Ice skating lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What ice skating lessons is

Ice skating lessons teach balance, gliding, stopping and turns, for recreational skating or figure skating, at a rink. Skaters book them when they are learning to skate, when they want to move up a level, or when a skill like backward skating or a jump has stalled.

Signs you need it

  • You hold onto the boards and cannot glide on one foot
  • You cannot stop safely, and you fall or crash into the wall when you try
  • Your turns are wobbly or you lose balance on crossovers
  • You want to test for a skating level or take part in a figure skating program
  • A jump or spin is stuck and you need a plan to build the technique safely

What the pro does

  • Watches you skate forward, back and on edges to find the balance problem
  • Teaches gliding and balance with drills that start on two feet and move to one
  • Works on stopping, with a focus on snowplow and T-stop technique
  • Teaches forward and backward turns and crossovers with short, repeated practice
  • Builds jumps and spins in steps, starting with the entry and landing for each element

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Private or group lessons
  • Whether the rink's ice time is included or booked separately
  • Your starting level, since learning to stop and balance takes time
  • Length of each lesson and the number of lessons in a series
  • Recreational skating versus figure skating focus
  • Whether skate rental or your own skates are needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of lessons and length of each
  • Rink location and whether ice time is included
  • Whether skate rental or helmet use is part of the cost
  • Group size and whether the lesson is private
  • Make-up policy for ice closures and cancellations

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What will you check first in my balance and stopping?
  • Do you use a helmet and guards for beginners, and what does the rink require?
  • How do you teach stops so I can stop safely at the boards?
  • How do you build jumps and spins in steps, so I do not rush a risky element?
  • Do you hold a skating instructor credential or coaching certificate?
  • Will you give me a practice plan to do off the ice?

Red flags

  • Pushes you to try jumps or spins before you can balance and stop
  • Does not mention helmets or guards when the rink requires them
  • Promises a skating level or a competition result after a few lessons
  • Teaches with no check on skate fit or the condition of your blades

What you can do yourself

You can practice balance by standing on one foot at the counter, and marching in your skates with guards on, on a rubber floor or mat, if the rink allows it. Public skating sessions with a parent nearby are a good way to practice what you learn. Hire an instructor for stops, turns, jumps and any element that you find frightening.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach ice skating. Ask whether the instructor holds a credential from a skating instruction program, and whether the rink requires insurance. Check with your state or local licensing agency only if the rink or facility has rules that apply to your lessons.

Ice skating lessons questions

Can an adult start ice skating lessons?

Yes. Many adults start with basic balance and stopping, then move on to turns and crossovers. Ask the instructor to start with the basics and build slowly.

Do I need my own skates?

You can rent skates for a first lesson, but skates that fit well help your balance a lot. Ask the instructor to check the fit before you buy.

Do children need a helmet?

Ask the rink and the instructor what they require for beginners. Many rinks ask young skaters to wear a helmet and guards, especially in lessons.

If my child takes skating lessons, has the instructor passed a background check?

Many rinks and skating programs ask for one for instructors who work with children, and you can ask to see proof before the first lesson.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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