Winter Fun – Ice Skating Lessons
The girls waiting to take the ice for skating lessons at North Park Ice Rink.
I finally remembered to seek out and sign up the girls for skating lessons this season. Allegheny County offers free and paid ice skating lessons once in November and, and again in January. The price is pretty reasonable for residents at $20 for four thirty minute lessons plus a 10 minute free skate. (Rentals are $2) It has been amazing to see the growth in their abilities in just a few sessions. We were able to attend three of the four fall sessions in November, and all four of the winter paid sessions. The students are invited to participate in an ice show using the skills learned in class, however, the practices are frequent and very early evening and just did not work with our schedule.
I had many questions about what safety gear to buy for lessons, and how the lessons were structured so I hope this short list helps you!
Gear we used, purchased or saw:
- Helmets (Giro Youth Tilt Snow Helmet) – from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Great video on how to adjust the helmet. (Some kids used bike helmets, others had no head protection.)
- Snow Gloves from Target – helps keep hands drier when falling or when cold.
- Turtle Fur Neck Gaiters – Fleece Neck Warmer that are available in so many cute colors! I need one, you need one? Buy on Amazon
- Snow pants – A lot of the kids had snow pants/bibs on on. Extra padding, kept body a little more dry, but not as maneuverable.
- Ice Skates – Rentals are $2 for residents
