Skating Programs

Learn the basics or enhance your skills, Richmond Hill has a wide variety of skating programs for people of all levels and ages. View the program descriptions for more detailed information about each level and view the placement chart to determine which level your child should be registered in.

Our programs include:

Not ready for an entire session? Drop in for recreational skating or a game of shinny.

Program Registration

You can view all our programs that require registration by visiting our Registered Recreation Programs page.

Browse skating programs and register today!

Registration Information

How to Register:

Registering for programs has never been easier with our recreation registration software ActiveRH.

Step 1: Create your personalized ActiveRH account.

Step 2: Find your programs and create a wish list of your top choices.

Step 3: Login to ActiveRH on registration day, register for your selected programs and check out.

Note: Registrations will be accepted until the start of the third class. After the third class has begun, new registrations or transfers are not permitted.

Skating Lessons Descriptions - NEW this Fall!

Children's Skating Programs

Skating Level Placement Chart

Program Name	Ages	Description
Learn To Skate – Level 1	3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 12-17	Get started on the ice! This introductory program helps children learn to stand, balance, and move on the ice while building confidence and independence. Through fun and engaging activities, skaters develop basic skating skills in a supportive environment. Designed for beginners with no prior instruction. Snow pants and gloves are strongly recommended. Ice Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory.
Learn To Skate – Level 2	3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 12-17	Building confidence on the ice! Children continue developing skating skills through fun activities that improve balance, coordination, and overall confidence. Skaters practice gliding, forward skating, stopping, and basic turns while gaining independence on the ice. Designed for those who have completed Learn To Skate - Level 1 or equivalent skating ability. Snow pants and gloves are strongly recommended. Ice Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate - Level 1 or equivalent.
Learn To Skate – Level 3	3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 12-17	Taking the next stride! This program strengthens fundamental skating skills including forward stride development, stopping techniques, turning, and introductory backward skating. Designed for those who have completed Learn To Skate - Level 2 or equivalent skating ability. Snow pants and gloves are strongly recommended. Ice Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate - Level 2 or equivalent.
Advanced Skating – Level 1	7 to 12	This program introduces figure skating fundamentals for skaters who have completed Learn To Skate - Level 3 or equivalent skating ability. Participants will develop forward and backward crosscuts while improving balance, speed, agility, edges, and overall control through structured instruction and skill-building activities. Figure skates are strongly recommended. Ice Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate – Level 3 or equivalent.
Advanced Skating – Level 2	7 to 12	Designed for skaters who have completed Advanced Skating – Level 1 or equivalent skating ability, this program further refines edges, turns, speed, and skating technique. Instruction focuses on control, confidence, and continued skill development. Figure Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Advanced Skating – Level 1 or equivalent.

Hockey Programs

Program Name	Ages	Description
Hockey Skills – Level 1	6 to 12	Start your hockey journey! This introductory hockey program is designed for children with prior skating experience. Participants learn foundational hockey skills including skating, puck control, passing, and shooting through fun and engaging drills in a supportive environment. Full hockey equipment, ice skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate – Level 3 or equivalent.
Hockey Skills – Level 2	7 to 12	Sharpen your skills! Children with basic hockey and skating experience continue developing core skills through structured drills focused on skating technique, puck control, passing, shooting, balance, and agility. Emphasis is placed on skill development, confidence, and teamwork in a positive environment. Full hockey equipment, ice skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Hockey Skills – Level 1 or equivalent.
Hockey Skills – Level 3	7 to 12	Designed for children ready to advance their hockey development beyond the fundamentals. This program emphasizes game-speed execution, quick decision-making, and advanced skill application through challenging, progressive drills in a positive environment. Full hockey equipment, ice skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Hockey Skills – Level 2 or equivalent.
Power Skating – Level 1	6 to 12	Want to skate faster on the ice? This program introduces participants to the fundamentals of power skating through fun and engaging drills focused on improving speed, balance, endurance, agility, and overall skating technique in a non-competitive environment. Full hockey equipment is strongly recommended. Ice skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate - Level 3 or equivalent.
Power Skating – Level 2	7 to 12	Note: This program is for current Hockey and Ringette Players Build stronger speed and skating technique! This program focuses on improving stride development, speed, balance, agility, and overall skating efficiency through progressive drills and skill-building activities. Full hockey equipment, ice skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Power Skating – Level 1 or equivalent.
Power Skating – Level 3	7 to 12	Note: This program is for current Hockey and Ringette Players Take skating performance further! This program develops advanced speed, edge control, agility, and stride efficiency through high-intensity progressive drills. Participants will refine skating mechanics, transitions, and control at game speed in a structured, non-competitive environment. Full hockey equipment, ice skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory. Prerequisite: Power Skating – Level 2 or equivalent.

Adult Skating Programs

Program Name	Ages	Description
Adult - Learn To Skate – Level 1	16+	Discover the fun of skating! In this beginner skating program, participants will learn fundamental skating skills, including stopping, starting, and gliding, while becoming comfortable and balanced on the ice. No prior skating experience is required. Ice Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets are mandatory.
Adult - Learn To Skate – Level 2	16+	Learn to do more on the ice! This intermediate skating program helps participants build on their foundational skating skills while learning new techniques to improve balance, control, and overall skating ability. Ice Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets are mandatory. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate – Level 1 or equivalent.
Adult - Learn To Skate – Level 3	16+	Sharpen your skating skills! This program focuses on improving balance, control, stopping, turning, and backward skating while introducing more advanced skating skills and techniques. Ice Skates and CSA-approved ice hockey helmets are mandatory. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate – Level 2 or equivalent.

Family Skating Programs

Program Name	Ages	Description
Learn To Skate – Family – Level 1	3+	Enjoy skating fun together as a family! This beginner program introduces the basics of skating in a fun and supportive environment. Lessons focus on building comfort, balance, and confidence on the ice while adapting to the needs of each family member. The fee is per person, and children must be accompanied by an adult. A maximum of two children per adult is permitted. CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory for all participants 16 years of age. CSA-approved ice hockey helmets mandatory for all participants under 16 years of age and over. Ice Skates are mandatory for all participants.
Learn To Skate – Family – Level 2	3+	Continue building skating skills together as a family! This instructional program is designed for participants who are comfortable moving independently on the ice and are ready to further develop balance, coordination, stopping, turning, and forward skating skills in a fun and supportive environment. The fee is per person, and children must be accompanied by an adult. A maximum of two children per adult is permitted. Participants must have completed Learn To Skate – Level 1 or equivalent skating ability. CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory for all participants 16 years of age. CSA-approved ice hockey helmets mandatory for all participants under 16 years of age and over. Ice Skates are mandatory for all participants. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate - Family - Level 1 or equivalent.
Learn To Skate – Family – Level 3	3+	Take your family skating skills to the next level! This program is designed for families who have completed Learn To Skate – Level 2 or equivalent skating ability and are ready to continue improving their skills together. Participants focus on stride development, stopping, turning, backward skating, and improving balance through engaging instruction and activities. The fee is per person, and children must be accompanied by an adult. A maximum of two children per adult is permitted. CSA-approved ice hockey helmets with protective cage facemasks are mandatory for all participants 16 years of age. CSA-approved ice hockey helmets mandatory for all participants under 16 years of age and over. Ice Skates are mandatory for all participants. Prerequisite: Learn To Skate - Level 2 or equivalent.

Wait Lists

If your preferred program is full, simply add yourself to the waitlist. Our new Automatic Waitlist feature will notify you by email as soon as a spot becomes available (make sure your ActiveRH account has a valid email address). You’ll have a limited time to claim your spot, so be sure to act quickly.

Joining the waitlist helps us identify demand for programs and when possible, we use this information to create additional courses.

Program Cancellations

Program cancellations may occur due to low enrollment. Participants will be contacted prior to the lesson start date if their program is cancelled.

Withdrawl Policy

Program Withdrawal

Can't participate in a registered program anymore? Transfers and Withdrawals can be completed online at RichmondHill.ca/ActiveRH or through written form.

Visit RichmondHill.ca/ActiveRH and Log in with your email address and password.
View Account History and use the Transfer or Withdraw buttons to manage your current enrollments.
If you are eligible for a refund, select refund to credit card. Or, select refund to account for future enrollments. Note: Refunds to account are final.

Or fill out the Withdrawal Request Form and email the completed form to our Recreation Department.

If applicable, please allow 2 to 4 weeks for refund processing. Submission of a form does not guarantee that a refund will be issued, and non-attendance at a program does not constitute a notice of withdrawal. Withdrawal requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Withdrawal Request Form. Requests to “Refund to Account” are final.

Program Transfer Policy

Transfer requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Transfer Request Form. Transfers will be processed according to the criteria outlined below, provided that there is space available in the requested activity.

Situation	Action
If you withdraw less than 5 business days prior to the course start date for Summer Camps, Winter Break Camps, March Break Camps, School Holiday Programs, Aquatic Leadership Courses or one-day workshops...	No credit or refund will be issued.
If you withdraw from the courses not listed above using ActiveRH 2 or more business days prior to the course start date…	You will receive a full credit or refund as requested.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form 2 or more business days prior to the course start date…	You will receive a full credit or refund as requested.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form less than 2 business days prior to the course start date…	You will receive a full credit on your account for future use. If you request a refund, you will receive a full refund less a $15 administration fee.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form on or after the first day and up to one business day prior to the third day of the course…	You will receive a pro-rated credit or refund for any classes remaining as of the date the Refund Request Form is received, less a $15 administration fee.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form on or after the third day of the course or after the program has ended…	No credit or refund will be issued.
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form accompanied by a doctor’s note indicating that the participant can no longer attend due to medical reasons…	You will receive a pro-rated credit for any classes remaining as of the date the Withdrawal Request Form and doctor’s note are received.
If we cancel your program …	You will receive a full credit or refund as requested.
If the participant is withdrawn by our staff due to program incompatibility...	You will receive a prorated credit for any classes remaining as of the date of withdrawal.
If we receive your Transfer Request Form less than 5 business days prior to the course start date for Winter Break Camps, March Break Camps, School Holiday Programs, Summer Camps, Aquatic Leadership Courses, or one-day workshops...	No credit or refund will be issued.
If we receive your Transfer Request Form prior to the course start date...	You will receive a full credit for the course transferred out of.
If we receive your Transfer Request Form up to and including the second day of the course (third class for swimming lessons)...	You will receive a prorated credit for the course transferred out of. You will not receive a credit for the class that takes place on the day we receive your Transfer Request Form.

Skating Lesson Guidelines

All participants must wear a CSA-approved ice-hockey helmet in registered skating lessons. Ski and bicycle helmets are not allowed. Children under 16 years of age must also wear a protective cage/facemask.
Full Hockey equipment is required for all hockey programs including neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, jock/jill, hockey pants, shin pads, hockey jersey, hockey socks, CSA-approved hockey helmet with protective cage facemask, hockey skates, and hockey stick.
Failure to wear proper equipment will result in non-participation, refunds will not be issued.
Parents/guardians must remain in the building in the designated area for the duration of the lesson. In/out access will not be permitted.

Required Equipment for Skating Programs Required Equipment for Hockey Programs

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City of Richmond Hill