program overview
At Smoky Mountain Skating Academy, we believe great hockey starts with great skating. Hockey 101 is designed for new skaters ages 6-14 who are eager to explore the sport of hockey. This multi-level course develops essential hockey skating techniques that set young players up for long-term success. In short, this program serves as a precursor to Learn to Play.
Younger skaters ages 4–5 are welcome to enroll after first completing Snowplow Sam Levels 1–3 in Learn to Skate USA.
🗓️ 2026 Semester Schedule
Summer 1: May 19 - June 14, 2026 (4 Weeks)
Summer 2: June 23 - July 19, 2026 (4 Weeks)
Our class structure follows the guidelines and curriculum set forth by Learn to Skate USA, a nationally recognized program endorsed by USA Hockey.
How it Works
✌️ Skate twice per week
Our 8-week semesters (4 weeks in Summer) include one 60-minute class per week, plus 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 extra cost. Skaters may also use this time independently for additional practice or booster lessons. Class sessions include 30 minutes of group instruction and 30 minutes of independent practice.
🗓️ Pick your class day
Choose one day from our flexible class times. Skaters should attend class on the same day each week.
Tuesdays: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Thursdays: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sundays: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
↗️ learn, progress, advance
Inside our multi-level program, skaters continue building their skills semester after semester as they advance through a series of levels: Hockey 1–4, followed by Power Skate. Skaters will receive a formal assessment each semester during their final class to track progress.
smoky mountain skating academy
why group instruction?
Our group classes are designed to provide the perfect introduction to skating. Using Learn to Skate USA's nationally recognized curriculum, skaters learn essential skills in a fun, encouraging environment while progressing with peers at a similar level.
Group instruction offers exceptional value by combining professional coaching, structured skill development, and practice time at a fraction of the cost of private lessons—making it the ideal first step for most new skaters.
what you'll learn
Hockey success begins with mastering the fundamentals. By concentrating on skating skills, participants develop the agility and control needed to thrive in future hockey programs.
⚖️ Proper stance & balance
🔁 Forward & Backward Skating
↩️ Edge Work & crossovers
🚦 Controlled stops & starts
⚡ Speed & acceleration
💪 Power Skating
🏁 Mobility & coordination
🥇 Discipline & Goal Setting
🙌 Confidence On the Ice
come skate with us!
We’re always excited to welcome new participants and those returning for more fun-filled instruction and activities. Register now to secure your spot in our next semester.
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).
We offer a discount of $15.00 to families who enroll in our Learn to Skate program together. This discount is automatically applied at checkout when more than one Learn to Skate enrollment is added to your cart. Valid once per semester for immediate family members only. Not valid for Learn to Play participants enrolled through our add-on program or Aspire programs.
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.
included in your registration:
Free Rental Skates
8 Weeks of Group Classes
Weekly Family Skate
Learn to Skate USA Certified Instruction
$220.00*
*Participation requires an active Learn to Skate USA membership. First-time participants will incur a one-time membership fee of $21 when registering. SMSA will provide instructions for renewing your membership annually.
check out our other programs
Find the SMSA curriculum that's right for you.
Learn to Skate USA is a nationally recognized program endorsed by 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).
We offer a $15 discount to immediate family members who enroll in our program together. Please follow the instructions in our registration form to apply the discount at checkout.
If a skater is absent for one of their regularly scheduled classes, they may attend class on another day at any time during the semester to "make up" the missed lesson. Please note make-up classes should first be approved by the Learn to Skate Director to ensure we can accommodate you!
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