The Learn to Skate program continues to have a massive impact on skating in the Las Vegas Valley

It’s no secret that the Golden Knights have had a substantial influence on the growth of youth hockey and skating in Las Vegas. It didn’t take long for there to be an explosion of interest in learning to skate. The Vegas Golden Knights Skating Academy, presented by Atomic Golf, is a program for children and adults who are interested in hockey, figure skating and recreational skating. The program coincides with the interest the Golden Knights have sparked in the community.

As interest grew, so did enrollment in the program. When the program began in 2017, 1,040 skaters enrolled in Learn to Skate at City National Arena. The number of skaters almost doubled the following year. After an expected drop in registrations due to the COVID pandemic, skater registration has skyrocketed to 2,175 in 2022 at both City National Arena and America First Center. Hylo Park was added the following year to accommodate the program’s rapid growth. The most recent full season of Learn to Skate had the largest number of skaters ever with 2316 beginners signed up.

Learn to Skate is structured on three different levels. All beginners start at level one and go through four sections before moving on to level two. Level two contains only two sections of basic skills to pass before advancing. After completing the second level, beginners decide whether they want to go the figure skating route or the hockey route. Level three goes deeper into the skills of each sport. If a participant chooses figure skating, they must pass four basic skills sections before graduating from the Golden Edge Aspire program. If a participant chooses hockey, they must pass two sections of hockey skills before graduating from the Learn to Play program or the Lil’ Knights program. Learn to Skate takes place at City National Arena in Summerlin, America First Center in Henderson and Hylo Park in North Las Vegas.

Children, teens and adults are welcome to join the program, starting at age three and up. Each program is tailored to age and skill level. Learn to Skate creates a fun environment that promotes learning through teaching aids, music and a variety of activities. The curriculum is both challenging and rewarding for everyone.

“A week before the first class, I send a nice welcome email with all the information, like what they need to know, when to come, what to bring, etc. They get the name tag, lanyard and directions on where to go. It’s a very welcoming experience and people are excited to do it,” said Senior Director of Skating Programs Carolyn Mortenson. “We start at the age of three. Regular Skate Academy goes to age 17 and then we have adult Learn to Skate which is age 18 and up. They do figure skating. They play hockey. You can start whenever you want. That’s why we always say skating is for everyone.”

Not only do beginners learn from Vegas Golden Knights affiliate coaches, but they learn from some of the best Learn to Skate coaches in the country. The program is ranked first in the state, fourth in the Pacific Section and tenth in the nation. To put it in perspective, there are 107 programs in the Pacific section and nearly 1000 programs in the country.

What was once a small program at one ice rink has now turned into a massive program at three ice rinks in the valley. Mortenson said the skater’s new registration sold out within hours. The program is so popular that there are separate links for new skaters and returning skaters. City National Arena usually sells out quickly per session. America First Center and Hylo Park have plenty of room for beginners.

“As long as you’re out there having fun and being dedicated, you can keep going wherever you want. If you like to skate recreationally or just learn how to skate, then you can skate open,” Mortenson said. “If you want to get into hockey, get into a team. There is always a place for you. It’s the same for figure skating. There’s always a place for someone.”

Skating is for everyone here at the Vegas Golden Knights. All ages are welcome in the Learn to Skate program. There is always room for growth within the program and within the skater. To keep up to date with registration for sessions or programs, click Here.