At the Oval

1. Learning the Basics

  • Snowplow Sam / Levels 1-3
    Beginner
    3-5 years olds (recommended)
    Snowplow Sam is a big, fuzzy, bear who loves to skate. The three levels of Snowplow Sam are designed to help preschool-aged kids develop the coordination and strength to maneuver on skates.
    ...
    ng>Snowplow Sam 1 Sit and stand up with skates on – off Ice Sit and stand up – on Ice March in place March forward – 8–10 steps March, then glide on two feet Dip in place Snowplow Sam 2 March followed by a long glide Dip while moving Backward wiggles – six in a row Forward two-foot swizzles – 2-3 in a row Rocking horse – one forward, one backward swizzle action Two-foot hop in place Snowplow Sam 3 Forward skating – 8–10 steps Forward one-foot glide – R and L Forward swizzles – 4–6 in a row Backward swizzles – 4–6 in a row Forward snowplow stop with skid Curves Snowplow Sam is the best way to help little kids become little skaters. After completion of Snowplow Sam 3, skaters will advance to either Basic 1 or Basic 2 per instructor recommendation.
  • Parent & Tot
    Beginner
    3-5 years old with a parent
    Parent & Tot is a great way for a parent and their 3-5 year old child learn to ice skate together. Skill levels taught include Snowplow Sam 1-3 & Adult 1-2. Registration for both indivi
    ...
    duals is required.
  • Basic Eights Levels 1-4
    Beginner
    6 - 15 years old
    Comprised of eight levels, the "Basic Skills” are the fundamentals of the sport. Our Basic Eights - Levels 1-4 program focuses on the first four levels to build the fundamental moves of the sp
    ...
    ort - forward and backward skating, stops, turns, and forward crossovers. Basic 1 – sit and stand up on ice, march forward, forward two foot glide, dip, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, beginning one or two foot snowplow stop with slight skid, rocking horse, two foot hop in place. Basic 2 – forward one foot glides, backward two foot glides, backward swizzles, forward to backward two foot turn in place, moving snowplow stop, forward alternating 1⁄2 swizzle pumps in straight line – slalom like pattern. Basic 3 – forward stroking, forward 1⁄2 swizzle pumps, moving forward to backward two foot turn, backward one foot glides, forward slalom, two foot spin. Basic 4 – forward outside & inside edges on a circle, forward crossovers, forward outside three-turn, backward 1⁄2 swizzle pumps on a circle, backward stroking, backward snowplow stop. Upon completion of Basic 4 level, skaters move to the Bridge Program to finish Basic 5-8 and Free Skate Levels 1-6.
  • Basics for Adults / Levels 1-4
    Beginner
    15+ years old
    Designed for the beginner adult skater, this program is divided into four levels to allow skaters to progress at an individual rate while being challenged and motivated. This is an exciting program f
    ...
    or people who look to skating as an enjoyable part of a fit and healthy lifestyle. Curriculum includes: Adult 1: falling and recovery, forward strides and gliding, forward swizzles, backward skating, backward swizzles, forward one-foot glides, two-foot turns in place, snowplow stops, forward curves on two feet, forward half swizzle pumps on a circle Adult 2: forward stroking, backward half swizzle pumps on a circle, moving two-foot turns on a curve, forward edges on a circle, forward crossovers, backward one-foot glide, forward pivot, forward chasses on a circle Adult 3: backward edges on a circle, backward crossovers, Inside Mohawk, basic forward outside and forward inside consecutive edges, backward snowplow stops, forward progressives, beginning two-foot spin Adult 4: forward three turns, perimeter stroking with crossover end patterns, forward outside to inside change of edge sequence, alternate backward crossovers with two-foot transition, power three-turns, backward chasses on a circle, footwork sequence, forward crossovers to an inside Mohawk, 3-5 backward crossovers, step forward inside the circle and repeat Upon completion of Adult 4 level, skaters move to the Bridge Program to finish Basic 5-8 and Free Skate 1-6.
At the Oval

2. Developing & Advancing

  • Power Skating
    Power skating is an absolute must if you want to become a stronger and faster skater, and improve your jump height and overall athletic endurance. Each class consists of 45-minutes group instr
    ...
    uction. You must be able to do forward and backward crossovers. Hockey skaters welcome! POWER SKATING CLINIC Power packed high-energy clinic Qualified and motivating instructors Technical evaluations on-going Stay competitive, be your best Nothing great comes without effort
  • Basic Eights Levels 5-8
    This program is designed for skaters advancing from Basic Skills for Beginners. The advanced bridge program helps guide skaters in their transition into U.S. Figure Skating competitive training and p
    ...
    rivate lessons. Pre-requisite is Basic 4 or Adult 4. Most classes are taught by Oval Staff Professionals and include a 15 minute on-ice warm-up, a 30 minute on-ice group lesson and a Freestyle session after most classes. Curriculum includes: Skating Skills & Introductory Moves in the Field Freestyle Session Etiquette Proper Warm-Up, Cool-Down & Stretching Techniques Strength & Conditioning Nutrition & Equipment U.S. Figure Skating - Testing, Competing, Club Membership After completion of Basic 8, skaters go to Free Skate 1 - 6.
  • Free Skate / Levels 1-6
    Designed for skaters advancing from the Basic 8's Part II (Basic 8) The Free Skate levels are designed to give skaters a strong foundation on which to build their skills. This is the point where
    ...
    the skater can choose whether to pursue a recreational or competitive approach to the sport of figure skating. Most classes are taught by Oval Staff Professionals and include a 15 minute on-ice warm-up, a 30 minute on-ice group lesson and a Freestyle session after most classes. Curriculum includes: Skating Skills & Introductory Moves in the Field Freestyle Session Etiquette Proper Warm-Up, Cool-Down & Stretching Techniques Strength & Conditioning Nutrition & Equipment U.S. Figure Skating - Testing, Competing, Club Membership When skaters advance from the Bridge Program at Free Skate level 6, they have a strong foundation on which to build – showing good use of edges, with all basic skills mastered, all basic spin positions acquired, and all single jumps learned. In addition to their strong skating skills, our graduates also have a good understanding of figure skating testing, competing and much more. These skaters are now ready for that next step into private lessons!
At the Oval

3. For Recreation & Practice

  • *** 2013 Figure Skating Camp Schedule TBA ***
    The Utah Olympic Oval Summer Figure Skating Camp is open to skaters who have passed a minimum of the level 1 test in Basic Skills through the Senior test levels. Skaters will be grouped according to t
    ...
    heir test levels for all clinics. Join us for a fun and exciting week of on and off-ice clinics designed to help all levels of skaters reach a higher level of personal performance through education, training, and self-discipline.
  • Oval Figure Skating Club
    The Oval Figure Skating Club is for having more fun, making new friends & getting involved! Skaters must be Full Club Members of a U.S. Figure Skating Member Club to be eligible to take offi
    ...
    cial U.S. Figure Skating tests and compete in U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned competitions higher than the Basic Skills levels. There are many benefits to joining, whether testing & competing, or not. Club members develop lasting friendships and camaraderie. Members participate in club activities and club ice time reserved just for them. Members perform in shows, recitals and exhibitions representing their Club. Oval FSC members and board of directors strive to maintain a positive atmosphere and provide opportunity to our skaters through many volunteer hours by parents, skaters and coaches dedicated to making a difference.
  • Private Lessons
    Figure skating is best developed through private lessons. So, if you or your child is really interested in mastering figure skating; becoming a competitive figure skater or simply want to improve upo
    ...
    n your skills and work on specific elements, then private lessons may be for you. The Utah Olympic Oval maintains a staff of talented and dedicated Figure Skating Staff Professionals (“Coaches”). Our Coaches are U.S. Figure Skating Registered Coaches and are qualified to teach various disciplines of Figure Skating to all levels from the beginner just starting Basic Skills through the advanced levels in Moves in the Field, Freestyle, Ice Dancing, and Pair Skating. Benefits of taking private lessons: One on one instruction allows for more rapid progression. Personalized training meets individual skaters’ needs. Supplements group lessons by allowing focus on skills needing attention. Coaches prepare skaters for Competitions, Tests and Special Events such as Ice Shows and Exhibitions. How to choose a Coach: Read the profiles and qualifications for each coach. Observe the coaches at work. Watch them teach and take note of the qualities and teaching techniques that you like. This is a good way to determine which coach will work best with you and your child. Speak with the coaches directly regarding their teaching philosophy, training methods and views on competing. How do I set up private lessons? Speak with the coach directly to arrange private lessons – or Contact the skating coordinator to be matched up with a coach who will then contact you directly. Things to remember… Skaters of all ages can begin private lessons, even if they have not completed all of the classes in the Learn to Skate Program. Ice time and rental skates (if needed) are paid through guest services at the arena. Private lesson fees are paid directly to your coach.
  • Freestyle Sessions
    Freestyle sessions are offered for figure skaters interested in private instruction and open ice time for practice. These sessions allow figure skaters to execute advanced figure skating maneuv
    ...
    ers including test patterns, jumps, spins, spirals, etc. Skaters may perform their skating routines to recorded program music. These sessions are open to pre-preliminary or higher figure skaters, basic 4 or higher Learn to Skate students, and students of any level who are in a private lesson with their coach.