
Learn to Skate
Montclair State Ice Arena: Learn to Skate for Everyone
The Montclair State Ice Arena’s Learn to Skate program is a comprehensive, inclusive skating experience designed for everyone from tots to adults. Following the United States Figure Skating (USFS) Learn to Skate USA curriculum, our year-round classes provide a structured, supportive environment where skaters of all abilities can progress at their own pace. Each 30-minute group lesson is carefully crafted to build skills, confidence, and technique, with the added benefits of USFS membership and six complimentary public skate passes so you can keep practicing your new skills.
Program Highlights:
- Ages: Tots to Adults
- 30-minute group lessons (youth)
- 60-minute group lessons (adult)
- USFS Membership included
- 6 complimentary public skate passes
- Optional skate rental
Learn to Skate USA Levels
Choose your Program
SPRING-2 SESSION
April 21 – June 22, 2025
*No Classes May 19 – 26
Missed the last registration? No problem! We can pro-rate sessions.
Want to try a class? No Problem! We offer walk-on rates. See below
PLEASE NOTE: Learn to Skate registrations are non-refundable and there are no make-up sessions. If you’re unsure of your skill level, register for Basic 1 (all ages) or Snow Plow Sam 1 (under 6). Our instructors will evaluate your skills and place you in the perfect class during the first session.
NEW THIS SEASON: Multiclass Registration Discount!
Register for 2 classes weekly and $ave! Just $425 to come twice per week for 8 weeks! Select “Multiclass” in the Registration to get the discount!
(not valid for My Tot & Me Classes)
Snow Plow Sam 1-4
Wednesday 5:10pm, 5:40pm, Saturday 11:20am, 11:50am, Sunday 1:20pm
8 week session: $279 per skater
Walk-On Options: $35 per session
Note: Walk-on rates do not include public skate admission
Snowplow Sam 1-4 invites children age 6 and younger 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 Skills 1-4
Wednesday 5:10pm, 5:40pm, Saturday 11:20am, 11:50am, Sunday 1:20pm
8 week session: $279 per skater
Walk-On Options: $35 per session
Note: Walk-on rates do not include public skate admission
The Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters over the age of 6 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.
Adult
Basic Skills 1-4
Tuesdays 11:30am, 5:10pm, Saturday 11:20am, Sunday 1:20pm
8 week session: $320 per skater – 1 hour class
Walk-On Options: $45 per session
Note: Walk-on rates do not include public skate admission
Ice skating is a thrilling fitness activity for adults of all ages and abilities. Our Learn to Skate USA program offers a supportive environment to enhance your confidence, coordination, and skills on the ice.
Whether you’re a beginner or returning skater, our curriculum caters to your level, starting with basics like gliding and stopping, and progressing to turns and spins at your own pace. You’ll enjoy benefits such as improved balance, a full-body workout, stress relief, and a chance to connect with a friendly community.
No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to learn. Your exciting skating journey starts here!
Learn to Skate
for Hockey
Hockey 1-2
Wednesday 5:10pm, Saturday 11:20am, Sunday 1:20pm
8 week session: $279 per skater
Walk-On Options: $35 per session
Note: Walk-on rates do not include public skate admission
Hockey 3-4
Wednesday 5:40pm, Saturday 11:50am
8 week session: $279 per skater
Walk-On Options: $35 per session
Note: Walk-on rates do not include public skate admission
Learn to Skate USA for Hockey is a comprehensive program designed to teach beginner hockey players the fundamental skating skills needed for the sport. The curriculum focuses on developing essential techniques for young athletes aged 4-10. Structured in four progressive badge levels it teaches skating without using a puck initially, focuses on building confidence on the ice, and develops agility and hockey-specific movement skills
USA Hockey recommends age-appropriate drills to help players develop essential skating and hockey skills. Young athletes should build confidence by mastering the basic stance, stride mechanics, knee bending, and edge control before advancing to programs like Learn to Play or the American Development Model (ADM).
My Tot & Me
Saturdays
8 week session: $360 per parent + tot
Walk-On Options: $45 per session
Note: Walk-on rates do not include public skate admission
The My Tot & Me program at Montclair State Ice Arena offers a fun, interactive skating experience for parents and children. Families receive ten 30-minute group lessons and six public skate passes. This unique class allows parents and tots to learn skating fundamentals together, creating memorable moments of shared discovery on the ice.
Upcoming Sessions
SPRING-2 SESSION
April 21 – June 22, 2025
*No Classes May 19 – 26
Free Skate Levels
Do you dream of jumping high into the air or spinning in a graceful layback? Learn to Skate USA®’s Free Skate curriculum introduces skaters to the beginning elements of figure skating, including progressive skating skills, transitions, spins, jumps and more.
At this point in a skater’s journey, he or she can choose to pursue a recreational or competitive approach to figure skating. At this level, skaters can join an Aspire Program and become an introductory member of U.S. Figure Skating to begin their transition into the sport.
Aspire (Basic 5-8)
The Montclair State Ice Arena offers two progressive programs for skaters advancing from the Basic Skills 1-4:
ASPIRE CLASSES: Designed for skaters of all ages in Basic 5-8 levels and marks the transition from basic skating to figure skating, teaching advanced foundational skills. Youth and Adult classes are offered.
ASPIRE ACADEMY: Open to all students who have completed Basic 8 and offers more advanced skill development and a comprehensive training environment.
Both programs provide structured pathways to help skaters develop their technique, confidence, and skating potential.
Specialty Instruction
Specialty Instruction is also available at Montclair State Arena. Please contact Deana Sroka, Skating Director for more info on specialty lessons!
Hockey
Before you can score a goal, you need to learn to skate. In the hockey program, skaters will learn how to be proficient and agile on the ice.
Ice Dance
Skaters will learn the main components of the magic of ice dancing, strengthen edges and turns while skating to music.
Pairs
Introduction to pairs skating classes are designed to encourage skaters to learn and enjoy skills unique to pair skating.
Synchronized Skating
The combination of speed, artistry and technical skills makes synchronized skating great for those interested in being a part of a team.
Theatre on Ice
Choreography, movements and the rapport between skaters working together as a team blend into unbelievable stories brought to life on the ice.
Adaptive Skating
Specially designed classes allow individuals with a range of physical or developmental disabilities to skate. Endorsed by the Special Olympics.
USFS Membership
U.S. Figure Skating Membership: Your Pathway to Success
U.S. Figure Skating membership offers skaters of all levels exclusive benefits:
- Participation in sanctioned skating events
- Certificates for test achievements and competition placements
- SKATING magazine subscription
- Individually numbered membership card
- Sports accident insurance
- Corporate partner discounts
Membership is included with Learn to Skate enrollment, making it easy to start your skating journey!
Essential Information
Your enrollment includes skate rental and six free skate passes, with passes located on a tag you’ll receive on the first class day.
Important: Wear this tag to ALL classes!
Preparation Guidelines:
- Practice weekly to advance through Learn to Skate levels
- Helmets mandatory for participants 11 and under (bike, ski, or hockey helmets accepted)
- Dress warmly with gloves
- Arrive early, especially on the first day
All classes except Tuesday mid day will be held on the Rocky Arena:
- Entry – side door by locker rooms: Basic Levels and Aspire
- Entry – large double doors: My Tot and Me, Snow Plow Sam classes
Pro Tips:
- Montclair State Campus can be busy, so allow extra time
- Limited helmets available if needed
- Dress in layers – it’s always “winter” inside!
See you on the ice!
Registration Update: New Software, Simple Process
Our recent software upgrade has streamlined the registration experience. Follow these easy steps to register:Registration Process:
- Click registration link
- Select “Log In” in upper right corner
- Create a new account (if necessary)
- Choose “Register” in upper left
- Select “Activity” from dropdown menu
- Filter by “Learn 2 Skate”
- Select your skill level
- Choose preferred day/time
- Click “Register” button
Key Registration Tips:
- Two-step process: Select class level, then day/time
- You can register multiple people in one session
Under the Direction of
Deana Sroka has been coaching figure skating for over 30 years. Sroka specializes in singles, moves in the field and hockey. Sroka spent 15 years training and competing under Carlo Fassi and is a two time adult National Championship competitor. Deana is the 2017 Eastern Masters Intermediate Novice Champion and the 2019 Silver Dance National Champion. Sroka, or Ms. Deana as our skaters call her looks forward to sharing her love of ice skating with all of our Learn To Skate Students.
Contact Deana



