Registration for September will open late July.

CANSKATE / PRE-CANSKATE / PARENT & TOT

Learn to Skate with CCSC!

Copper Cliff Skating Club (CCSC) is proud to offer Skate Canada’s flagship CanSkate programs. Led by NCCP-certified professional coaches, our group lessons are designed to be fun, safe, and highly rewarding as skaters progress through various skill stages.

We offer three distinct streams to match your skater's age, experience, and comfort level:

Pre-CanSkate (Ages 3 to 5)

Designed to introduce children with little to no experience to the joy of skating. We focus on getting young skaters comfortable in their skates and moving on the ice.

Age Requirement: Skaters must turn 3 before September 1 for the Fall session, or before January 1 for the Winter session.
Independence: Skaters must be ready to participate in group lessons on the ice without a parent or guardian.

CanSkate (Ages 5+)

Our core learn-to-skate program for older children. Skaters will develop fundamental movements (go forward, go backward, stop, turn, and jump) in a high-energy group environment.

Independence: Skaters are expected to participate fully in the session without a parent or guardian on the ice.

Adult & Tot (Ages 2 to 5 with an Adult)

The perfect option for young beginners who need a little extra confidence! This program allows one designated adult to accompany the skater on the ice during group lessons to provide hands-on support.

Double Registration: Both the skater and the adult are registered participants.
Adult Requirements: The accompanying adult must wear skates, be able to skate unassisted, and should be a confident skater.

Mandatory Safety Equipment

To keep everyone safe and smiling on the ice, we enforce the following safety guidelines:

Helmets: CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for all CanSkate participants (including all accompanying adults in the Adult & Tot program).
Support CCSC: Need a helmet? You can purchase one from your preferred vendor while supporting our club! Use our FlipGive passive fundraising link to make your purchase.
Apparel: Mittens or gloves are highly recommended for warmth, comfort, and protection.

CanSkate-progress-report-EN-gfzscv.pdf

Program Format and Coaching

Our CanSkate program runs for 10 weeks (non-contiguous). Lessons are delivered in a fun, group-based environment led by NCCP Certified Professional Coaches, who are supported on the ice by our trained Program Assistants.

Daily Session Schedule

Each session is carefully timed to maximize learning, safety, and fun:

First 5 minutes: Off-ice setup (no skaters on the ice yet).
Next 5 minutes: Large group warm-up on the ice, set to music.
Middle: Focused lesson time in designated small groups, divided by age and skating level.
Last 5 minutes: Large group cool-down on the ice, set to music.

Evaluation and Progress

Skaters are continuously evaluated by our coaches during the group lesson time. To celebrate their hard work and progress, every skater will receive a report card at the end of the 10-week program.

Required Equipment

To ensure safety and success on the ice, all skaters must have the following equipment:

1. CSA-Approved Hockey Helmet (Mandatory)

A CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory for all CanSkate participants. Please note the following strict safety guidelines:

Fit: The helmet must fit snugly. Both the helmet and the chin strap should be adjustable.
Hair: Hair should not be tied in a ponytail underneath the helmet, as this prevents a proper, safe fit.
No Stickers: Please do not apply stickers to the helmet, as the adhesive can degrade the protective plastic.
Face Masks: Face cages or masks are optional but highly recommended for first-time skaters. They can be removed once the skater is comfortable falling and controlling their balance.
Prohibited Helmets: Bike, ski, and other non-hockey helmets are not acceptable. Skaters will not be allowed on the ice without a proper CSA-approved hockey helmet.

2. Proper Skates

Skaters need properly fitting figure skates or hockey skates. Plastic or adjustable-size skates are highly discouraged as they do not provide adequate ankle support.

3. Layered Clothing

Dressing in warm, comfortable layers is the best way to stay warm while allowing easy movement.

4. Gloves or Mittens

Essential for keeping hands warm and protected.

5. Skate Guards

Required to protect skate blades when walking on concrete or non-ice surfaces off the ice.

Financial Assistance

We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn to skate. Families with low or fixed incomes may be eligible for financial support to cover some or all of the program fees through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program.

2025-2026 Season Information

PRE-CANSKATE

REGISTERATION will open late summer

STARTS September, 2026

10 weeks, non contiguous

Ages 3-5

25-26 Season Session Fees: $250*

Tentative SCHEDULE

Monday: 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.

Tom Davies Arena (Walden)†

CANSKATE

REGISTERATION will open late summer

STARTS September, 2026

10 weeks, non contiguous

Ages 5+

25-26 Season Session Fees: $250*

Tentative CHEDULE

2 sessions to choose from:

Monday: 6:45 - 7:30 p.m.

Tom Davies Arena (Walden)†

Friday: 6:15pm - 7:00 p.m.

McClelland Arena (Copper Cliff)

PARENT & TOT

REGISTERATION will open late summer

STARTS September, 2026

10 weeks, non contiguous

1 child + 1 designated adult

25-26 Season Session Fees: $310**

Tentative SCHEDULE

Sunday: 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

McClelland Arena (Copper Cliff)†

† Ice cancellations and reallocation ⛸️

Special events - such as hockey tournaments - affect regular ice allocations for all clubs and leagues in the City by disrupting schedules across all arenas. Our ability to reschedule this lost ice time is strictly limited to the times and locations offered by the City, which is managing ice for hundreds of stakeholders. CCSC’s priority is to select reallocation ice options that best suit the majority of our membership and our coaching availability from the limited options offered by the City. Refer to the posted monthly calendar and our Facebook Page frequently for updates. Please note that rescheduled sessions may not align with your regular day, time, or location. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

2025-2026 Fees

*Total fees include: