NOTE: Due to construction as part of the Bloomington Forward Modernization Project, BIG Skate School's 2025 late spring (session 4) and summer sessions will take place at Richfield Ice Arena, 636 E. 66th St.
- Sessions will still be taught by BIG Skate School instructors
- Skate School will return to a new and more modern BIG in mid-October, 2025.
The Bloomington Ice Garden Skate School offers skating lessons year round. View the Skate School brochure linked below for a complete list of session dates, class times and prices.
Online registration is required - click here
Registration deadline is 10 a.m. the day prior to the first day of class for each session.
The mission of Learn to Skate USA is to provide a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating. As the only ice skating program endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, US Speedskating and the Professional Skaters Association, Learn to Skate USA offers every participant a rewarding experience rooted in the lifelong benefits of ice skating.
Skate School Curriculum
Snowplow Sam (age 3-6+)
Snowplow Sam 1-4 invites children ages 3 - 6+ to learn the joys of ice skating in a safe, introductory setting. Young skaters will have fun while learning how to fall and get back up, how to march across the ice and ultimately build confidence in themselves and their abilities. The classes, divided into four progressive levels for kids with no prior skating experience, help preschool-age skaters develop the coordination and strength to move across the ice.
Upon completing the Snowplow Sam curriculum, skaters can enter Basic Skills at their corresponding level or move on to pursue a specific discipline.
Basic 1-6 (age 5+)
The Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters age 5 and above who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination, and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.
Upon completing the Basic Skills curriculum, skaters will be set up to choose whatever path in skating they desire. Whether they’re looking to land an Axel, score a hat trick or speed across the finish line, Basic Skills sets skaters up for success.
Free Skate (age 6+)
The next step after passing Basic 6. Each free skate level (Pre and 1-6) is comprised of a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps, all of which build on the previous skill. Free Skate instruction provides skaters with a strong foundation of all elements.
Adults (age 13+)
The Adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. This is an exciting program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable part of a fit and healthy lifestyle. Adult skater working on advanced moves, jumps and spins should register for the Adult Freeskate Class.
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Have questions or need more information? Contact Rene Gelecinskyj, Skate School Coordinator, at 952-563-4626 or rgelecinskyj@bloomingtonmn.gov.
