Winter is here and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy it. For many that means lacing up some skates and heading out on the ice. If you or your children don’t know how to skate or are uncomfortable on the ice, Sault Ste. Marie has several institutions close to our apartment rentals that offer skating lessons for all ages.
Lake Superior Figure Skating Club offers skating lessons for children as young as 3. There is a parent and tot class for ages 3 & 4, a CanSkate program for ages 4+. If you or your children are interested in figure skating, consider their PowerSkate program school age kids or the StarSkate program for teens and adults. Most lessons are held at the John Rhodes Community Centre or the GFL Memorial Gardens, both less than 10 minutes from our apartments at Pine Allard Properties.
For international students and residents new to Canada, you can try skating for free. Motivate To Skate was created to help new residents and international students learn to skate, one of Canada’s favourite winter pastimes. Your Neighbourhood Credit Union is partnering with the SOO Pee Wee Arena to bring this free opportunity to those who have never had the chance to try skating. There are two programs, one for post-secondary students and adults and one for elementary students. The SOO Pee Wee Arena is less than five minutes from our apartments at Pine Allard Properties.
Already know how to skate or just need a little practice? The SOO has indoor skating rinks ready for practice and fun. Public skating times are available at The John Rhodes Community Centre and the W.J. McMeeken Centre daily except Thursdays and Saturdays.
Outdoor skating rinks in The SOO open after the winter weather hits. Outdoor rinks include Anna McCrea, Merrifield and Esposito rinks, Art Jennings Speed Skating Oval, and the Clergue Park Skating Trail. All outdoor skating rinks open around the middle of December.
Teaching a little one to skate? Start by dressing them in lightweight layers with long socks. Ensure their skates fit snug and their foot doesn’t move around inside. Then teach them to march off the ice to help them learn to transfer their weight. After that, head to the ice and start practicing.