things to know before you go
🕐 Arrival & Check in
Please arrive 15-20 minutes ahead of your class start time. Check in at the registration table to collect your name tag, pick up rental skates at the counter, and locate your class color, which indicates where each class will meet on the ice. Snowplow Sam and Basic 1 skaters will meet off-ice first. Be sure to arrive only on your scheduled class day and time.
⛸️ rental Skates
Rental skates are included with our Learn to Skate and Hockey 101 programs. If you've never laced a pair of skates before, we recommend watching the short video tutorial above to prevent discomfort or injury. Properly tied skates support the foot and ankle, and are vital to a skater's success on the ice.
If you own a personal pair of skates to use, skate sharpening is available at Cool Sports. Check the front desk for more information. Please, no double-blade skates.
🧤 What to Wear
Clothing: Comfort and the ability to move freely is a must for new skaters. Plenty of layers along with a jacket should be worn. Sweatpants, leggings, or warm pants are better than bulky snow pants that can make it tough for the skater to bend their knees. The temperature inside the ice rink will be 55-65° F.
Gloves & Socks: Gloves help skaters stay warm and protect their hands as they learn to fall and get back up. Wear one pair of lightweight socks or thin tights. Thick socks reduce support and can cause blisters or discomfort inside the boot.
Helmets: All beginners are required to wear helmets (Snowplow Sam 1-4, Basic 1, and Hockey 1). Bike or Skateboard helmets work great! Helmets will not by provided by Cool Sports or SMSA.
👀 For Parents
Unless participating in a class of their own, Parents/Guardians are not permitted to spectate on the ice, in rink doorways, or in the players' boxes. These boundaries allow skaters to stay focused and get the most out of class without distractions. Please observe classes from the bleachers or behind the glass. We appreciate your understanding and respect.
On-ice Safety tips
All skaters are expected to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of other students around them. Skaters should...
↕️ Maintain a smart, safe distance from other skaters
🛑 Stay close to the wall to wait for help and instructions
⚠️ Maintain a safe speed
👩🏫 Stay with the class and instructor in their designated class area
🧶 Ensure loose clothing or Skate Laces are Secured
🙂 Be Patient and Polite
booster lessons & make-up Classes
Get Personalized Support with Booster Lessons
Designed to give skaters a “boost” with one-on-one instruction outside of class, private lessons are available by appointment during weekly Family Skate. You may speak directly to a coach of your choosing about scheduling a lesson, or contact us to be paired with an available coach. You'll pay your private coach directly and the cost for a 30-minute lesson may vary depending on coach experience.
Missed Class Policy
Participants are expected to attend the same class each week. If a skater is absent, one make-up class may be permitted during the current semester with prior approval from the Skating Director, subject to space and availability. Make-up classes do not carry over to future semesters.
FAQ
Learn to Skate USA is a nationally recognized program endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey, with standardized curriculum, insurance coverage, and official participation tracking. The annual membership connects each skater to the national Learn to Skate system and participation in our program requires an active Learn to Skate USA membership ($21 annually). Please contact us with any questions about your membership.
Enrolled participants gain access to our weekly Family Skate, where families are invited to join their skaters on the ice for an hour of practice time at no additional cost. Skaters may also use this time independently for additional practice or booster lessons. Please find additional details here.
Returning skaters should refer to the emailed certificate from their previous semester completed and select the corresponding class level during registration. First-time participants should choose from one of the class types below based on their age group and skating goals. Select this class level during registration. Please contact us for additional assistance.
-
Snowplow Sam 1: Open to young skaters ages 3-5. Skaters will focus on balance and having fun on the ice.
-
Basic 1: Designed for beginner skaters ages 6-14. Skaters will learn to skate forwards, backwards, and how to stop.
-
Hockey 1: For beginner skaters ages 6-14 that are eager to explore the sport of hockey.
-
Adult/Teen 1: This class covers skills similar to Basic 1, but is designed for new skaters ages 15+.
-
skate with us
get help
With support from
© 2026 Smoky Mountain Skating Academy. All Rights Reserved.