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
Spring: March 17 - May 10, 2026 (No Classes April 5-9)
Spring/Summer: May 19 - July 14, 2026
Summer: July 14 - September 8, 2026
Our class structure follows the guidelines and curriculum set forth by Learn to Skate USA, a nationally recognized program endorsed by USA Hockey.
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 & quick starts
💪 Power Skating
🏒 Basic Stick Handling
🏁 Mobility & coordination
🥇 Discipline & Goal Setting
🙌 Confidence On the Ice
How it Works
✌️ Skate twice per week
Our 8-week semesters 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 at no extra cost. Class sessions include 30 minutes of group instruction and 30 minutes of independent practice time.
🗓️ Pick your class day
Choose one day from our flexible class times. Skaters should attend class on the same day each week.
Tuesday Evenings: 6 PM – 7 PM
Thursday Evenings: 6 PM – 7 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 Week 8 class to track progress.
Join Hockey 101
We’re always excited to welcome new Hockey 101 participants and those returning for more fun-filled instruction and activities. Register now to secure your spot in our next 8-week semester.
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 $10 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!
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 $10 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!
skate with us
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