Q: I want to learn to skate! How can I sign up?
A: Welcome to the Ice Palace! We are excited to get you started skating. All of our sign ups are done online through the customer portal. Aliso Viejo Ice Palace Landing | Customer Portal (store.avicepalace.com). Make sure you create a family account and register all of your skaters. From there you can select the class you are interested in and when you would like to start. We ask that you sign up online before arriving for class.
Q: Do I need to wait until the next session to start ?
A: You can start at any time! We have rolling enrollment so that you may start on any of our introductory classes (Snowplow Sam 1 (ages 3-5), Basic 1 – Introduction to Skating (ages 6-8, ages 9-15), Adult Beginner (16+) whenever you are ready. There will be an off ice tutorial for all new skaters on their first day and an instructor to guide them to their class. If you have prior skating experience (group classes / private lessons), you are also welcome to begin group classes when you would like and we can help you determine the appropriate level if you are unsure.
Q: I don’t know if my kids will like skating, can we do a trial class ?
A: We do not offer drop in Learn to Skate classes at this time. We do offer a free drop in Introductory lesson on the Saturday afternoon public session for anyone that would like some basic pointers to get started! (Admission not included). The session runs from 12:45pm – 2:45pm every Saturday and the lesson is under the score board from 1:00pm – 1:15pm. You may also set up a private lesson to try out ice skating. Email danielle@avicepalace.com to schedule or ask any instructor. Both of these are great options to try out skating before committing to our Learn to Skate program.
Q: What does it cost and when do I get billed ?
A: Our tuition for all Learn to Skate Classes start at $110 per month. This includes your 4 weekly half hour class (on a regularly scheduled day), skate rental, and free admission to the public session the same day as your class. If you sign up after the first week of classes, you will be prorated upon checking out for any weeks that you did not attend prior. After your first calendar month, you will be automatically charged for the next month’s tuition at the beginning of the month.
*specialty classes may be a different rate.
Q: What level do I sign up for?
A: If you are new to skating or have never taken a formal lesson (group / private), we request that you enroll in Snowplow Sam 1 (ages 3-5), Basic 1 (ages 6-8 or 9-15), or Adult Beginner (ages 16+). If you are coming from another facility that ran a different curriculum, we can evaluate you to let you know which class.
Q: What happens on my first day ?
A: On your first day of class, we ask that you arrive 20 minutes early. You will check in at the front registration table to pick up your skill card. If you do not have your own skates, we can assist you in finding a pair of rental skates that will work. All new skaters are encouraged to do the off ice tutorial lead by a Learn to Skate instructor over by the Pro Shop and vending machines. Any employee can help direct you. This will be done for the first few minutes of class to give basic safety instruction and check equipment before you are escorted onto the ice to the correct lane. Make sure and give your skill card to your instructor!
Q: What should my skater wear / what gear do I need?
A: The ice rink averages around 40 degrees during winter and 50 degrees during the summer. We highly recommend that you dress in warm layers that your skater can move easily in. Gloves or mittens are encouraged. (Gloves are sold in our pro shop). For our Beginner classes, we suggest a helmet from home. We do not provide these for sanitation purposes, however, many student’s bring their bike helmets and they work great! All other protective equipment is left to your discretion.
Q: When are my free practice sessions and when else can I come skate ?
A: We want all of our skaters to have the chance to practice (and show off!) the skills they have learned in class. Each skater will receive free admission to the public session the same day as their class. This applies to make up classes as well. Simply check in up front for Skating School and our rink attendants will let you on! Monday and Tuesday students have their free public session from 2:15pm – 4:45pm on their enrolled day and Saturday students have 12:45pm – 2:45pm. All other guests will be charged admission to skate with the student. If you would like to come skate other days and times, the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace has public sessions Monday – Friday 9:00am – 10:30am & 10:45am – 12:15pm, Monday & Tuesday 2:15pm – 4:45pm, and Saturday & Sunday 12:45pm – 2:45pm. (All times are subject to change and we encourage you to check the website (not Google) before you arrive).
Our Free Skate level students are welcome to come practice on the morning Freestyle sessions. These are all 45 minutes and are Monday – Friday 5:45am, 6:30am, 7:15am & 8:00am and Sundays 6:30am, 7:15am, & 8:00am. Freestyle sessions are fast paced and designed for the competitive figure skater. If you are new to freestyles, we highly recommend you schedule a lesson on your first freestyle session so the instructor can help guide the skater for freestyle ethics. (Please check the website for admission price for each of these sessions.)
Q: We don ’ t have skates, can we rent them?
A: Rental skates are included for all Learn to Skate classes and public sessions. If you choose to continue, we highly recommend getting your own skates that are fitted for each unique foot and ankle. We have figure and hockey skates available for sale and proper fitting in our pro shop.
Q: What happens if I miss one of my classes? Can I do a make up class?
A: We do offer make up classes for missed classes. These need to be scheduled with the Director ahead of time in order to verify availability. You can email libby@avicepalace.com with a request for any other day and or time your class is offered before your desired class to have your make up class scheduled. We kindly request that you do not just show up and assume a class will be running. Make ups need to be used within 3 weeks of the missed class or they will expire.
Q: How do I move up levels ?
A: Each week the skater will give their instructor their skill card at the beginning of class. The instructor will check off elements once they feel like the skater can successfully demonstrate them on demand. When all of the elements are checked off, the Director or Assistant Director will evaluate your student during class to see if they are ready for the next class. If they pass, an email will be sent and the skater can start the next week!
Q: Can I sign up for more than one class?
A: Yes! You are more than welcome to sign up for more than one day of the same level or one of our specialty classes (if you have met the prerequisites). Simply log into your account and add the class day and time you would like and you will have the multi class discount automatically apply. You will have a separate skill card per day that you are enrolled.
Q: Can I switch my enrolled days?
A: Yes! If you need to switch the day that you originally signed up for, simply email the Director (danielle@avicepalace.com) and we can switch it for any other day the class is offered and there is space available.
Q: I need to put account on hold/drop enrollment, what do I do ?
A: We do require 30 days notice prior to your next monthly charge. If this request is received less than 30 days prior to your next draft date, you may be charged one final payment. You are responsible and will be charged for any outstanding balance on your tuition account. You can email the Director to put in your drop: libby@avicepalace.com
Q: What is the Learn to Skate membership and why do I need it?
A: Learn to Skate is a nation wide program that we are structured from to offer quality instruction in a fun and safe environment. Your membership allows your participation in classes, events, and competitions. It is a $17 annual membership that can obtained from www.learntoskateusa.com that also provides some fun perks and surprises sent directly by LTS.
Q: Can I take private lessons also and how do I schedule those?
A: Absolutely! Private lessons are a great way to supplement your skating, help you progress through the Learn to Skate levels quicker, and possibly prepare for shows and competitions. You can approach your favorite instructor to ask for their schedule and rates or you can email the Director (libby@avicepalace.com) to help get set up with one of our coaches.
