Learn-to-Skate Group Courses

Parents enrolling children, adults wanting to learn and sometimes schools, daycares or community groups.

Course fee per skater, paid before the session starts. More skaters per class mean more income, but you also pay for ice time and helpers.

• Skating and group teaching
• Organizing schedules and registrations
• Marketing to local families

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether your venue needs to be named on the policy
• Ice rental is a fixed cost, so classes with too few skaters can lose money
• Check coaching certification, background check and first aid requirements for you and any assistants
• If you hire helpers, check how your province treats employees versus contractors and whether WCB/WSIB applies
• Outdoor ice and winter weather can cancel classes, so have a refund or make-up policy

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on ice rental, insurance and marketing. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on class sizes and fees.

Check that your commercial general liability insurance meets venue requirements, including whether the venue must be named on the policy. Also check coaching certification, background check and first aid requirements for you and assistants, and how your province treats employees versus contractors.

Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours a week. Ice rental is a fixed cost, so classes with too few skaters can lose money. Outdoor ice and winter weather can cancel classes, so have a refund or make-up policy.