SKATE WITH US
One Month Trial
$200
Our One Month Trial program runs monthly, starting on the first Sunday practice of the month. Any registrations after the cutoff will start the following month. During the initial practices our coaches will evaluate skills and place the skater in the appropriate grouping.
Upon completion of the trial period our registrar will contact you to inquire if the skater would like to continue and offer a discount code with the value of the previous paid fee. Therefore the skater does not pay extra for participating before transitioning to a more committed membership with the club.
One Month Trial skaters also benefit with a free speed skate rental for the duration of their one-month trial period. Includes fees for the BC Speed Skating Association and Speed Skate Canada.
Beginner Group
~$593* (Full-time)
~$433* (Part-time)
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. VSSC offers full-time and part-time options. The Full-time program consists of two ice sessions and one dryland (off-ice exercises) every week. For more information visit Our Program overview page.
Speed skate rental is included in the price.
I/A Group
~$643* (Full-time)
~$483* (Part-time)
Intermediate/Advanced (I/A) skaters are more experienced and have a strong technical foundation. Full-time skaters have two ice sessions and one dryland session every week. Transition from Beginner to I/A 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 good habits of an athlete. For more information visit Our Program overview page.
Speed skate rental is included in the price.
Special Olympics
~$333*
Our Special Olympics skaters train together with all participants at VSSC. The club works with special assistants and a lead coach that has an intimate understanding of individual needs. The program is one ice session and one dryland session every week. 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.
Special Olympics BC supplies skates for our SO members.
* All prices include a mandatory membership fee to Speed Skating BC and Speed Skating Canada. Registration prices above are subject to change without notice.
Accessibility
Competition Optional
Competition is not for everyone and VSSC is receptive and accommodating to anyone wishing to participate in speed skating with no obligation to race. Our coaches will treat all skaters with the same level of dedication and respect to help them build confidence and skill. It is not uncommon for skaters to transition from Non-competitive to Competitive as they see their skill level dramatically improve.
Skill Level Requirements
Age Requirement
Minimum skating age is 5 years old (as of June 30).
Skating Proficiency
For safety, VSSC requires that new skaters have some basic skating experience. Skaters must be able to:
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- skate across the length of the rink without assistance;
- glide on one foot;
- forward scull with both feet; and
- snowplow stop with both feet.
The City of Vancouver offers learn to skate programs from Pre-school to Adult. We recommend achieving a proficiency of Child Level 3 before signing up for speed skating.
How to Register
Step 1
Sign up parents/guardians first. It is preferable to sign up two “Guardian Members” for a child skater. The guardian membership is free and each guardian receives a Speed Skating BC and Speed Skating Canada Associate Membership. If no Guardian Member is registered the skating member is not permitted on ice.
Adult skaters without a child skater may skip Step 1.
Step 2
Please “Register Someone Else” and sign up your skater(s). Please follow the instructions. It is very important to add the correct information otherwise this will jeopardize your registration and could relegate the skater to a waitlist.
Step 3
Skate rental is included in the registration fee. Please be sure to give an accurate European shoe size of each registered skater. This will help our volunteers quickly get your skater fitted on the first day. At the beginning of the season the club will notify returning members about ‘boot fitting’ dates; One Month Trial skaters will be fitted at their first practice. A rental deposit is required for boots and skates; please bring a $400 post-dated (April 1) cheque addressed to Vancouver Speed Skating Club to your boot fitting session.
Step 4
Please be sure to sign all waiver forms and code of conduct documents to ensure your skater registers correctly. Failure to sign all forms will render the registration as incomplete and therefore may not guarantee a spot. It is the registrants responsibility to ensure completion.
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.
Registration Checklist
Important
Please read through this checklist to ensure your skater can register and participate.
- Does your Skater meet the age minimum requirement?
- Does your Skater meet the Skating proficiency requirement?
- Did you sign up Two Guardian Members?
- Did you submit an accurate European shoe size?
- Did you purchase mandatory skate guards to protect VSSC Skate Rental?
- Did you sign ALL Waivers and Code of Conduct documents?
- Do you have all mandatory equipment to be able to participate at practices?
- Did you receive email confirmation of your registration?
- Do you have your $400 post-dated cheque ready for boot fitting day or first practice?