Welcome to the Bear Basics!

Palmer Imaging Arena's
Learn to Skate Program


From your tiniest tot to your rising star, this is where it all begins. Our arena follows the Bear Basics curriculum designed exclusively for Black Bear arenas.  This program offers quality instruction with comprehensive skill levels for skaters wanting to play hockey, figure skate, or to simply skate recreationally with friends!  Our professional instructors will conduct classes in a positive atmosphere, making learning to skate a fun experience for skaters of all ages!

–  Pre-registration is required for the entire session of classes.  

–  All beginners ages 5 and under are required to wear a helmet; they are recommended for everyone.

–  Skaters should wear warm layers including gloves/mittens to class.

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Bear Basics Curriculum

Below are the offerings of our programs.

Cubs 1-3
Under 5 years old

Designed for skaters under 5 ready to take their first steps on the ice.  Skills will be taught at a slow pace, focusing on having fun, developing balance, and eliminating fear on the ice.

Beginner 1-2
Ages 5-14

Designed for skaters 5-14. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! These classes cover BASIC skills used in both hockey and figure skating development such as forward and backward gliding, pumping, beginner edges, beginning stops, etc.

Beginner 3-6
Prerequisite: Beginner 2

Designed for skaters to continue growing their basic skills.  In these levels we start forward and backward crossovers, beginner turns, beginner spins, and hops.

Hockey 1-3
Prerequisite: Beginner 2

These levels will teach skills such as beginner crossovers, edges, turns, stops, and mohawks, keeping in mind the proper technique that is used in hockey skating. The purpose is to develop beginning skating skills necessary to be successful at hockey while getting comfortable with the feeling of the stick, helmet, and managing a puck on the ice.

Adult/Teen
Ages 15 and older

This class is an open curriculum class where the coach will work with each skater to help them with their individual goals (whether that be hockey or figure skating).  Coaches will follow the Bear Basics Beginner curriculum unless participates request other skills.  This is for skaters ages 15 and up with little to no experience on the ice.