Registration now open for all Vail Recreation District youth skating programs

Registration is under way for Learn to Skate; Freestyle Jumps and Spins, Mini Mite and Mite Hockey and Introduction to Girls' Hockey programs at Dobson Ice Arena, offering skaters ages four and older an opportunity to learn the sport or improve their skills.

The Vail Recreation District (VRD) is offering the Learn to Skate program for $15 less than in 2010 to encourage newcomers to try the sport. Registration is currently open for the following programs:

Jr. Prep, Jumps and Spins Sessions
Sept. 12 to Oct. 10, Oct. 17 to Nov. 14, Jan. 2 to 30, Feb. 6 to March 5 and March 12 to April 15

An extension of the Learn to Skate program, these classes teach advanced tricks and skills to help take participants' skating to the next level. Skaters ages six and older must pass the basic level 6 to participate. This class offers participants 30 minutes of instruction followed by 60 minutes of freestyle skating. Month-long sessions begin Sept. 12 and will take place from 4:15 to 5:Figure Skating Camp45 p.m. on Mondays. Cost is $100 per session.

Learn to Skate Sessions
Sept. 14 to Oct. 12, Oct. 19 to Nov. 16, Jan. 4 to Feb. 1, Feb. 8 to March 7 and March 14 to April 11

The Learn to Skate program is perfect for children ages four and older who are interested in learning the basics of either figure or ice hockey skating. Month-long sessions will begin Sept. 14 and take place at 3:30 or 4:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Cost is $60 per session.

VRD Mini Mite and Mite Hockey Seasons
Oct. 6 to Dec. 17 and Jan. 5 to Mar. 4

Children who participate in the Mini Mite, for ages five to six, and Mite, for ages sevent to eight, youth hockey programs will learn the fundamentals of ice hockey through fun and educational instruction and an introduction to competition. Both groups practice from 4 to 5:15 p.m. on Thursdays and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m on Sundays. Two weekends out of the season will include scheduled games at the Eagle Ice Rink. Equipment rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Costs are $150 for one season or $250 for both seasons. Register for both seasons before Oct. 6 and also receive an additional $25 discount, compliments of the Vail Eagle Hockey Association.

Introduction to Girls' Youth Hockey
Oct. 4 to Dec. 11

The first-of-its-kind to be offered in the Vail Valley, the Introduction to Girls' Hockey Program is a pioneer in girls' development progYouth Hockeyrams. Designed to encourage interest and confidence in the sport for both novice skaters and those with experience, it is available for girls in kindergarten through fourth grade. Practice take place from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. The cost is $150 per participant. Rental equipment will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to classes, Dobson Ice Arena also offers adult ice hockey leagues, adult broomball league, public skating, stick and puck sessions and events. For more information or to register, click here or call 970-479-2271.