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: Learn to Skate, Beginner, Special Olympics, Intermediate, Advanced and Masters. 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
2026/2027
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 20 to Dec 20 (13 Sunday lessons, no run Oct 25), max 10 skaters
WINTER: Jan 10 to Mar 14 (10 Sunday lessons), max 10 skaters
FULL COST $204
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $174
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? Learn to Skate is for you!
Learn to Skate is for children ages 5–13 and follows Speed Skating Canada’s First and Fast Strides curriculum. Skaters progress through four levels, earning pins and stickers as they learn key skills—from first steps on the ice to confident forward and backward gliding. All lessons are taught by NCCP‑certified coaches with support from trained junior coaches.
Lessons run Sundays for 45 minutes and share ice time with our Beginner speed skating group. The fall sessions is 13 lessons and the winter one is 10 lessons – see above for exact dates.
After Learn to Skate
Graduates may join our One‑Month Trial or move directly into the Beginner (Learn to Speed Skate) program. If you continue into Beginner, your Learn to Skate fee will be credited—contact our registrar for a discount code at the end of your session.
Included
- All required safety equipment (with refundable $250 deposit cheque). Equipment must be returned; please purchase your own gear if continuing.
- Optional free speed skate rental if sizing is available (with refundable $500 deposit cheque)
Please note
- No make‑up classes; missed lessons cannot be rescheduled.
- If ice becomes unavailable, VVSSC will try to reschedule but cannot guarantee replacement sessions.
- The club, its board, 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 $227
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $197
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 for 2.0m
– Can forward scull with both feet
– Can snowplow stop with both feet
Have basic skating skills and want to try speed skating before you commit? Try our One Month Trial!
For children aged 5-13
Through the One Month Trial you can skate full‑time with our Beginner group for 4 weeks. You choose your start date (any Sunday), then attend three practices each week: two on‑ice sessions and one dryland session. Check the Practice Schedule for exact times.
For those aged 14-18
Please reach out to our registrar for advice – we will determine which group will be best for you to skate with during your trial period.
Adult options
Adults can also do an 8‑week, once‑a-week trial with our Masters group to fit around work schedules. If you’re an adult who cannot skate yet, you can join the Masters’ Sunday practices for 8 weeks as your trial.
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. Return your equipment and buy your own if you continue with us.
- Membership fees for Speed Skating Canada and Speed Skating BC
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.
- 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
FULL COST $824
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $597
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental $130
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 for 2.0m
– 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 $943
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $716
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $130
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 three ice sessions and one dryland session every week. See the full Practice Schedule for specific practice times.
Advanced Group
FULL TIME COST $922
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $695
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $130
PART TIME COST $675
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $448
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $130
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 three ice sessions per week. Part-time skaters participate in one dryland session and up to two ice session per week (they can choose either Wednesday or Sunday, plus the optional Saturday if time standards are met). See the full Practice Schedule for specific practice times.
Masters Group
FULL TIME COST $922
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $695
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $130
PART TIME COST $675
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $448
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Skate rental: $130
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 for 2.0m
– 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 three ice sessions per week. Part-time skaters participate in one dryland session and up to two ice session per week (they can choose either Wednesday or Sunday, plus the optional Saturday if time standards are met). See the full Practice Schedule for detailed timing info.
Special Olympics
FULL COST $293
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $196
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Optional skate rental: $130
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 $128
COST BREAKDOWN
VVSSC fee $31
SSBC fee $87 (Club Athlete)
SSC fee $10
Optional skate rental: $130
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).
