See below some of our most commonly asked questions. Still need assistance? Please Contact Us.
The schedule may change from season to season. Please see our online registration system, Amilia, for the most up-to-date information.
The cost for our programs will vary depending on the numbers of classes due to holidays, planned cancellations, lessons included, length of program, etc. Please see our online registration system, Amilia, for the most up-to-date information.
All our registration is online via our online registration system, Amilia. We do not accept registrations over the phone, via email, or in person.
We operate year-round so we have various registration times throughout the year. The dates below are meant to be a guideline and may vary slightly each year depending on when we finalize our ice contracts with the City of Markham/Vaughan. The most up-to-date information will be posted on our online registration system, Amilia.
Pre-CanSkate & CanSkate – We have registration for our Pre-CanSkate & CanSkate programs 4 times per year, usually 4-6 weeks prior to the season starting. Registration for our Fall season typically opens in mid-to-late July. Registration for our Winter season typically opens in mid-to-late November. Registration for our Spring season typically opens in mid-to-late February. Registration for our Summer season typically starts in mid-to-late May.
Sr. Division (Talent ID, STARSkate & Podium Pathway) – We have registration for our Sr. Division 3 times per year, typically 4 to 6 weeks prior to the season starting. Registration for our Fall & Winter season will typically start in late July. Registration for our Spring season will typically start in late February. Registration for our Summer season will typically start in late May.
No, you must purchase your skater’s equipment. We recommend Sport Chek, The Figure Skating Boutique or Esta Canada.
No, we do not offer make-up classes under any circumstances.
Please see our online registration system, Amilia, for our most up-to-date credit/refund policies.
Please see our online registration system, Amilia, for our most up-to-date pro-rating policies.
Unless your skater is doing jumps and spins (eg; waltz jump, salchow), the best program suited for them would be our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate programs, depending on their age. For general information regarding our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate programs, please see our “Learn to Skate” page. For information regarding scheduling, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
If your skater is doing jumps and spins, they would go into one of figure skating programs, depending on their level. For general information regarding our figure skating programs, please see our “STARSkate” or our “Podium Pathway” pages. For information regarding scheduling, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
The Skate Canada membership fee is a mandatory annual membership that is valid from September 1 – August 31 of every year. All skaters must pay for this membership fee to be able to participate in any programs offered by the Thornhill Figure Skating Club. If you require more information regarding this membership, please see www.skatecanada.ca.
Please see our online registration system, Amilia, for the most up-to-date information regarding scheduling, fees, and online registration.
To avoid skaters accidentally registering for the incorrect programs, we have a “Skill Level” attached to every skater and program which will only allow skaters to register and participate in programs that they qualify for. Please contact the office at thornhilfsc@gmail.com for assistance. Generally, with the exception of Talent ID, programs that require a “Skill Level” require private lessons that must be arranged with any one of Our Coaches.
Skaters may request to transfer sessions, which can only be granted if the session is appropriate for their skating abilities and there is room on the session. Session transfer requests may be subject to an administrative fee, please see our online registration system, Amilia, for the most up-to-date information regarding our session transfer policies.
Please see our online registration system, Amilia, for the most up-to-date information regarding available discounts.
All spot are first-come, first-serve. Most of our programs will have waiting lists available once the class becomes full. You may add your skater(s) to the waiting list but there is no guarantee that a spot will open up. Spots opening up are often dependent on a skater already registered for the program either switching classes or cancelling their registration. If and when a spot becomes available, you will be contacted and the spot will be available for your skater for 24 hours. After these 24 hours, the spot will be offered to the next skater on the waiting list and so on.
If registration is closed, we are no longer accepting new registrations at that time. All updates will be in the “Important Information” section of your desired program on our online registration system, Amilia.
All spots are first-come, first-serve and we cannot make exceptions. As per Skate Canada, the City of Markham, and the City of Vaughan, we are allowed a maximum number of people on the ice at one time for safety reasons and we cannot exceed these numbers.
No, we do not offer trial lessons for insurance purposes.
For privacy reasons, we only send email blasts to current TFSC members. For the most up-to-date information regarding registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
When arranging private lessons, there are 2 costs involved. First, there is the cost for your ice time, which is paid directly to Thornhill FSC via our online registration system, Amilia. Second, there is the cost for your lesson time, which is arranged with and paid directly to your preferred coach. With the exception of Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate, and Talent ID, as a general rule, unless otherwise specified, lessons are not included in your fees paid to Thornhill.
For private lessons during our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate sessions, please see our “Learn To Skate” page and scroll down to “Are private lessons available?”. Please note that private lessons are only available for Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate skaters who are currently registered for their Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate session. We cannot offer private-lesson-only ice time for Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate skaters during the evenings and weekends.
All private lessons are arranged directly with your coach. All coaches are independent contractors so they have their own schedules and fees. The office cannot recommend coaches due to conflict of interest nor can the office arrange your lessons for you. Lessons may be private, semi-private, or small group, it is whatever you have agreed upon with your coach. Generally, lessons are taught in 15-minute increments (eg; 30 mins, 45 mins, etc.), but it is whatever you have arranged with your preferred coach(es).
In terms of cost, the cost for your ice time will vary depending on the number of days per week you skate, but $25 per session for ice is a good starting point. The cost for your lesson time will vary depending on your coach, but a general range is between $50 – $175 per hour. A coach’s rate is based on their certification level, their personal skating background, their personal skating accomplishments, their professional coaching accomplishments, their years of experience, among other factors. For example, coaches who went to Olympics themselves or have had skaters go to the Olympics in the past will charge more than a coach has not. Please speak with your preferred coach(es) directly for their fee structure. Generally, your coach will invoice you at the end of every month. Please speak with them directly for their preferred method of payment(s).
To arrange for private lessons, your first step would be to contact your preferred coach(es) to find out their availability and their fee structure. The office cannot recommend a coach due to conflict of interest nor can the office schedule your lessons for you. Our coaches are well-versed with the programs here at TFSC, so they may be able to provide guidance on the best ice time suitable for your skater. If you/your coach are unsure of the appropriate ice time for your skater, you or your coach may contact the office for assistance.
Once you have arranged for private lessons with your preferred coach, you or your coach will need to contact the office for assistance with registration for your ice time.
To choose a coach, while the office cannot recommend coaches due to conflict of interest, there may be a few factors that you may want to keep in mind.
First and foremost, we recommend choosing a coach that you feel will best suit your skaters’ goals. For example, does your skater wish to pursue the Podium Pathway stream, or the STARSkate stream? Many of our coaches teach in both streams; please confirm with your preferred coach(es) directly. The coach/athlete relationship will be very unique relationship in your skater’s life so we recommend choosing a coach you with whom your skater gets along with. We also recommend choosing a coach who will fit your budget and your schedule. When arranging lessons, we recommend communicating any budgetary or scheduling concerns to your coach. As a general rule, our coaches’ rates vary from $50 to $175 per hour; please contact your preferred coach(es) to confirm. There may be other factors that you also want to keep in mind, but the above are some general recommendations.
The schedule varies each season so we recommend taking a look at our online registration system, Amilia, for the most up-to-date information. The time in which lessons can take place will vary depending on your skater’s level and abilities.
For private lessons during our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate sessions, please see our “Learn To Skate” page and scroll down to “Are private lessons available?”. Please note that private lessons are only available for Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate skaters who are currently registered for their Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate session. We do not offer private-lesson-only ice time for Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate skaters during the evenings and weekends.
You will need a warm jacket, warm pants (snow/slush pants are recommended for beginner skaters), mittens/gloves, skates and a CSA approved hockey helmet. A CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory for skaters up to and including Stage 5. Skaters in Stage 6 are not required to wear a helmet, but it is highly recommended. Bike helmets, ski helmets or multi-purpose helmets are not allowed. Your skater will not be allowed to skate without the proper equipment. Refunds, credits, or make-up classes are not given for failure to have the proper equipment.
No, you must purchase your skater’s equipment. We recommend Sport Chek or The Figure Skating Boutique.
If you feel your skater needs a little more one-on-one attention, you can arrange private lessons with a coach at an additional cost to you. Skaters can have a 15 minute private lesson during the warm up on any CanSkate session, then join their group as usual. All coaches are independent contractors so they have their own schedule and fees. Please contact them directly for their availability and fee structure. We recommend watching your skater’s session and see which coach(es) you/your skater likes. The office cannot schedule your private lessons for you. Please speak to coaches while they are off the ice, do not interrupt their lessons.
Skaters must be registered for the session and season on which they would like private lessons. For example, if a skater skates during the Friday 6 PM CanSkate session for the Fall season and would like to continue to have private lessons for the Winter season, they must register for the Friday 6 PM CanSkate session for the Winter.
Please register your skater for the class that is appropriate to their age on their first class. Skaters are assessed every time they are on the ice so if the coach(es) feel your skater should move up early, they will do so.
Please register your skater for Pre-CanSkate and/or CanSkate, depending on their age. Pre-CanSkate is meant for skaters aged 3 or 4 on the first class. CanSkate is meant for skaters aged 5 on the first class. There are six levels in the CanSkate program that skaters will work through which will teach them the basics necessary to pursue any ice sport, including figure skating.
For general information regarding our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate programs, please see our “Learn to Skate” page.
For information regarding fees, schedules, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
Unless your skater is doing jumps and spins (salchow, sit spin, etc.), the most appropriate program for them would be our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate programs, depending on their age. Skaters new to TFSC are assessed during their first class and placed into the appropriate level based on their abilities.
If your skater has previously participated in a Learn to Skate program at a different facility, providing the most recent report card will help us place your skater into the correct level. Please pass along your skaters’ most recent report card to our CanSkate Coordinator via thornhillcanskate@gmail.com.
For general information regarding our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate programs, please see our “Learn To Skate” page.
For information regarding schedules, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
After a skater has finished the CanSkate program, passing all 6 stages, they have a couple options:
If skaters wish to pursue figure skating, they would enter the first level of figure skating, STAR 1. At TFSC, skaters at the STAR 1 level are required to skate a minimum of twice per week. Unless otherwise specified, at TFSC, there are no group lessons included in your fees paid to TFSC at the STAR 1 and above levels.
Once a skater enters the figure skating program at TFSC, which we call the Sr. Division, there are 2 costs. First, there is the cost for your ice time, which is paid directly to TFSC. The most up-to-date information regarding schedules and fees for ice costs can be found on our online registration system, Amilia. Second, there is the cost for your lessons, which is arranged with and paid directly to your coach. A coach’s fees are based on their personal skating background, their professional skating background, as well as their personal and professional accomplishments. Coach’s rates typically range between $50 – $175 per hour. Lessons may be private, semi-private, or small group, depending on what you have agreed upon with your coach. Your first step at this level would be to find a coach, the list of which can be found on our website under Our Coaches. All coaches are independent contractors therefore they make their own schedules and fees. Please contact them directly to arrange for lessons. The office cannot recommend coaches due to conflict of interest nor can the office arrange your lessons for you.
A skater may also choose to pursue other ice sports, such as hockey, speed skating, or ringette. Skaters may also choose to skate recreationally for fun and to stay active. Regardless of the avenue your skater chooses, CanSkate will prepare your skater for a lifelong love of skating.
The time in which your skater will take to finish the program will vary depending on their age, their natural skating ability, and how many times per week they skate. If you feel your skater needs a little more one-on-one attention, you may arrange private lessons with any of our CanSkate coaches at an additional cost to you. Information regarding private lessons may be found further up on this page.
There are six levels in the CanSkate program which skaters will work their way through, focusing on the Agility, Balance, and Control needed to continue with any ice sport. They will learn the basics necessary to pursue any ice sport, including figure skating.
This is up to you, however we do recommend skaters skate more than once per week for faster progression through the CanSkate program.
There is no level-specific registration for Pre-CanSkate/CanSkate. If your skater has skated with us before, we have their level progression on file and will be placed into the appropriate group according to their level. If your skater is new to TFSC, they will be assessed on their first class and will be placed into the appropriate level according to their skating ability. If your skater has participated in previous Learn to Skate programs, please pass along their most recent report card via email to thornhillcanskate@gmail.com so we can place them in an appropriate level.
No, we do not offer Powerskating classes at this time.
No, we do not offer adult learn to skate classes at this time.
No, we do not offer parent & tot classes at this time.
Skaters are divided into groups based on their skating abilities. This colour represents the group your skater is in and may change throughout the season as skaters progress. It is not reflective of the level your skater is working on. If you would like more information on the level your skater is working on, please speak with our CanSkate Coordinator either off the ice after your skaters’ session is finished or via email thornhillcanskate@gmail.com.
Unique to Thorhill FSC, Talent ID is an audition-only program that is meant to be an introduction to competitive figure skating to young skaters who show potential in figure skating. The program runs twice per week and both days are mandatory.
For general information on our Learn to Skate programs, including Talent ID, please see our “Learn to Skate” page.
For information regarding schedules, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
Yes, skaters will need to have some basic skating experience to be able to participate in the Talent ID program. Generally, they will need to be able to skate forward, skate/walk backwards, and stand up unassisted, but it is ultimately the Co-Directors decision.
You may arrange for an audition for the Talent ID program by contacting our Co-Directors via email at tfsccodirectors@gmail.com. Skaters are not guaranteed to be accepted to the program.
Please see our “Learn to Skate” page for general information regarding our programs, including Talent ID.
The STARSkate program has been Skate Canada’s mainstay figure skating program for over 40 years. At TFSC, skaters are required to skate a minimum number of sessions per week depending on their level. Skaters are also required to hire a private coach as, unless otherwise specified, there are no lessons included in your fees paid to Thornhill in the STARSkate program. Information regarding private lesson can be found further up on this page.
For general information regarding the STARSkate program, please see our “STARSkate” page.
For information regarding scheduling, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
No, skaters must be at the STAR 1 level or above to be able to participate in our STARSkate program for safety reasons. Generally, unless your skater is doing proper jumps and spins, they would fit into our Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate program, depending on their age.
For general information regarding our Learn to Skate programs, please see our “Learn To Skate” page.
For information regarding scheduling, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
Please contact the office at thornhillfsc@gmail.com for assistance. Skaters will need to hire a private coach to participate as, unless otherwise specified, there are no lessons included in your fees paid to TFSC. Information regarding private lessons can be found further up on this page.
The Podium Pathway program is Skate Canada’s competitive figure skating program. At TFSC, skaters are required to skate a minimum number of sessions per week depending on their level. Skaters are also required to hire a private coach as, unless otherwise specified, there are no lessons included in your fees paid to Thornhill in the Podium Pathway program. Information regarding private lesson can be found further up on this page.
For general information regarding the Podium Pathway program, please see our “Podium Pathway” page.
For information regarding scheduling, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
Please contact the office at thornhillfsc@gmail.com for assistance. Skaters will need to hire a private coach to participate as, unless otherwise specified, there are no lessons included in your fees paid to TFSC. Information regarding private lessons can be found further up on this page.
Ticket Ice is drop-in, pay-as-you-go ice times offered during weekday and daytime hours. These hours are meant to provide additional practice time for skaters outside of their normal Evening and Weekend sessions. Ticket Ice sessions do not count towards a skaters’ minimum registration requirements as per their level. There are no lessons included in your fees paid to Thornhill FSC for any Ticket Ice sessions.
For general information regarding Ticket Ice, please see our “Ticket Ice” page.
For information regarding scheduling, fees, and online registration, please see our online registration system, Amilia.
Generally, yes, guest skaters are allowed to use our morning and daytime Ticket Ice time, depending on spots available. TFSC skaters will have first priority. To avoid skaters accidentally registering for the incorrect sessions, we have a “Skill Level” attached to every skater and every program, including Ticket Ice. For assistance with registration, please contact the office at thornhillfsc@gmail.com.
Generally, yes, non-TFSC coaches are allowed to teach during our Ticket Ice times, depending on numbers. Please contact the office at thornhillfsc@gmail.com or our Co-Directors at tfsccodirectors@gmail.com for assistance and to confirm that we are able to accommodate you and your skater(s) during our Ticket Ice times.
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