Frequently Asked Questions

1. What programs does the Pincher Creek Skating Club offer? We offer 2 main programs: Canskate and Starskate. Each program is designed to cater to different skill levels and interests in skating. Last season we introduced a synchro program, and this season we are launching a new noon hour adultskate.

2.  What is Canskate, and who is it for? Canskate is our learn-to-skate program, perfect for beginners of all ages, from children to adults. It focuses on the fundamental skills needed for all types of skating, including figure skating, hockey, ringette, and recreational skating. No prior experience is necessary.

3. What is Starskate? Starskate (Skills, Tests, Achievement, and Recognition) is a figure skating program for those who have completed Canskate. It focuses on figure skating skills, including jumps, spins, and footwork. Starskate participants can choose to pursue tests and competitions.

4. Who is Starskate for? Starskate is for skaters who are interested in figure skating and have a desire to develop their skills further. It’s ideal for skaters who want to progress beyond the basics and explore the sport of figure skating.

5. What is Synchro? Synchro, or Synchronized Skating, is a team-based skating program where groups of 8 to 16 skaters perform routines together on the ice. It emphasizes teamwork, precision, and choreography.

6. Do I need to have prior skating experience to join these programs? 

   1. CanSkate: No prior experience is needed; it’s perfect for beginners or skill development. Canskate is divided into 2 levels, pre-Canskate and CanSkate. If you aren’t sure which program to register in, let us know, our coaches can guide you.

   2. Starskate: Completion of Canskate is recommended. Our coaches will let you know when a skater is ready to transition from Canskate to Starskate

   3. Synchro: Some skating experience is required, and participants typically are registered in a STARSkate program at the same time.

   4. Adultskate: This program is for all levels, whether you are learning to skate, want to get some exercise, or work on figure skating test skills.  

7. What equipment do I need to participate? 

   1. Canskate: Skaters need hockey or figure skates, a CSA-approved helmet, gloves, and warm, comfortable clothing. 

   2. Starskate, Adultskate, & Synchro: Figure skates are required, along with appropriate skating attire. A helmet may be required depending on the skater’s age and level.

8. How do I register for a program? Registration can be completed online through our website or in person at the rink during designated registration times. Specific details, including program schedules and fees, can also be found on our website.

9. What are the age ranges for each program? 

   1. Canskate: Open to all ages, from young children to teens.

   2. Starskate: Typically for children and teens, though adults can also participate.

   3. Synchro: This can vary depending on the level of the team. Please contact Coach Kim with questions.

10. Where can I buy skates? For Canskate, you can purchase skates from many different retailers, including Walmart and Canadian Tire, as well as sport stores like Bert and Macs in Lethbridge. For hockey skates, CCM and Bauer are good brands. For figure skates, Jackson is a good brand for beginners. Bert and Macs also sells used skates that are suitable for Canskate and Junior Starskate. Once your skater transitions to Starskate, you will want to ensure they are in a figure skate (blades with picks) with adequate support. Jackson and Riedell are good brands that are still reasonably priced. Once a skaters reaches a higher level (working on axels), you will probably need to transition to a higher quality boot, which usually means purchasing the blades separately.  You'll want to visit an experienced skate shop. ProSkate and the Skate Lab in Calgary are both good options, as well as United Cycle in Edmonton. Once you get to this level, please chat with your coach before buying skates. 

11. Where can I get my skates sharpened? When your skaters in Canskate, you can get your skates sharpened at any sports store, or by local sharpeners like Gary's Blades, Janet Jones (drop off at Ranchland Liquor) or K Sharpening. Once you skater has moved into figure skating, you'll want to use a sharpener with experience with figure skates. Darren Gillet is a retired coach in Lethbridge that sharpens skates, or you can go to ProSkate or Skate Lab in Calgary. 

12. What is the Skate Canada Membership Fee? The Skate Canada Membership fee ($61.65 for the 2025/26 season) is a mandatory fee that all skaters pay annually. The fee covers you for all Skate Canada programs at any club for the whole season, from Sept 1 of each year, until August 31 of the next year. Once we register a skater with Skate Canada, we are not able to be refunded for that fee, which is why it is non-refundable. All skaters are assigned a unique Skate Canada number that will follow your skater for life, even if you register with a different club in the future.

13. Who can I contact for more information? If you have any more questions or need assistance, please send us an email - pinchercreekskatingclub1@gmail.com

1. What is Starskate?

Starskate is Skate Canada’s figure skating program for skaters who have completed Canskate and want to develop skills in jumps, spins, dance, and performance. Skaters work through nationally standardized levels and have opportunities for testing and competitions.

2. What is the difference between Starskate and Canskate?

Canskate focuses on basic skating skills for all types of skating, including hockey, figure skating, speed skating, ringette, or just skating for fun. Starskate introduces figure skating elements, private coaching, structured sessions, and formal assessments.

3. What are the STAR levels and how does my child progress?

STAR levels begin at STAR 1 and go up to Gold. Skaters advance at their own pace by mastering skills and completing assessments with their coach or an evaluator.

4. How do private lessons work?

Private lessons are an arrangement directly between families and coaches. Lessons are paid for by parents separately from club fees, and directly to coaches. In our club, our junior starskaters will get large and small group lessons (all paid by the club, and included in your fees), Intermediate Starskaters will get a mix of group lessons and private lessons (group lessons paid by club, private lessons paid by parents), senior skaters will get private lessons (paid for by parents).  All levels will get additional instruction time during daily stroking sessions which are included in your fees. Please note that sometimes private lessons can include ‘semi-privates’ and small group lessons also. For private lessons, coaches set their own rates, and they will let you know what those are at the beginning of each season.

5. How do I book lessons with a coach?

While some larger clubs require skaters to ‘choose’ one of their coaches, our club is smaller, and the club takes care of the hiring. The number of skaters in our Starskate program will dictate how many coaches are needed to meet the needs of the skaters.  Our coaches will work together to ensure the skaters are all getting an equitable amount of lesson time, based on the standards the club has set out for each program.  

6. Why does the schedule sometimes change?

Changes may happen due to rink availability, special events, weather, coach availability, or competition weekends. The club will notify families as early as possible.

7. How do STAR assessments work?

Assessments can be done during regular ice time or designated ice time by the coach (STAR 1–5) or by an evaluator on a scheduled test day (STAR 6+). The coaches decide when your skater is ready. There will be a test fee that you will need to pay, and this is a fee the club passes on directly to Skate Canada. You may also need to pay an additional fee to the host club to cover your skaters share of the ice and the evaluators costs (Star 6+). If you ever hear people talking about ‘high tests’ and ‘low tests’ they are talking about Star 6+ and Star 1-5, as that is the older terminology and it still slips out sometimes.

8. What should my skater wear for a test?

Skaters usually wear neat skating attire; dresses or skirts for girls and fitted pants for boys. Hair should be tidy, and gloves should be neutral and clean. While skating dresses are not required for girls when they test, they are recommended, as it also helps the skater to take the test seriously. If they don’t normally practice in a dress, but plan to test (or compete) in a dress, we recommend that they practice in the dress at least once before the test day so it is a familiar feeling. 

9. When can my child start competing?

Skaters can enter competitions as early as STAR 1. Participation is optional but encouraged for experience and confidence. Your coaches will help you determine what competition you can register for, and what events your skater can participate in. 

10. What types of competitions are available?

There are typically multiple STAR 1–3 events during the season without having to travel too far. There are fewer competitions for STAR 4+ competitors. Competitions may include freeskate, dance, artistic, and team events. There are 2 competition streams to consider. Most skaters will compete in the Starskate stream. This means the events match the test steam levels (Star 1-10, then Gold). Once a skater is competing at about the Star 5 level, they could consider moving to the competitive stream. This means they would compete in different categories like pre-juvenile, juvenile, pre-novice, novice, junior, etc. Skaters will need to achieve a qualifying score to be eligible to compete at Sectionals. Sectionals are a qualifying championship that determines which skaters advance to higher-level national competitions, ultimately leading to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships. These events are organized by the provincial section, Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut.

11. How do I register for competitions?

Coaches or the club will send instructions and deadlines. Usually, registration is online. Some clubs use Uplifter, and you will be required to make an account. Some clubs (like our Winter Whirl) use an online form that will also take payment. For most competitions you will need to upload your skaters music (Star 2 and up) and for higher levels, you will need to submit your PPC (planned program content), and your coach can help you with that.

12. What extra costs are involved with competitions?

Costs typically are entry fees, coaching fees, travel, accommodation (if applicable), and any new attire required. Coaching fees will include your coach's time at the event, and your skaters share of the coach’s mileage and hotel, if applicable.

13. What does my child need to bring on competition day?

Skates, warm-up jacket, dress or costume (if needed), hard guards, water, hair supplies, gloves, running shoes for warm-up, and any music required. 

14. What type of figure skates should my child use?

Once a skater moves to Starskate, they do require a minimum quality of skate/blades.  Skaters should use figure skates (with toe picks) with proper support. The most common brands for new Starskaters are Jackson and Riedell, which are both good. If you buy them at a reputable skate shop, the staff there will help you pick an appropriate boot for your skater. They will ask questions about your child’s test level, and likely what jumps they are working on. Bert ‘n Macs in Lethbridge does carry entry level Jackson and Riedell skates. Once your skater gets to a bit of a higher level — often working on their axel jump — they will likely need to buy their next skates with the boots and blades separately, and you’ll want to do this at a skate shop that specializes in figure skates. For a figure skating specific shop, we recommend ProSkate or Skate Lab in Calgary, or United Cycle in Edmonton.

15. How often should skates be sharpened?

Depending on ice time, most Starskaters sharpen every 30ish skating hours, though some skaters are ‘harder’ or ‘softer’ on their sharpen than others and will need sharpening more or less often than the average.  You don’t want to sharpen them right before a test of competition, as your skater will want a couple days to get used to the feel of the fresh sharpen.  There are a few places in Lethbridge that can sharpen, including Darren Gillett (home based) and Garry Kimmen (home based).  In Calgary, ProSkate and Skate Lab are both excellent.

16. Does my skater need a competition outfit?

If competing, yes. Competition wear doesn’t need to be expensive; simple dresses or shirts/pants that match the program are fine. If you are looking for a used dress, you could post your needs in the PCSC Facebook Group, or join the Lethbridge Skating Swap and Buy group to browse for options. Some skaters have had luck with Ebay, etsy, and even Amazon. The skate shops all carry skating dresses, and Classique Dancewear in Lethbridge does carry some dresses. There are also a number of dressmakers out there. Another good place to find a dress is at a competition. Many competitions will have vendors, including dress sellers.

17. What is off-ice training and why is it important?

Off-ice training includes fitness, strength, flexibility, and jump technique practiced off the ice. It helps prevent injuries and improves skating performance. At the PCSC, we don’t generally offer structured off-ice training during the regular season, though skaters are encouraged to properly warm up before each session. Coaches will provide skaters with an outline of how to warm up at the beginning of the season. Coach Kim often offers off-ice sessions privately during the spring and/or summer, and prior to the season getting started. 

18. Can parents watch practice?

Yes, parents are welcome to watch from the stands. We ask that parents refrain from coaching from the boards.

19. Are there volunteer requirements for Starskate families?

Yes. Like most clubs, we rely on volunteers for events. The club will outline expectations at the start of the season.

20.  What is Skate Canada and the Section?

You might hear people talking about and referring to Skate Canada and/or ‘the Section’. Here is what they are and what they can do for you:

• Skate Canada is the national governing body for figure skating in Canada. You might hear it called a NSO (National Sport Organization). Every skater that registers with a skating club, including ours, is registered each year with Skate Canada. One of the biggest things this fee covers is insurance. The fee is mandatory for all skaters, and is non-refundable. Once the club registers your skater, we can’t get it back if you withdraw. The fee will cover you until August 31. Your skater will get assigned a unique Skate Canada Membership number. This number will follow your skater for life, and if they ever register with another club, you’ll want them to register your skater with the same number. Your skater’s test records are attached to this membership number. You will also need it when you register your skater for competitions. 

• Skate Canada AB|NT|NU is the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) for figure skating in Alberta. Skate Canada is divided into 10 sections, each with their own governing body.  Often referred to as ‘the Section’, they host coaching courses and sanction competitions, and provide support to the clubs within the section. Competition announcements are always posted on the section website. You can stay up to date on Section news by subscribing to the section newsletter “In the Loop”. There is a link to subscribe on the homepage of their website: https://skateabnwtnun.ca/

• Further to that, the Alberta Section is divided into Regions. The Pincher Creek Skating Club is part of the South Region of Skate AB|NT|NU. There are 24 clubs in the south region. We have a region rep who is the liaison between clubs and the section. When clubs submit nominations for SC awards, they go first to the region, then to the section.

1. What is synchronized skating?

Synchronized skating is a team discipline where  up to 20 skaters perform formations and step sequences together to music. It is a fun way to bring the team aspect to an otherwise individual sport. It is also a great branch of the sport to encourage lifelong participation, as adult synchro has grown in popularity. 

2. What skills does my child need to join a synchro team?

Skaters will need to have passed Star 1 skills to compete on a synchro team.  The PCSC has 1 team, and the level of that team will be determined each season based on the skaters who are interested in joining the team.

3. How are synchro teams formed?

Teams are formed based on age, skating ability, and Skate Canada team level rules. Coaches may hold tryouts or invite skaters from other clubs to join.

4. How often do synchro teams practice?

Most teams have 1–2 on-ice practices per week plus occasional off-ice or extra rehearsals closer to competitions. The PCSC team gets 1 on ice practice a week, and the schedule can be found on the website.

5. Are there additional costs for synchro?

There can be. With the PCSC team, the registration fee will include all the ice and coaching for regular practices, as well as participation in the annual club ice show. Additional fees will vary year to year, and could be offset by fundraising and team sponsorship. Costs could include costume rental fees, travel, competition entry fees, coaching at competitions, team wear, and sometimes choreography fees. The club will make every effort to give parents an estimate at the beginning of the season.

6. Are skaters required to attend all practices?

Attendance is very important because synchro is highly team-dependent. Missing practices can impact formations and the entire team.

7. Do synchro skaters compete?

Usually. In a typical season, there are 2-3 opportunities to compete, including ‘Rosebowl’ in December (usually in Calgary), ‘Mountain Regionals’ in January (alternates between Alberta and BC), and ‘IceFest’ usually in March, usually in Carstairs. Competition participation will depend on the team’s level and goals.

8. What does my skater wear for synchro practice?

Fitted athletic or skating clothing and hair tied back. Coaches may also request matching practice gear for team cohesion (usually all black). The team might opt to buy synchro teamwear (short or long sleeved shirt, and a warm up jacket), or they could opt to use the clubwear that is already available. Your team manager will let you know. Skaters should have their own pair of black leggings, any brand is fine, as long as they are solid black. Clubwear or teamwear is usually at the skater’s own expense. We will strive to use the same style every season so if your skater’s teamwear still fits, they don’t have to buy new.

9. What is involved in a synchro competition?

Depending on the timing and location of the competition, sometimes a hotel stay will be required. If this is the case, the team manager will choose the hotel, and book a block of rooms, so the team is all staying in the same place. This is important for both team bonding and logistics. Typically if a competition requires a hotel stay, the team manager will also plan a team bonding activity and a team meal. The team manager might reach out to parents for help with this. Sometimes the coach will work in an off-ice run through the evening before at the hotel as well. The coach will often set a ‘curfew’ for the skaters, especially if the team has to be up early.  One highlight of a competition for the skaters is the hotel pool. They love to have the opportunity to swim with their friends/teammates.

On competition day, the team will do their hair and makeup together. Again, depending on the competition and the schedule, sometimes this happens at the hotel (often in someone's room) and sometimes at the arena in the stands. For the younger teams, parents will need to pitch in to help. Often the assembly line approach is the most successful.  It is important that all skaters have their hair and makeup done the same, and doing it together is part of the experience. Synchro makeup often looks a bit… startling… up close and personal, but don’t worry, it will look great on the ice! Lipstick usually happens in the dressing room after dresses are on, and right before they take to the ice. Usually skaters are responsible for bringing their own black mascara and liquid eyeliner (if applicable), but the rest of the makeup is supplied by the team. It is not truly ‘shared’, as the team manager will purchase bulk applicators, so they will not be reused, and only clean applicators will touch the actual makeup.

Teams arrive at the rink at the time the coach and team manager identify in the itinerary. The team manager will check in the team and get their package that will include accreditation lanyards for the skaters, coaches, team manager, and chaperones. These people will not have to pay for admission. All other spectators do have to pay admission. The families and the team find a place in the arena to sit together to watch the competition.  When the time comes, skaters will have an off-ice warm-up with the coach. Sometimes this is in a lobby or outside, sometimes the host club has a dedicated space for warm up and the teams are scheduled in. There will also be an ‘in the dressing room time’ (synchro competition are scheduled to the minute), and only the skaters, coaches, team manager, and chaperones will be able to go in the dressing room. The team manager will bring the dresses and will keep them with the skaters competition tights. Parents wait in the stands ready to cheer their hearts out. The team will skate their program, then return to the dressing room for skates/dresses off. Some competitions have full teams on ice for awards, and sometimes only the team captains go on the ice. This is usually outlined in the announcement, and your manager will let you know. Sometimes the teams will still be dressed with skates on, and sometimes they will be back in their teamwear and will have to put skates on in the stands. If only captains/coaches go on, the coach will let the kids know ahead of time who that will be. 

Sometimes the coach also will build time into the team’s schedule to watch other teams at the competition, either to cheer on other skaters they know, or to see teams at higher levels for inspiration. Coaches will provide a detailed schedule. 

10. Can my child participate in both Starskate and synchro?

Yes! Many skaters do both. In fact we recommend synchro skaters also do Starskate to help with the continued progression of skills. The benefits go both ways. We often see that synchro can really help build the edge development, stroking and skating skills in a singles skater.

11. How do parents stay informed about team updates?

Communication usually happens via email and group chats, directly with team managers and coaches, or via club announcements. Coaches or team managers will outline communication methods.

12. What level of commitment is expected from synchro families?

Skaters should expect consistent attendance, participation in competitions and team events. As a club we have no additional volunteer or fundraising requirements of synchro families, but teams might decide to do extra initiatives that require it.