FAQs
How and when do I register?
Do you have an Open House?
As a parent, how do I learn and stay informed about NSS?
Do you offer any discounts?
What about scholarships and financial assistance?
Can I rent skates? Where can I purchase skates and skatewear?
What should I wear?
Can 3-year olds sign up for lessons?
Can my child wear hockey skates? What about double-runners (2-bladed skates)?
Can parents accompany children on the ice?
Should my beginning skater wear a helmet?
How big are your classes?
What should I expect?
Do you offer make-up classes or refunds?
Do you offer private lessons or extra practice?
How and when do I register?
You can NOW REGISTER for 2008-09 skating classes.
There are 3 ways to register:
- Register online (click here) Note: payment must be sent to our PO Box to complete registration.
- Come to our Open House/Registration: Sept 23, 5:30-7:30pm at the Northfield Armory
- Register by mail by downloading and printing a registration form (click here)
Returning skaters receive e-mail notification when registration begins each season. You can also find brochures at the Northfield Arena, at the Fall Youth Activities Fair (Aug 20), at the Northfield Community Action Center, and other Northfield locations.
To register online, fill out the online form and send payment to PO Box 145, Northfield MN 55057. We do not accept credit cards, but online registration saves time and paperwork. To register completely by mail, fill out a registration form and return it with payment to the address below.
Northfield Skating School
PO Box 145
Northfield, MN 55057
A $15 late fee applies to ALL registrations postmarked after the deadline, no exceptions. This includes online registrations for which payment has not been received by the deadline. Late registrations will only be considered if space permits.
Do you have an Open House?
Yes! Our Open House will take place at the Northfield Armory on Tues, 9/23 from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Join us in the lobby to meet staff memebrs, learn about our programs and the skating community, and browse photos of our classes in action.
As a parent, how do I learn and stay informed about NSS?
Come to our Parent Meeting. New parents are expected and returning parents are strongly encouraged to attend parent meetings. These Director-led pre-session meetings are designed to familiarize parents with our program, including our philosophy, new policies and classes. The Session 1 parent meeting will take place on October 14, 2008. a brief volunteer orientation follows each meeting. You can also check this website for updates throughout the off-season, or contact us directly with your questions.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes we do!
Group Lesson Discounts
Family Discount: $5 off additional family members with 1 full-cost registration
Multi-Session Discount: $5 off per skater if you register for both sessions before Oct 1
Note: additional discounts do not apply to specialized classes
What about scholarships and financial assistance?
Yes! As a member of the Northfield Youth Sports Collaborative in cooperation with the Community Action Center, the Northfield Skating School offers skating scholarships. Families requesting scholarships can list their CAC # in the designated space on the registration form to apply. Scholarships apply to group lessons only.
Can I rent skates? Where can I purchase skates and skatewear?
Skaters must provide their own skates. Skates are not available for rent or purchase at the Northfield Arena. New or used leather figure skates are strongly preferred over plastic skates or hockey skates. For more details on this policy, please see below or refer to the Parent and Skater Handbook.
Check out our Guide to Fitting Skates on the Skating Resources page before visiting a skate shop. When walking in skates all skaters should wear plastic skate guards to protect their blades. Cloth blade covers are recommended for storing and transporting skates. Remember to remove plastic skate guards and wipe your blades every time you take your skates off to prevent rust.
Skates and Skate Sharpening
Straight River Sports & Fitness
222 W Bridge St
Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 451-1666
new/used/seasonal rental skate
Champion Sports
407 Division St
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-8229
new/used skates
Pierce Skate and Ski
208 W 98th St
Bloomington, MN 55420
(952) 884-1990
new/used skate, apparel
Westwood Sports
9601 Garfield Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55420
(952) 881-2222
www.westwood2.com
new/used skates, apparel
Skate Clothing and Accessories
Downtown Dancewear
314 Division St
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 664-3890
dance/skating apparel & accessories, including:
GK Skateware: Jackets, Pants and skirts
Blade Covers, Skate laces, Mittens, Skate Bags
GK & Danskin Footed and Over the Boot Tights
Skate related gifts
The Line Up
7121 Washington Ave S
Edina, MN 55439
(952) 829-7819
apparel & accessories
Jump ‘N Style
8220 Commonwealth Drive #103
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 944-5661
www.jumpnstyleskatewear.com
apparel & accessories
What should I wear?
No particular skating wear is required, just be sure you are warm, comfortable, and free to move. We recommend layering your clothing with a jacket on top. As you get warm, you may wish to discard a layer. We suggest close-fitting but not tight pants. Sweatpants or warm-up pants are ideal. Your feet will feel best if you wear one pair of lightweight socks or tights. Bulky or thick socks may limit the support provided by your skates, create blisters, and create “bumps” inside your boots, making them uncomfortable. Remember gloves or mittens! Learning to fall is an important part of skating, and your hands will feel much better if you are wearing gloves or mittens. Long hair should be pulled back and pants should not drag below your boot. Don’t forget skate guards for your blades.
Can 3-year olds sign up for lessons?
No, they will have to wait just 1 more season. We have a strict 4+ age policy and we do not make enrollment exceptions for children younger than four as of the registration deadline. In our experience, making exceptions to this policy has not been conducive to the child’s learning or enjoyment of skating. Younger children are welcome to observe lessons but they will have to wait until they turn 4 to sign up.
Can my child wear hockey skates? What about double-runners (2-bladed skates)?
Double runners are not permitted. Hockey skates are strongly discouraged above Basic 2. Differences in the structure and blades of figure skates and hockey skates will hinder skill learning for skaters with hockey skates as they progress through our curriculum. Leather figure skating boots are strongly recommended and they will maximize your child’s learning in our classes.
Can parents accompany children on the ice?
No. Parents may only enter the ice surface if they are enrolled in an adult class and have a scheduled lesson or practice. We understand that stepping on the ice for the first time can be an intimidating experience for children, however, we must ask that parents do not enter the ice surface under any condition during lessons or practice. No one is permitted on the ice without skates at any time.
Should my beginning skater wear a helmet?
Helmets are recommended for skaters 6 years old and younger and for any skaters who feel more comfortable wearing one. When purchasing a helmet, make sure it has a snug fit and can not slip down to cover the skater’s eyes. Please avoid helmets with pointed backs. Helmets are not available at the arena.
How big are your classes?
During the 07-08 season, our classes ranged from 5 - 12 skaters. Larger classes are taught by at least two instructors. Beginner classes are typically a bit larger than more advanced classes.
What should I expect?
Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your lessons:
- Be on the ice on time!! Plan to arrive to the rink at least 15 minutes before your scheduled lesson/practice time, and earlier for Lesson 1. Preparing for the ice (especially the first time) often takes longer than you expect.
- Listen attentively. Try the skill, try it again, ask a question if you don’t understand, and try it again. Your instructor should be able to show you the skill, break it down into simple steps, and offer a few suggestions for quick mastery.
- Be a courteous skater, watch where you are going, and always skate in control.
- Be prepared for your lesson with the correct fitting skates, warm attire and gloves or mittens.
- Relax, smile, and have fun!
Do you offer make-up lessons or refunds?
No. Due to limited ice availability in Northfield, we do not provide make-up classes for missed lessons or evalautions. Refunds are granted for medical purposes only and require a signed notice from a medical provider. Medical refunds are pro-rated for remaining lessons minus the US Figure Skating registration fee.
Do you offer private lessons or extra practice?
At this time, due to limited ice availability we are unable to offer private lessons or extra practice as part of the Norhfield Skating School’s program offerings. However, we are eager to offer both, and with a new arena in Northfield (see Ice Now’s website), these are our first priorities for expansion. Currently, a limited number of NSS coaches may be available to teach private lessons on the public ice that takes place from 12-1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the skating season. In addition, skaters Basic 4 and higher may be eligible to join NSS coaches in Farmington or Lakeville for weekly private lessons. Please note that skaters who arrange to take private lessons from an NSS coach at any time must also be enrolled in the current session of NSS group lessons. Please contact Carey if you are interested in private lessons.
For additional questions in English or Spanish, please contact us!
