OUR PROGRAMS & FEES

Overview

The Vancouver Velocity Speed Skating Club (VSSC) offers short track speed skating programs to skaters of all ages and abilities. The club has six main training groups: Beginner, Special Olympics, Intermediate, Advanced and Masters, and a new Learn to Skate program starting as a pilot in 2025/2026. Our skaters compete in local, provincial, regional and national meets based on interest, skill, and availability. Our coaches are experienced skaters who have competed at all levels and are keen on fostering great skaters. Learn more about our club.

Training Seasons

September-March – Ice Season & Competitions

Local, provincial, regional and national meets
On-ice practice 2x weekly at Kitsilano Rink (1x for part time/Special O skaters)
Dryland 1x weekly at Queen Elizabeth Elementary
Ice time on holidays and Pro-D days
Practice schedule here

April-August – Dryland Season

Kitsilano Rink decommissioned for summer
Indoor and outdoor dryland training is scheduled 1-2x a week
Practice schedule here

2025/2026 Programs & Fees

Key Fee Info

All prices include VSSC costs plus mandatory fees for Speed Skating Canada (SSC) and Speed Skating BC (SSBC). SSC & SSBC membership fees are paid only once per season.
Each transaction incurs IceReg transaction and credit card fees.
Registration prices are subject to change without notice.
Eligible low-income families: apply to Canadian Tire Jumpstart and KidSport BC to subsidize costs.

Refund Policy

Prior to season start: 100% refund of VSSC club fee, less $25 admin fee and transaction fees. You are responsible for obtaining refunds from SSBC and SSC for their fees.
After season start: no refunds.

Fall/Winter Registration Options Decision Flow Chart

Scroll down on this page to learn more about all of the options pictured.

Learn to Skate

FALL: Sept 21 to Dec 14 (13 Sunday lessons), max 5 skaters

WINTER: Jan 11 to Mar 15 (10 Sunday lessons), min 5 skaters

FULL COST $199

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $169
SSBC fee $20 (Intro Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental $0

REQUIREMENTS

For children aged 5-13. Must be able to attend a class without parent involvement.
A pair of skates. Hockey or figure skates are fine: please acquire these yourself. You can also borrow club speed skates for free if stock is available and your skater is at least size 29 EU (approx 11.5 US kids).
Must wear full speed skating safety equipment (supplied by club)
Parents must stay in the arena to help if the skater needs to go to the bathroom or other supports (or designate another parent to do so).

Want to speed skate but can’t skate yet? Our new Learn to Skate program is for you!

In 2024, Speed Skating Canada launched First & Fast Strides, giving Canadians an exciting new option for learning how to skate – and how to skate fast. The program consists of ten different levels, which are divided into two segments: First Strides (Learn to Skate) and Fast Strides (Learn to Speed Skate). There are benchmark skills to be completed within each level and rewards associated with the achievement of those skills, including pins, stickers and other incentives.

Vancouver’s Learn to Skate skating lessons are aimed at children aged 5-13 and are made up of the First Strides (Learn to Skate) segment of the program. Skaters looking to learn basic skating skills will work their way through four levels (see progress card here), with NCCP certified coaches and trained junior coaches guiding participants through each skating milestone – from first steps on the ice to gliding forward and backward around the rink.

In 2025-26, Learn to Skate will be a “pilot” program to assess the program’s fit with our club and identify any adjustments to improve outcomes. It will run weekly on Sundays for 45 minutes and will be delivered during the same ice time as our Beginner speed skating group. There will be two sessions this season:

a fall session of 5 skaters running Sept 21 to Dec 14 (13 Sunday lessons)
a winter session with minimum 5 skaters running Jan 11 to Mar 15 (10 Sunday lessons).

Learn to Skate graduates are welcome to register in our One Month Trial program or join our full-time Beginner (Learn to Speed Skate) program to continue their speed skating journey. If you choose to continue to the Beginner program, the cost of Learn to Skate will be applied to the Beginner program fees – please reach out to our registrar for a discount code at the end of your session.

Included

All needed safety equipment with $250 deposit cheque. You must return your borrowed safety equipment and buy your own safety equipment if you continue skating with the club.
If desired and sizing is available, free speed skate rental with $500 deposit cheque

Please note

Make up classes are not available. If your skater misses a lesson, there will no replacement time for their session. Ice time is non-transferrable.
VSSC is not responsible for cancellation of classes due to unavailable ice, but will make every effort to reschedule if possible.
Vancouver Speed Skating Club, its board members, volunteers, and coaches are not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or loss of personal belongings either on or off the ice while attending our programs.

IMPORTANT: Return equipment at end of trial

At the end of your trial, please clean and return your equipment kit so the next skater can use it. Let us know if items need replacement. If you will continue skating with us, please arrange to get your own safety equipment in time for the start of your next session through online shops like the Calgary Oval Shop or ilovespeedskating.com.

One Month Trial

FULL COST $221

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $191
SSC fee $20 (Intro Athlete)
SSBC fee $10

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum age 5 with basic skating experience, including:

– Can skate the length of the rink without assistance
– Can glide on one foot
– Can forward scull with both feet
– Can snowplow stop with both feet

Do you have basic skating skills and want to try out speed skating? Our paid “One Month Trial” program runs throughout the season, starting on a Sunday practice of your choice and continuing for 4 weeks of full-time skating with our Beginner group to start (3x weekly: two on-ice sessions and one dryland session). See the Practice Schedule for detailed timing info.

For adults, we also offer the option of doing 8 weeks of training 1 day a week with our Masters group to accommodate skating around typical work schedules. If you are an adult who cannot skate yet, we suggest attending on Sundays during the Masters practices for 8 weeks of the One Month Trial.

Coaches will decide if trial members should move to a different program group based on age and ability – typically those aged 14+ will be moved to the Advanced/Masters group as soon as basic skills are acquired.

Want to keep going afterwards? The trial cost will be applied to full membership. Contact our registrar for a discount code.

Included

Free speed skate rental with $500 deposit cheque
All needed safety equipment with $250 deposit cheque. You must return your borrowed safety equipment and buy your own safety equipment if you continue skating with the club.
Membership fees for Speed Skating Canada and Speed Skating BC

IMPORTANT: Return equipment at end of trial

Try Speed Skating

Fall 2025 TBD & February 2026 TBD

1 session, running 1-2x annually at a low cost
Speed skates included (subject to available sizing)
Safety equipment included wherever possible (but please bring as much of your own gear as you can)
Sign up on our waitlist to be notified when registration opens
Learn more on our Try Speed Skating page

Beginner Group

Learn to Speed Skate

FULL COST $800

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $580
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental $125

REQUIREMENTS

All required safety equipment
Minimum age 5 with basic skating experience, including:
– Can skate the length of the rink without assistance
– Can glide on one foot
– Can forward scull with both feet
– Can snowplow stop with both feet

If you have basic skating skills and want to commit to full-time speed skating from September to March, join our Beginner program!

This program is designed for skaters who are comfortable on skates and focuses on technique while still having fun. The goal of the program is to focus on proper speed skating techniques and skill development. Skaters in this group are typically aged 5-13 but adult beginners are welcome. Skaters may also compete locally or provincially.

Beginners participate in two ice sessions and one dryland session (off-ice exercises) every week. See the full Practice Schedule for specific practice times.

Intermediate Group

FULL COST $915

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $695
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $125

REQUIREMENTS

Enrollment requires prior coach approval. Please contact coaching@vancouverspeedskating.com if you have questions

Intermediate skaters are more experienced with a strong technical foundation. Skaters are typically aged 9-14, and many compete at the provincial or national level. The skaters train primarily on the 100m track but begin transitioning to the 111m track.

Transition from Beginner to Intermediate is gradual and supervised by the coaching staff to ensure that skaters flourish depending on age and growth. Focus is primarily on technical skill and fitness development, as well as integration of racing tactics and forming the good habits of an athlete.

Intermediate skaters participate in two ice sessions and one dryland session every week. They are also strongly recommended to attend the optional Saturday 6am ice session. See the full Practice Schedule for specific practice times.

Advanced Group

FULL TIME COST $895

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $675
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $125

PART TIME COST $655

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $435
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $125

REQUIREMENTS

Enrollment requires prior coach approval. Please contact coaching@vancouverspeedskating.com if you have questions

Advanced skaters are aged 14-18, with strong experience and a solid technical foundation. Many compete at the provincial and national level. These skaters train on a 111m track.

Full-time skaters participate in one dryland session and two ice sessions per week. Part-time skaters participate in one dryland session and one ice session per week (they can choose either Wednesday or Sunday). Both groups are also strongly recommended to attend the optional Saturday 6am ice session. See the full Practice Schedule for specific practice times.

Masters Group

FULL TIME COST $895

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $675
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $125

PART TIME COST $655

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $435
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $125

REQUIREMENTS

All required safety equipment
Minimum age 19 with basic skating experience, including:
– Can skate the length of the rink without assistance
– Can glide on one foot
– Can forward scull with both feet
– Can snowplow stop with both feet

Masters skaters are typically aged 18+, and comprise a variety of age and skills levels including adult intermediate skaters, experienced athletes, and those simply wishing to partake in regular physical activity. These skaters train on a 111m track and optionally compete at a variety of levels (regionally, provincially, and beyond).

Full-time Masters skaters participate in one dryland session and two ice sessions per week. Part-time skaters participate in one dryland session and one ice session per week (they can choose either Wednesday or Sunday). Both groups are welcome to attend the optional Saturday 6am ice session. See the full Practice Schedule for detailed timing info.

Special Olympics

FULL COST $285

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $190
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Optional skate rental $125

REQUIREMENTS

All required safety equipment
Minimum age 14 with basic skating experience, including:
– Can skate the length of the rink without assistance
– Can glide on one foot
– Can forward scull with both feet
– Can snowplow stop with both feet

This registration category is for Special Olympics skaters age 14+. If your Special Olympics athlete is under 14, we recommend signing up for the Beginner group so your skater can be with age-appropriate peers.

The program is one ice session on Sunday only shared with our Beginner skaters, plus one dryland session each week. The club works with special assistants and a lead coach that has an intimate understanding of individual needs. This program is designed for skaters who are comfortable on skates and focuses on technique while still having fun. The goal of the program is to build confidence on ice, in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment.

For more information visit our Special Olympics program page. See the full Practice Schedule for specific practice times.

Remote Athlete

FULL COST $125

COST BREAKDOWN

VVSSC fee $30
SSBC fee $85 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Optional skate rental: $125

This category is for skaters whose home club is the Vancouver Velocity Speed Skating Club, but they train primarily with other programs for various reasons (e.g. OvalHP, Calgary Oval).