North Iowa Figure Skating Club

Learn to Skate

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2026-2027 Season

The Learn to Skate – North Iowa program promotes recreational skating, figure skating, and hockey power in the North Iowa community by providing safe, fun, & high-quality group instruction per the Learn to Skate USA Curriculum. This program is run by the North Iowa Figure Skating Club, its coaches & instructors, and volunteers.

During this season, we will offer a rolling enrollment program. Skaters may enroll at any time through the season! All classes take place on Sunday afternoons between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. The schedule is based on current registration, coaching availability, and arena schedule. The Mason City Arena is located at 111 S Washington Ave, Mason City.

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Little Explorers: This class is mainly off-ice and designed for children 2-4 years to acclimate new skaters to instruction and the fun skating environment. When offered, classes will meet mostly off-ice, often in a warm environment, and focus on learning key skills off-ice first, including falling down and getting up, dips, and marching. The skaters will be introduced to the arena spaces, taught different types of ice skates, and have the opportunity to try on skates and wear them for their off-ice classes. This class will include ice skating instruction as well as other ice skating-related activities. (Cost: $50/session – Clast Time on Sundays – TBD)

Snowplow Sam 1-4: Designed for children ages 3-6 years with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning the basic skills of skating. (Cost: $61/month – Class Time on Sundays – 4:00-4:30 PM)

Basic 1-6 & PreFree Skate: These levels introduce the fundamental moves of ice skating: forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, three turns, mohawks, and spins. Basic 1 is for beginners and those with little experience AND ages 6 or older. All skaters start in Basic 1 and must complete the levels in sequential order. (Cost: $71/month – Class Time B1-B3 Sundays from 4:00-4:30 PM, and B4-B6 & PreFree Sundays 4:30-5:00 PM)

Aspire: Introduction to more advanced figure skating skills. Encompasses LTS USA levels Freeskate 1-6. Skater must complete PreFree Skate to register. (Cost: $86/month – Class Time Sundays 5:00-5:30 PM)

Adult 1-6: These levels are designed for Adults. Teens aged 16 and are new to ice skating may choose to register through the basic skills or adult programs. (Cost: $61/session – Class Time Sundays 4:30-5:00 PM)

Session Dates

Enrollment in the Learn to Skate program for the 2026-2027 season begins now! We are always accepting new students unless otherwise noted. During the enrollment process you will have the opportunity to select a payment arrangement that works best for your family. We offer the following options: Pay in Full (includes discount), Pay 1/2 now and 1/2 in January (includes a discount), or monthly invoice (first month due at time of registration). Prorates for partial season registration are calculated at checkout. Ready to enroll? Select the Registration tab to get started!
Cost for each program includes:
  • Learn to Skate USA registration
  • Skate borrowing (if needed) for Little Explorers, Snowplow Sam & Basic 1-3 levels. Intermittent use for skaters in Basic 4 & higher based on availability.
  • Winter & Spring Show group program – each December & April NIFSC hosts showcases where skaters show off their progress! These are highly anticipated public shows!
  • Winter & Spring Show group costume rental – borrow a costume from NIFSC! No additional costume fees. Your child may be asked to provide a wardrobe staple such as black pants, solid colored top, and/or tights. More information will be given as the event gets closer.
  • Weekly 30-minute lesson with Certified LTS USA Instructors & USFSA Coaches
  • LOTS OF FUN!!!
Class Schedule:
Our Learn to Skate classes will take place weekly, at the listed times on Sundays starting on September 13, 2026 and run through April 4, 2026. We will have NO classes on 12/27 (winter break). Winter Show will be on Sunday December 20th @5pm & Spring Show will be on Saturday/Sunday April 3rd/4th @ TBD.
Little Explorers – Sundays – Time TBD *time will be announced as we get a little closer, based on enrollment. The 30-minute class will be scheduled between 3:45-5:30pm.
Snowplow Sam 1-4 – Sundays 4:00-4:30pm
Basic Skills 1-3 – Sundays 4:00-4:30pm
Basic Skills 4-6 & PreFree Skate – Sundays 4:30-5:00pm
Aspire (previously FreeSkate 1-6) – Sundays 5:00-5:30pm
Adult Classes – Sundays 4:30-5:00pm
Have more questions? Check out FAQ tab for the most commonly asked questions!

Synchro 1-4: Synchronized skating features intricate elements performed by teams of 5-20 skaters. The team sport is introduced in the Synchro 1-4 curriculum and is a fantastic way to introduce synchro to anyone participating in group lessons. This program focuses on the five main elements, Block, circle, line, wheel, and intersection, using prescribed handholds. We recommend that all skaters who have passed Basic 3 or higher try Synchro for one session. Skaters who participate in both group lessons and synchro lessons typically advance more quickly than those with only group lessons. This season, due to the nature of synchronized skating and building skills and programs, there will be two opportunities to join, in September and January. ALL Synchro skaters must have their own skates within one (1) month of joining Synchro.

Synchro Cost: $140 Sept – Dec and $120 Jan – April (skater must be registered in a group lesson OR an active regular member of NIFSC club skating w/minimum of Synchro 2 passed). Cost includes weekly 30-minute lessons and participation with costume rental in the Winter show (Sept-Dec participants) and the Spring Show (Jan-April participants).

*NEW for 25-26 Season: ALL skaters who participate in Synchro will have the opportunity to participate on a competition team if registration numbers allow. A separate $200 competition fee will be assessed to help cover the cost of registration, costumes, and additional coaching. If you participated in the Summer Concert Fundraiser, you will receive a $100 credit towards this fee.

Off-Ice Class: Off-ice skating classes focus on developing fundamental strength, balance, and flexibility to enhance performance on the ice. This class incorporates exercises and drills that improve agility, coordination, and jump technique, complementing on-ice training. Class is offered most Sundays prior to Learn to Skate lessons; specific times will be sent out in the newsletter. Cost is $8/class walk-on rate OR purchase a punch card for $50 for 10 classes. Punch cards may be used at any time during the ’25-’26 season.

Locker Room Access: NEW for the ’25-’26 season, NIFSC will be offering the option to rent a space in the official NIFSC locker room. Cost includes a reserved space with a personalized nameplate. Each skater can store their skates & accessories, hang their jackets with no need to haul things back and forth each time they skate. The NIFSC locker room is accessible during NIFSC-sponsored ice times and is locked at other times. Cost is $60 for a half-season rental or $100 for a full-season rental.

Full Season Registration: NEW for the ’25-’26 season, we are offering a discount to those who want to register for all four sessions of Learn to Skate. Cost $320 Winter Show Participation: ALL Learn to Skate participants can choose to participate in the Learn to Skate group program in the annual Winter Show in December. More information can be found under the Winter Show Events Page.

Spring Show Participation: ALL Learn to Skate participants can choose to participate in the Learn to Skate group program in the annual Winter Show in December. More information can be found under the Winter Show Events Page.

As a general rule if you’re new to the skating program and your child is aged 2-3 years old, Little Explorers is a great place to start. Little Explorers is also appropriate for children aged up to 4 years old who may be a little shy or worried about trying ice skating.
The Snowplow Sam program is great for skaters who are in PreSchool or a PreK program. These classes are geared towards children aged 3-5yrs who learn through play.
If you have a child who is 6yrs+ enroll them in the Basic Skills program to start.
All skaters are informally evaluated their first day and any class changes needed would be discussed.

If you are a past skater and are unsure of your level, register for the grouping closest to what you remember. We’ll get it corrected either before classes or the first day!

Skaters are asked to dress in layers. Wearing a thin sock, like a dress sock or tights is ideal for a proper skate fit. If you prefer, we will have skate socks available for sale in our merchandise store. Wearing leggings, athletic pants, or another type of easy to move in pant with a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt with a sweatshirt or jacket on top. Hat and mittens are also encouraged. Often skaters get warm and want to shed a layer during lessons. We discourage snow pants and heavy winter coats as they make it more difficult for skaters to move around in.

Skaters should bring themselves, hats/gloves, and a water bottle. If you have your own skates, bring those. If not, we have an extensive skate library that includes quality figure and hockey skates that skaters can borrow for their lesson. Skates remain at the arena and are not available outside of lesson times.

NIFSC Learn to Skate will utilize email as a form of communication. Please make sure your email is up-to-date and if multiple parents need communication that we have all emails for your skater. Weekly there will be an check-in table that will have one of our volunteers available to help handle questions and the weekly check in/check out process. Also please take a minute to follow us on Facebook “North Iowa Figure Skating Club” & “Learn to Skate – North Iowa”. We will post information here also.

During the 2026-2027 season we are trying something new! Rolling enrollment. This option allow you to register starting when works for your skater. Skaters will be enrolled in the FULL season from the time they enroll. Prorated tuition fees are calculated at check out based on a full month. If classes fill up, it will be noted that we are not taking new enrollments at that time and/or a waitlist will be offered.

Classes will be divided into sections based on what skills the skaters are working on. As a general rule classes will be as follows & ratios noted. Ratios are skaters to coaches.
Little Explorers (5:1)
Snowplow 1 (7:1)
Snowplow 2/3 (7:1)
Basic 1 (10:1)
Basic 2/3 (10:1)
Basic 4/5 (10:1)
Basic 6/Pre-FreeSkate (10:1)
Aspire (10:1)
Adults (10:1)

Skaters are consistently looked at by the coaching staff for progress and ability to demonstrate skill proficiency. Each level consists of 6 to 8 skills that is a skater is being introduced, learning, showing proficiency and then mastering. The LTS USA curriculum is built to give skaters the best opportunity to grow in their skating journey. For each skater this journey is different. Skaters show proficiency over time. By LTS USA standards is for the skater to show they can recall a skill & demonstrate it with good form, control, & movement 8/10 times asked to do so. Skaters will be moved levels as they are able to proficiently demonstrate the skills. A progress report, along with any level patches/certificates will be given at the end of the season. If a parent would like to discuss their individual skaters progress, we can arrange that for you at the information table on Sundays.

At this time we are not offering a try-it option for skaters outside of our public event days. Watch our Facebook page and website for the most up-to-date information on try-it opportunities throughout the season. These typically are themed events and open to the public.

Once class registration is completed and the first class is attended, no refunds will be offered. In the event you register and cannot attend the session, you may receive a credit for another session during the current season or request a refund (minus any processing fees and Learn to Skate USA membership fees) and it will be reviewed by the NIFSC Board of Directors.

Synchronized skating features intricate elements performed by teams of 5-20 skaters. The team sport is introduced in the Synchro 1-4 curriculum and is a fantastic way to introduce synchro to anyone participating in group lessons. This program focuses on the five main elements, Block, circle, line, wheel and intersection using prescribed handholds. We recommend that all skaters who have passed Basic 3 (or higher) try Synchro for one session. Skaters who participate in both group lessons and synchro lessons typically advance quicker than those with only group lessons.
Synchro lessons will take place on Sundays for 30-minutes following the last scheduled group lesson. Typically between 5:30-6:00pm. The $50/session fee includes the 30-minute lesson, skate rental (if needed), end of session evaluation sheet, certificate & patches. At the end of each session each level will have a pre-scheduled performance that will serve as their evaluation time. These performances may be the last day of the session or at a local hockey game. Skaters are individually evaluated for their knowledge of the skills and overall ability to skate within the team. Skaters should expect to stay in a synchro level for two or more session on average.
Synchro 1 – for skaters who are new to synchronized skating (regardless of age) and have passed a minimum of Basic Skills 3. Skaters registered in Synchro 1 must participate in group lessons in their skill level during the same session.
Synchro 2 – skaters must have passed synchro 1. Skaters registered in Synchro 2 must participate in group lessons in their skill level during the same session.
Synchro 3 – skaters must have passed synchro 2. Skaters registered in Synchro 3 must participate in group lessons in their skill level during the same session OR be an active NIFSC member, taking either club group lessons or private lessons.
Synchro 4 – skaters must have passed synchro 3. Skaters registered in Synchro 4 must participate in group lessons in their skill level during the same session OR be an active NIFSC member, taking either club group lessons or private lessons.
*In order to be considered for the NIFSC Performance Team, skaters must have passed a minimum of Synchro 2 and PreFreeSkate.

Club skating is designed for skaters who wish to advance their skating skills through competition, private lessons, extra practice ice time, additional classes, and formal testing. Each session we will hold an information session on joining club and all its advantages, this is a great time to get your questions answered. You can also refer to our NIFSC club page for more information!

All Learn to Skate program members are able to purchase one (1) open ice punch card from NIFSC to utilize NIFSC Club Member Open Ice times. These times are contracted by NIFSC for the use of NIFSC membership only. These Open Ice sessions are NOT open to the public. For more information on purchasing an open ice punch card, please see the information table on Sundays.
 
You can also check the public skate calendar via the Mason City Arena website and their social media. If you borrow skates from our program, they are not available for use during public skate times but you may rent skates at public skate.

The Aspire program is a wholistic approach to figure skating introducing power/edge patterns, skating skills, spins, jumps to skaters who are looking to specialize in figure skating. Each week a 30-minute class will start with a mini power/edge class with the entire group, these skills will be adjusted for skaters who are just learning & providing a challenge for those with a higher skill set. After the power/edge class there will be break out groups teaching spins, jumps, & skating skills. Each skater will be placed in groups based on their abilities. This program will allow for skaters to still meet their free skate level requirements but also advance skills at their pace. For more detailed information on the Aspire program, please click here to visit our Aspire information page.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Regular sessions throughout the season / One form per skater / *Denotes required field

PAYMENT

We Offer Three Payment Options:

One Payment

This is our most cost effective option. Pay for the full season of Learn to Skate (Group Lessons) & save 10%! Full payment minus discount is due at time of registration.

Two Payments

Still save by making two payments. Pay 1/2 now & 1/2 in January 2027 (due by the 10th) and save 5%! First payment is due at time of registration.

Monthly Payments

First month payment due with registration & then you will be invoiced for future months (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, & March).

$0.00
* I understand by registering that my fee is non-refundable.
** I understand that my child decides to discontinue Learn to Skate that I must notify, via email of this or I will be billed and am responsible for the bill until I do so.
*** I understand if I select a two-time or monthly payment option that I will be invoiced, and must pay that invoice by the 10th of the month to avoid late charges. Late charge will be $15/month.
**** I understand that if my skater moves into a new level that requires an increase in tuition, that I will be invoiced the difference on the first month following the move for the remainder of the season.
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