Speed Skating Program FAQ

What do I need to wear to the Olympic Oval for School Speed Skating?

The Olympic Oval is warmer than a normal arena, usually around 12°C, so students do not need winter jackets or snowpants to skate.  Students need to know their shoe size prior to arrival at the Olympic Oval to speed up distribution of equipment.

• Helmet – helmets are mandatory for all students, parents, and teachers.
  • Hockey Helmet or Speed Skating Helmet preferred – cages ok.
  • In-Line Helmet / Skateboard Helmet / Bike Helmet acceptable.
  • Free Rental Hockey Helmets available as a supplement.
• Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Athletic wear recommended – long-sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, hoodie.
  • No short sleeve t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
• Gloves or Mitts
  • Recommended for hand protection in case a student falls and slides on the ice.
• Long Pants
  • Athletic wear recommended – sweat pants, track pants, tights, ‘under armours’ / compressions
  • No shorts
  • Jeans allowed but not recommended
• Long Socks – socks are mandatory for all skaters.
  • Mid-calf or higher recommended
  • Ankle or no-show socks not recommended as they are uncomfortable in skates.

What about safety pads?

Wrist, Elbow, and Knee Pads are not included or required but may be worn.

• Pads with Hard plastic shells not recommended as they will slide on the ice.
• Soft Volleyball-style pads are recommended.

What do I need to wear for Dryland Training?

Dryland training is done at school in your gym and is designed to use little or no equipment.

• Gym Strip – if your students normally use gym strip for PE then they can use it for dryland!
• Running Shoes – most exercises that we do will work better in shoes than socks.
• That’s it!

How does instruction work with such a large group?

Students will be divided into groups based on skating ability and all groups will receive equal amounts of skill-based instruction and practice time. All students will have a few minutes at the start and end of the class to free-skate. 

My Ice Time / Travel Time interferes with my school’s lunch hour.  Can you help?

Yes!  Schools groups can use the spectator seating at the Olympic Oval to sit and have lunch before or after their School Speed Skating lesson.

Are there other activities that I can combine with School Speed Skating?

Yes!  Smaller groups can also explore the Speed Skate Canada Hall of Fame located on the third level of the Olympic Oval atrium just outside the main entrance.  Many schools have done assignments in this space as a part of their school speed skating program either before or after their ice time.

The small exhibit contains many fascinating facts about the sport of speed skating and the Olympic Oval itself as well as photos and memorabilia.  It is small enough to do a simple assignment in 30 minutes or less.  The SSC Hall of Fame is open to the public and free to view.

Schools have also included School Speed Skating in ‘activity days’ where the school has booked multiple events on the University of Calgary campus such as using the climbing wall or swimming.