety note: All Snowplow Sam skaters must wear helmets.
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Basic Skills 1–6 and Freeskate
Children and youth work through levels 1–6 of the Learn to Skate FUNdamentals curriculum. These six progressive levels teach skaters basic skating skills like forward and backward skating, stops, edges, cross overs and turns with agility, balance, coordination and speed. Our Learn To Skate classes provide 40 minutes of professional group instruction followed by 20 minutes of supervised practice.
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Skaters may arrange for private lessons with our coaches during the last 20 minutes of Learn to Skate classes or practice ice. Please email us if you need help finding a private coach.
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Pre-Freeskate and Freeskate levels are also available.
Our goal is for your skater to have a fun learning experience, and to enjoy the challenge of the sport and the company of other club members.
Download the Learn To Skate USA Basic 1–6 Levels PDF »
Download the Learn to Skate USA Freeskate Levels PDF »
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Qualifications: Skater must be able to stand on two skates, unaided. Must be at least five years old or have passed Snowplow Sam level 2.
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Safety note: All Basic 1 and Basic 2 skaters must wear helmets.
Adult Learn To Skate
This program is for teenagers and adults who want to begin figure skating. Skating is a fun way to stay fit and healthy.
Download our Adult Learn To Skate Levels PDF »
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Qualifications: Skater must be able to stand on two skates, unaided.
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Safety note: All Adult 1 skaters must wear helmets.
LTS Equipment Guide
Good equipment supports good skating and good fun. Here's your guide to the equipment you will need for this skating season at Blue Edge FSC of Connecticut.
Skates and Blades
Good skates that fit. Skates that are too large or loose will not provide proper ankle support. Rather than buying skates online, we highly encourage buying skates from a reputable local skate shop, where a professional can fit you properly. Shoe size does not always match skate size. Skate shops may also offer gently used, good-quality skates at reasonable prices. Please feel free to contact us to discuss figure skates vs ice hockey skates for beginner skaters.
Blades should be dried carefully after each use and sharpened at the beginning of each season.
Helmet
A protective helmet. Hockey, skateboarding, inline skating, or ski helmets work better than bicycle helmets. The helmet should stay firmly in place and cover the back and sides of the head. Learn to Skate USA recommended ice skating helmet are ASTM F1447 and Snell B-90A, B-95. N94. Helmets are required for Snowplow Sam, Basic 1 & 2, and Adult 1 Basic Skills levels.
Blade Cloth
A clean cotton blade cloth or chamois. Blades must be wiped dry after each use. Do not store them with hard guards on.
Blade Guards
Hard skate guards protect the blades when walking off-ice (on surfaces other than rubber mats) with skates on.
Soakers
Soakers are soft and absorbent to keep blades dry and protected after skating.
Gloves
Gloves: Simple, well-fitting, synthetic knit gloves work best. No mittens, plastic, or fur. Keep a spare pair on hand.
Sweater or Jacket
A warm sweater or light well-fitting jacket and warm pants. You should stay warm while also being able to move.
Socks
Socks that are made of thin, breathable material and that are higher than the skate work best. Thick or bulky socks will affect the fit of your skates.
Knee Pads
Knee pads are optional. If your skater wants such protection, choose soft pads. Slippery gloves or knee protectors make it difficult for a skater to get up off the ice properly.
Skating Bag
A skating bag helps you carry, organize, and protect your skating equipment. You may want to bring a water bottle, too.
First time lacing up a pair of skates?
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Loosen most of the laces to insert foot easily.
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Make sure the heel is all the way back in the skate.
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Tighten the laces across the instep up to the ankle. (It's important to support the ankle.)
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Tie a single knot, then lace the top of the boot more loosely, with the knee and ankle slightly flexed. (This allows the knee to bend properly while still supporting the ankle.)
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Make sure there are no floppy lace ends or loops. Tuck them in or cut them off — don't wrap them around the ankle.
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Enjoy skating with a perfectly laced pair of skates!
Skate Shop Recommendations
We recommend the following stores. Tell JenSkates or Bensen-Ferguson you are with the Blue Edge LTS program at Quinnipiac to receive a 10% discount! Please feel free to contact us to discuss figure skates vs ice hockey skates for beginner skaters.
1. JenSkates: Specializes in new and used figure skates and offers skate sharpening. By appointment only.
860-490-7827 (call or text)​
405 Industrial Avenue, Cheshire, CT 06410 (Atlantic Star Trailers building/lot)
2. Bensen-Ferguson Hockey and Lacrosse Club: Specializes in hockey skates and gear. Has a small selection of new and used figure skates as well. Offers skate sharpening.
​203-799-7200
326 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT 06477
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3. Skaters Landing: Specializes in figure skates. Offers skate fittings, sharpenings, and punch-outs. Appointments required.
203-542-0555 • info@skaterslanding.com
240 Mill Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
Not part of the10% discount program