Build confidence on the ice with KickStart Skating in Pincher Creek. Our learn-to-skate program helps children develop balance, control and agility while having fun and learning new skills.
The KickStart approach
Whether your child is stepping onto the ice for the first time or building on skills they already have, our program helps them move forward with confidence.
KickStart Skating proudly hosts CanSkate, Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program. CanSkate builds the foundation for figure skating, hockey and recreational skating, giving children skills they can use wherever their skating takes them.
NCCP-certified professional coaches make learning active and engaging. Specialized teaching aids, custom tracking music and targeted on-ice activities help skaters practise new movements and develop their abilities.
A place to start and grow
Skating skills build over time. Activities are adapted to help skaters practise the fundamentals before progressing to more challenging movements.
Learn the basics: finding balance, moving forward, getting up safely after a fall and becoming comfortable on the ice.
Develop stronger glides, more confident movement, forward and backward skating, and introductory stopping and turning skills.
Practise more advanced edges, crosscuts, turns, stops, jumps and agility skills while improving overall skating control.
Life on the ice
From first steps to growing confidence, our photos capture the fun of learning to skate outdoors in our beautiful mountain setting.
Three essential skills
These three skill areas are at the heart of learning to skate. Together, they help skaters move safely, confidently and smoothly.
Develop stability, posture and confidence while standing, gliding and moving on the ice.
Learn to manage speed and direction, with an emphasis on smoothly executing complete stops.
Master accurate turning and faster movements while responding confidently to different skating activities.
The skills journey
Explore examples of the balance, control and agility skills introduced as skaters progress through the stages.
Balance helps skaters stay stable, develop their glides and prepare for more complex movements.
Control helps skaters manage their movement, change direction and develop increasingly confident stopping skills.
Agility develops quick reactions, accurate turns and the ability to move efficiently through different skating patterns.
Before you hit the ice
A little preparation helps make skating sessions safer and more enjoyable. Please review these guidelines before your first class.
All CanSkate and Pre-CanSkate participants must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet for every session.
Skates should fit correctly and be freshly sharpened to help children learn and move comfortably on the ice.
A limited number of loaner skates and helmets may be available. Contact the program office before registering to confirm availability.
Parents or legal guardians are requested to remain at the rink during sessions so they can assist their children if needed.
We're here to help
Need help with registration or have a question about getting started? Reach out to the KickStart Skating program contact.