PG Blizzard offers programs for skaters of all ages. Brand new and seasoned skaters alike can find a great program with us!
Learn to Skate
Learn to Skate is a 10 session introductory program offered to skaters of all ages. The cost includes short track speed skate rentals and all required safety equipment. Skaters are only required to bring their own helmet. Please refer to our equipment page for more information.
Learn to Skate (Child): $175
Learn to Skate (Adult): $175
We also offer Learn to Long Track and Learn to Skate Faster classes for adults for $75. This does not include long track skate rentals. Please contact the Prince George Outdoor Ice Oval at outdoorovalpg@gmail.com for rentals.
Learn to Skate (Child): $175
Learn to Skate (Adult): $175
We also offer Learn to Long Track and Learn to Skate Faster classes for adults for $75. This does not include long track skate rentals. Please contact the Prince George Outdoor Ice Oval at outdoorovalpg@gmail.com for rentals.
FUNdamentals
FUNdamentals is offered to children ages 6 - 9.
Skaters in this group build confidence on the ice as they develop their social skills, emotional control, and skating fundamentals through drills, games, and relays. As skaters continue to acquire the basic skills, coaches continue to develop athletes’ agility, balance, coordination, and speed. Beginning skaters who are able to do cross-overs around the corners quickly build their other skating skills as they gain the confidence to go faster.
FUNdamental group Blizzard skaters are encouraged to participate in club-based races hosted in Prince George and the surrounding area!
Skaters in this group build confidence on the ice as they develop their social skills, emotional control, and skating fundamentals through drills, games, and relays. As skaters continue to acquire the basic skills, coaches continue to develop athletes’ agility, balance, coordination, and speed. Beginning skaters who are able to do cross-overs around the corners quickly build their other skating skills as they gain the confidence to go faster.
FUNdamental group Blizzard skaters are encouraged to participate in club-based races hosted in Prince George and the surrounding area!
Novice
The Novice program is offered to children ages 10 - 13.
PG Blizzard skaters who have mastered the FUNdamentals continue to develop their skating skills as they move into the Novice group. Novice skaters spend more time on ice each week and have a more structured skating program. The Novice stage is considered to be the most important stage in athlete development, as this is where sport specific skills (technique) are developed and athletes begin to compete at a higher level than in the FUNdamental group. While competition is important in the development of all athletes, the focus of the Novice group continues to be on athlete development, skill acquisition, and most importantly: fun!
PG Blizzard skaters who have mastered the FUNdamentals continue to develop their skating skills as they move into the Novice group. Novice skaters spend more time on ice each week and have a more structured skating program. The Novice stage is considered to be the most important stage in athlete development, as this is where sport specific skills (technique) are developed and athletes begin to compete at a higher level than in the FUNdamental group. While competition is important in the development of all athletes, the focus of the Novice group continues to be on athlete development, skill acquisition, and most importantly: fun!
Advanced
The Advanced program is offered to children and young adults ages 12 - 20.
These athletes have become serious about their sport and practice and compete at high intensity throughout the year. In the Advanced program, these are our fastest and most developed skaters. The Advanced group spends more time on the ice and more time doing off ice conditioning, flexibility, and strength exercises.
When available, some of these athletes also volunteer their time helping coach the Learn to Skate and FUNdamentals programs.
These athletes have become serious about their sport and practice and compete at high intensity throughout the year. In the Advanced program, these are our fastest and most developed skaters. The Advanced group spends more time on the ice and more time doing off ice conditioning, flexibility, and strength exercises.
When available, some of these athletes also volunteer their time helping coach the Learn to Skate and FUNdamentals programs.
Masters
The Masters program is offered to anyone age 18 and up.
This group is the “participant” in the Long Term Participant and Athlete Development model, and fits the Active for Life (A4L) component of the model. It is the goal of the PGBSSC to encourage everyone, including athletes, officials, volunteers, coaches, and administrators, to enjoy lifelong participation in the sport of speed skating. Traditionally, this group has been composed of our adult skaters who enjoy the exercise and camaraderie of the sport (some even compete!) Everyone is welcome to join – no experience necessary!
This group is the “participant” in the Long Term Participant and Athlete Development model, and fits the Active for Life (A4L) component of the model. It is the goal of the PGBSSC to encourage everyone, including athletes, officials, volunteers, coaches, and administrators, to enjoy lifelong participation in the sport of speed skating. Traditionally, this group has been composed of our adult skaters who enjoy the exercise and camaraderie of the sport (some even compete!) Everyone is welcome to join – no experience necessary!
Note - Skaters hoping to compete may find themselves sorted into categories that look slightly different from PG Blizzard programs. If you want to compete, please refer to the Speed Skating BC info-graphic below to ensure you know which category you will be in!
