Figure Skating Levels: Snowplow Sam

Getting your children involved in sports is an excellent way to enhance the development of their gross and fine motor skills. It also provides them with invaluable social opportunities and builds their self-esteem. 

Figure skating is a competitive, fun, and exciting sport for all ages, and Snowplow Sam offers a perfect course designed to teach figure skating fundamentals to kids. 

What Is the Snowplow Sam Program?

Snowplow Sam is a progressive skating skill program from Learn to Skate USA, which US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating endorse. Other organizations also offer skating curricula, but this article will focus on Snowplow Sam.

Snowplow Sam encompasses four levels of ice skating classes. These levels function as beginner ice skating sessions. They are designed to teach your children the fundamental movement skills necessary for figure skating. Each level aims to teach children ages six and under the ABCs of movement (Agility, Balance, Coordination) and speed.

Snowplow Sam Level Requirements & Skills Breakdown

The instruction in these beginner skating lessons is presented alongside fun games and activities that enhance your child’s progress. Classes are often an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Snowplow Sam 1 Requirements

The first level of Snowplow Sam is designed to help your child become comfortable on the ice. During this stage, they’ll learn the basics of maintaining their balance and become more comfortable wearing skates on the ice.

First, children are taught how to safely and efficiently stand up and sit down on the ice without skates on. Once they’ve mastered that skill, they’ll learn how to perform those movements with skates on.

Next, they’re taught how to march in place. This will help build their confidence and help them get a feel for moving on the ice. They’ll then be instructed to march forward 8-10 steps.

The final skills taught in Snowplow Sam 1 teach children how to march and then glide on two feet. Once they’ve mastered all of that and learned how to dip in place, they can move on to Snowplow Sam 2!

Skills Checklist for Level 1

• Stand up and sit down safely (off and on the ice)
• March in place
• March forward 8–10 steps
• Glide on two feet
• Dip in place

What to Expect in Sam 1 Classes

Classes focus on getting comfortable on the ice with lots of games, fun activities, and plenty of support from instructors. Parents can expect their child to start gaining confidence with balance and movement in just a few weeks.

Snowplow Sam 2 Requirements

When your child advances to Snowplow Sam 2, they’re going to be learning more about moving on the ice. They’ll start by learning to march, glide, and dip while moving. The pace of the class will start to pick up a bit. 

Meanwhile, your child should become more confident in their abilities on the ice.

They’ll be taught the correct technique for backward walking, which involves turning their toes inward while shifting their weight. They’ll learn backward wiggles, forward swizzles, and the beginning snowplow stop motion while in place or holding onto the rink barrier.

Some children may learn a two-foot hop during this stage. However, it’s not required for them to master this skill before moving on to the next level. The goal of this stage is to teach children simple movements on the ice while building their confidence and developing basic techniques.

Skills Checklist for Level 2

• March and glide while moving
• Dip while moving
• Backward walking and wiggles
• Forward swizzles
• Beginning snowplow stop (with support)
• Optional: Two-foot hop

Progression from Level 1

Level 2 builds directly on marching and gliding. Children who can glide confidently and dip in place from Level 1 are ready to add backward movement and stops.

Snowplow Sam 3 Requirements

Snowplow Sam 3 is where children will have the opportunity to try out more advanced techniques. Forward skating will be introduced at this level, including forward one-foot glides using the left and right foot.

They’ll continue learning forward swizzles and will now be introduced to backward swizzles. Children will learn the forward-moving snowplow stop and some basic curves. These techniques will prepare them for level 4. At level 4, they’ll be dealing with more advanced movements that require a strong understanding of the basics.

Snowplow Sam 4 Requirements

Children will move onto Snowplow Sam 4 based on their ability. It may take some children more time to reach this level than others, but that’s fine! Learning how to skate is a process, and the important thing is to make sure your kid is having a great time while they learn.

During this level, children will continue to develop their forward skating technique. They’ll be instructed on the correct way to perform a backward two-foot glide. The instructors will continue working with your child to develop their ability to perform backward swizzles during this stage.

A couple of new techniques will be introduced during this level. Children will learn to do a rocking horse, which involves one forward swizzle and one backward swizzle and is repeated twice. 

At this level, they will also learn two-foot turns from forward to backward while remaining in place. They will work to master the two-foot hop in place.

How Long Does Each Snowplow Sam Level Take?

Sessions are typically around 30 minutes, and education from one level to the next can take about 6–8 weeks per level, depending on how quickly students build confidence and master the skills. 

Some children may need extra time before moving forward—and that’s completely normal. Instructors look for consistency and comfort before recommending advancement.

Snowplow Sam Age Requirements and Prerequisites

What age should my child start Snowplow Sam?

The program is designed for children aged six and under, making it an ideal preschool skating program. In fact, many rinks allow children as young as 3 years old to participate. 

The key is that your child should be comfortable in a class setting and able to follow simple directions.

Can my child skip Snowplow Sam levels?

It’s rare. Instructors usually require children to complete each level since skills build on one another. However, if your child demonstrates clear mastery, an instructor may allow them to move up more quickly.

Snowplow Sam vs Basic Skills: What’s the Difference?

Snowplow Sam is intended for children aged six and under, while the Basic Skills curriculum is designed for older children, teenagers, and adults. 

Basic Skills introduces similar skating techniques for basic skating skills progression, but it progresses faster and expects more independence.

What Comes After Snowplow Sam? Next Steps Explained

What comes after Snowplow Sam 4?

After completing Snowplow Sam 4, children typically move into Basic Skills Level 1. From there, they can choose a pathway: recreational skating, figure skating, or hockey-specific skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snowplow Sam Levels

How do I know if my child is ready for the next level?

Your child is ready when they can consistently demonstrate the required skills for their current level without assistance. Instructors will usually let you know when they’re prepared to advance.

What equipment do I need for Snowplow Sam?

• Properly fitted skates (not rental skates if possible)
• A CSA-approved helmet (mandatory at many rinks for ages 6 and under)
• Warm, flexible clothing (snow pants or athletic wear)
• Mittens or gloves

Choosing the Right Skates for Snowplow Sam Success

Ready to launch your child’s figure skating journey with confidence and comfort? Browse Riedell’s carefully designed skate collections to find the perfect match for beginner skaters. 

When your child progresses, level up to the Developmental Series, which offers enhanced structure and durability to support new skills and growing ambition. 

Find a local dealer today, get fitted properly, and get ready to cheer them across the ice with pride!