Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQs below are included to help you learn more about the Winchester Figure Skating Club and how it operates.
How do I get started with figure skating?
Those interested in figure skating typically first enroll in a USFS Basic Skills learn-to-skate program for group lessons. In the WFSC area, there are several quality Basic Skills programs including BHSA at the Burlington Ice Palace, Edgeworks in Burlington/Stoneham/Malden, the Stoneham Learn to Skate program, and the Medford Figure Skating Program. Once a skater reaches Basic Skills level 5 or 6, he/she is generally ready to supplement the group lessons with practice time and/or private lessons on Club ice sessions. The WFSC currently offers six hours of ice time each week for practice and/or private lessons. WFSC also offers a Bridge program which is a semi-private lesson on Club ice time, giving skaters additional opportunity to advance through Basic Skills and to test out Club ice time. Please see the Programs page for more information.
Where is the WFSC located?
The Winchester Figure Skating Club skates at the Burlington Ice Palace located at 36 Ray Avenue in Burlington, Massachusetts. Please see our Contact page for map.
Do I need to be a member to skate on WFSC ice times?
No, both members and non-members may walk-on to club ice time. The only requirements to skate on WFSC ice is to have a USFS membership (either a Basic Skills or Full USFS membership) and to submit a completed Non-Member Walk-On Form once per skating year. If the skater is under 18, this form must be signed by a parent or guardian. WFSC members pay less per ice session than non-members. Members also enjoy other benefits, listed on our Membership page.
When can I skate with WFSC?
The WFSC offers six 50-minute ice sessions per week from early September through late-June. Skaters may contract (pre-book) any of the sessions. Often skaters will spend one session per week with a private lesson and one or more for a practice.
What can I expect at a typical WFSC ice session?
At a typical WFSC ice session, you will find a skaters with varying levels of skating experience and ages. Some skaters will be practicing independently and others will be working with private coaches. There is no ability level requirement to skate on a WFSC ice sessions. However, if the skater is not in a private lesson, he/she should be able to focus on improving figure skating skills so as not to interfere with other skaters’ practice. Please review the WFSC ice session rules at the Rules page. WFSC skaters are friendly, supportive, and courteous.
What are the current ice session rates?
For any ice session, there are two levels of ice rates: Members and Non-members. For the current rates, please see the Ice Schedule & Rates page.
How do I contract (pre-book) an ice session?
Skaters may pre-book and pre-pay any ice session through the EntryEeze system.
What are the current membership rates?
There are several different membership types available to accommodate varying skater needs. Please refer to the WFSC Membership page for descriptions of these types and current membership rates.
Why should I join the Winchester Figure Skating Club?
WFSC offers a fun environment for your skater to improve his/her figure skating skills. Skating can be a very individual sport, however membership in a figure skating club provides the opportunity to observe and learn from skating peers. Club spirit, involvement, and sharing of personal achievement can foster a deeper appreciation for the sport. There are many benefits of WFSC membership, listed on our Membership page.
What level skaters are WFSC members?
WFSC skaters have varied skill levels and experience. Skaters of all levels are welcome to join, although skaters are generally not ready to fully benefit from Club ice time until they are at least Basic Skills Level 5.
Should I take private lessons?
Private lessons are a great option for Club ice sessions and are available for any skill level. A skater may begin to take private lessons at any time. Lesson time is primarily spent working on skating technique, learning, perfecting, and polishing the jumps, spins, footwork, and artistic presentation of a program for recreation or competition. The typical reasons for taking private lessons are: to progress through the skills at a faster rate; to receive the benefits of individualized instruction geared to the skater’s learning rate and personality; or if the skater has expressed an interest in entering competitions. If you are interested in finding a private coach, please visit our Coaches page.
I have never been on a Club ice session - how does it work?
A volunteer ice monitor will be stationed near the ice door. Before entering the ice, please check in with the ice monitor. If you have pre-booked the ice time for the season (which is required), then the ice monitor should have your name on the list and you may enter the ice once the monitor has checked off your name.
How can I play my program music during an ice session?
Skaters are welcome to play their own music during an ice session. Please bring an orange vest or scarf to wear while you are performing your program so the other skaters know to give you the right of way. Please note that there may be a line of skaters waiting to play their program music. Coaches are permitted to “bump the line” for a skater who is in a lesson at the time.
What does it mean when a skater is wearing the orange vest during a WFSC ice session?
When a skaters is wearing the orange vest (found in the WFSC suitcase at the ice monitor station), this indicates the skater is practicing a program. Please remember to give skaters wearing the vests the right of way.
How can I fulfill my volunteer hours?
As part of the Full Membership and Introductory Membership types, there is a requirement to volunteer hours with the WFSC. Some options for fulfilling this requirement include serving as an ice monitor during ice sessions, providing food or other hospitality items for WFSC test sessions or other events, assisting with fundraising efforts, and serving on the WFSC Board, among other tasks. Please see the Volunteering page for more information.
How do I find out more information?
If you have more questions not answered here, please send an email to [email protected]. One of the WFSC volunteers will contact you as soon as possible with more information.
How do I get started with figure skating?
Those interested in figure skating typically first enroll in a USFS Basic Skills learn-to-skate program for group lessons. In the WFSC area, there are several quality Basic Skills programs including BHSA at the Burlington Ice Palace, Edgeworks in Burlington/Stoneham/Malden, the Stoneham Learn to Skate program, and the Medford Figure Skating Program. Once a skater reaches Basic Skills level 5 or 6, he/she is generally ready to supplement the group lessons with practice time and/or private lessons on Club ice sessions. The WFSC currently offers six hours of ice time each week for practice and/or private lessons. WFSC also offers a Bridge program which is a semi-private lesson on Club ice time, giving skaters additional opportunity to advance through Basic Skills and to test out Club ice time. Please see the Programs page for more information.
Where is the WFSC located?
The Winchester Figure Skating Club skates at the Burlington Ice Palace located at 36 Ray Avenue in Burlington, Massachusetts. Please see our Contact page for map.
Do I need to be a member to skate on WFSC ice times?
No, both members and non-members may walk-on to club ice time. The only requirements to skate on WFSC ice is to have a USFS membership (either a Basic Skills or Full USFS membership) and to submit a completed Non-Member Walk-On Form once per skating year. If the skater is under 18, this form must be signed by a parent or guardian. WFSC members pay less per ice session than non-members. Members also enjoy other benefits, listed on our Membership page.
When can I skate with WFSC?
The WFSC offers six 50-minute ice sessions per week from early September through late-June. Skaters may contract (pre-book) any of the sessions. Often skaters will spend one session per week with a private lesson and one or more for a practice.
What can I expect at a typical WFSC ice session?
At a typical WFSC ice session, you will find a skaters with varying levels of skating experience and ages. Some skaters will be practicing independently and others will be working with private coaches. There is no ability level requirement to skate on a WFSC ice sessions. However, if the skater is not in a private lesson, he/she should be able to focus on improving figure skating skills so as not to interfere with other skaters’ practice. Please review the WFSC ice session rules at the Rules page. WFSC skaters are friendly, supportive, and courteous.
What are the current ice session rates?
For any ice session, there are two levels of ice rates: Members and Non-members. For the current rates, please see the Ice Schedule & Rates page.
How do I contract (pre-book) an ice session?
Skaters may pre-book and pre-pay any ice session through the EntryEeze system.
What are the current membership rates?
There are several different membership types available to accommodate varying skater needs. Please refer to the WFSC Membership page for descriptions of these types and current membership rates.
Why should I join the Winchester Figure Skating Club?
WFSC offers a fun environment for your skater to improve his/her figure skating skills. Skating can be a very individual sport, however membership in a figure skating club provides the opportunity to observe and learn from skating peers. Club spirit, involvement, and sharing of personal achievement can foster a deeper appreciation for the sport. There are many benefits of WFSC membership, listed on our Membership page.
What level skaters are WFSC members?
WFSC skaters have varied skill levels and experience. Skaters of all levels are welcome to join, although skaters are generally not ready to fully benefit from Club ice time until they are at least Basic Skills Level 5.
Should I take private lessons?
Private lessons are a great option for Club ice sessions and are available for any skill level. A skater may begin to take private lessons at any time. Lesson time is primarily spent working on skating technique, learning, perfecting, and polishing the jumps, spins, footwork, and artistic presentation of a program for recreation or competition. The typical reasons for taking private lessons are: to progress through the skills at a faster rate; to receive the benefits of individualized instruction geared to the skater’s learning rate and personality; or if the skater has expressed an interest in entering competitions. If you are interested in finding a private coach, please visit our Coaches page.
I have never been on a Club ice session - how does it work?
A volunteer ice monitor will be stationed near the ice door. Before entering the ice, please check in with the ice monitor. If you have pre-booked the ice time for the season (which is required), then the ice monitor should have your name on the list and you may enter the ice once the monitor has checked off your name.
How can I play my program music during an ice session?
Skaters are welcome to play their own music during an ice session. Please bring an orange vest or scarf to wear while you are performing your program so the other skaters know to give you the right of way. Please note that there may be a line of skaters waiting to play their program music. Coaches are permitted to “bump the line” for a skater who is in a lesson at the time.
What does it mean when a skater is wearing the orange vest during a WFSC ice session?
When a skaters is wearing the orange vest (found in the WFSC suitcase at the ice monitor station), this indicates the skater is practicing a program. Please remember to give skaters wearing the vests the right of way.
How can I fulfill my volunteer hours?
As part of the Full Membership and Introductory Membership types, there is a requirement to volunteer hours with the WFSC. Some options for fulfilling this requirement include serving as an ice monitor during ice sessions, providing food or other hospitality items for WFSC test sessions or other events, assisting with fundraising efforts, and serving on the WFSC Board, among other tasks. Please see the Volunteering page for more information.
How do I find out more information?
If you have more questions not answered here, please send an email to [email protected]. One of the WFSC volunteers will contact you as soon as possible with more information.