Northfield Skating School

Who We Are

“Community Based, Nationally Recognized”

Building Skills and Confidence
For Skating and for Life

Our Mission

At Northfield Skating School, we encourage participation, enjoyment, and achievement in skating by fostering a positive, inclusive, and challenging learning environment. We are a U.S. Figure Skating program and we offer programs for skaters ages 4 – adult with a full range of skating goals. We collaborate with local organizations to increase programs and access to skating. We are community-based and nationally recognized, and our skaters build confidence and skills for skating and for life.

Why Learn to Skate?

Build strength and coordination while having FUN
Skating is a sport AND an art
Skating is a lifelong activity you can share with your friends and family
Skating builds character and life skills: determination, focus, self-expression, teamwork, and more

Why Skate with NSS?

Safe, professional, and fun environment
High parent satisfaction and returning student rates
Low skater to instructor ratios
Fun events like Bring a Friend Day, Parades, and Spirit Nights
Top quality staff featured in SKATING magazine. All instructors are professionally trained and First Aid/CPR Certified and take pride in being role models for skaters
Automatic U.S. Figure Skating membership and Sports Liability Coverage
Scholarships and discounts
We are a family program: Over 60% of skaters have additional family members enrolled.
We are the link to the advanced testing and competitive structure. Begin with us and learn the basics to pursue any skating path.
Volunteer opportunities for skaters and parents
Hockey players welcome. Learning proper skating technique is one of the best foundations for playing on a team.
Nationally recognized director (see In the News). Earned “Making a Difference Award” from the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative in June 2008

History and Vision

NSS was founded by Carey Tinkelenberg in November, 2005. Carey is a nationally experienced competitive skater and coach, dancer, Professional Skaters Association Senior Program Director, and graduate of Carleton College in Northfield. NSS opened in the fall of 2005 and grew over 450% within the first two seasons. Our seasonal facility allows us to offer lessons from September – March, and we collaborate with other organizations to offer year-round special events such as a spring skating show, local parades, and fundraisers. Our goal is to offer year-round skating programs for all ages and abilities of skaters with both recreational and competitive goals.

Program Honors

Named Model Program by the editors of SKATING Magazine, 2009
Director received Making a Difference Award from the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, June 2008
Our documentary (above, by instructor Kristen Asp) was featured on US Figure Skating website
NSS instructors invited by U.S. Figure Skating to coach at St. Paul WinterSkate during 2008 National Skating Championships

How do I register?

Registration for the 2009-10 season will open in August 2009. There are 3 ways to register:

Online Registration
Attend our Open House on September 2, 2009 from 5-7 at the Northfield Arena (1280 Bollenbacher Drive in Northfield, see map)
By mail: send registration and payment to PO Box 145, Northfield MN 55057

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