Developing Figure Skaters for the Long Run
COACH NICK KRAFT
Developing as a skater takes time, consistency, and purposeful practice.I help build strong fundamentals, effective practice habits, and the confidence to keep progressing through every stage of their journey.+ US Figure Skating Triple Master Accredited Coach
+ Gold Medalist in Skating Skills
+ Get Up Champion & Ambassador
All ages and abilities
LEARN & TRAIN
Every skater's path looks a little different. Some athletes thrive with focused one-on-one instruction. Others benefit from the energy, repetition, accountability, and shared learning that happen in a group setting. Many skaters make their best progress through a combination of both.My coaching is a good fit for skaters who are curious, coachable, and willing to work during our lesson and practice outside of it.I value clear communication with families. My rates and policies are available so families can understand commitment before scheduling.
STYLES OF LESSONS
PRIVATE LESSONS
$90/hour | Individualized instruction for skating skills, jumps, spins, testing, competition, and personal goals.
15 min — $22.50
20 min — $30
30 min — $45
45 min — $67.50
60 min — $90
Current students will continue at their existing rate through December 31, 2026.SMALL-GROUP TRAINING
$50/hour per skater | Additional structure, guided practice, repetition, and the chance to learn alongside other motivated athletes. This format can be especially helpful for skaters who are ready for more consistency, more feedback, and a stronger training rhythm between lessons.
30 min — $25
45 min — $37.50
60 min — $50OFF ICE WORK + ELECTRIC SPINNER
$40/hour per skater | Off-ice training is an important part of a skater's development. With the support of the Bronson electric spinner and harness, the athlete strengthens their vestibular system and on-ice progress.
15 min — $10
30 min — $20
45 min — $30
60 min — $40GOALS & TRAINING SUPPORT
Goals Meetings & Music Editing — Billed at 1hr Off Ice Rate | For families who want more clarity, I also help skaters think through practice habits, training priorities, competition preparation, and realistic next steps.
Private lessons are important, but they are only one part of a skater’s development. A skater who practices consistently between lessons and classes will progress faster than a skater who only skates during lesson time.
POLICIES
PAYMENT POLICY
Payment is due at the end of the lesson or at the end of the last lesson for skaters taking multiple lessons each week.Accepted payment methods: Cash, Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal.If payment is not received by the end of the day, a $10 billing follow-up fee may be added. Invoices unpaid after 10 days will incur a $30 late fee. Lessons with balances over 30 days will be paused until paid in full.Training plans are due on the 1st of the month. Split payments, when arranged, are due on the 1st and 15th.CANCELLATION POLICY
Because lesson time is reserved in advance, cancellations require at least 24-hour notice. Lessons cancelled with less than 24-hours notice may be charged the full lesson fee. If I need to cancel or reschedule, families will not be charged.Lessons starting late due to the coach or rink will be extended or adjusted when possible. If a lesson starts late due to skater tardiness, extensions cannot be guaranteed.
TRAINING PLANS
SUMMER TRAINING PLANS
SUMMER PLANS For skaters ready for more consistency, monthly plans bundle private lesson time, small-group training, and additional support. Coaching fees only. Ice time is paid separately to the rink.3x PLAN $495/month
1 weekly 45-minute private lesson
2 weekly 45-minute small-group sessions
Priority scheduling, goal check-ins, music editing, and off-ice/spinner opportunities taught by Nick
Split payment: 2 x $2554x PLAN $595/month
1 weekly 45-minute private lesson
3 weekly 45-minute small-group sessions
Priority scheduling, goal check-ins, music editing, and off-ice/spinner opportunities taught by Nick
Split payment: 2 x $305Training Plan Add-On Private Lesson
For training plan skaters who want extra one-on-one time for tests, competitions, programs, jumps, spins, or a specific skill focus.
+15 minutes weekly: $75/month
+30 minutes weekly: $150/monthAdditional lessons, groups, off-ice, and specialty sessions may be added at standard rates as available.
SCHOOL YEAR TRAINING PLANS
SCHOOL YEAR PLANS Bundled training options for the 2026–27 school year are currently being developed. Final options will be based on family availability, compatible group placement and the school-year rink schedule.
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
FOR NEW FAMILIES
HOW DO WE SCHEDULE A LESSON?
Contact me through the website or in person. We'll look at My Lesson Schedule to see where I have availability. After clicking the calendar, you can change the view in the top right.Early morning and later afternoon times are freestyle sessions. Sessions starting midday are public. All lessons must pay for the session prior to taking the ice.Academy Calendar | Freestyle Session - A dedicated practice session for figure skaters. Skaters should be at least in Pre-Academy 3 or Basic 4 to participate on a freestyle session, unless it is marked as "open," meaning all levels may participate. Skaters must wear their own figure skates. There are designated traffic patterns and rules to follow.Read the Freestyle Rules posted in the West Rink near the lobby doors and available as a printed copy near the coaches room.Athletic skating attire (no street clothes) must be worn and hair must be securely tied back and out of a skater's face.Public Calendar | Public Session - If a skater does not have their own figure skates yet, the lesson needs to be on a public session. Any level of skater and any type of skate may be on a public session.
Weekday availabilityDO I PAY COACH NICK AND THE RINK SEPARATELY?
Yes, lesson fees are paid to me directly. When we schedule a lesson, I’ll help clarify which ice session you need to purchase. Fees for ice time are purchased at the front desk prior to the start of the session or reserving up to three hours prior to the start of the session through Community Pass.SHOULD MY SKATER STILL TAKE GROUP CLASSES?
Yes, group classes are a wonderful way to support learning at all stages of development. Private lessons work best when they support and build on consistent practice and group training. As skaters enter the competitive world, both small group lessons and Academy classes are an integral part of developing the complete figure skater.HOW MANY LESSONS SHOULD MY SKATER TAKE?
That depends on the skater’s age, level, goals, schedule, and practice habits. Some skaters begin with one private lesson per week. Developing and competitive skaters may need more frequent lessons, additional practice time, off-ice training, small-group work, or program preparation.WHEN IS A SKATER READY TO COMPETE AND TEST?
A skater may be ready to compete when they have the skills, confidence, practice habits, and emotional readiness to prepare a program and perform in front of others. Competition should be a positive learning experience, not just a result.I help families understand when competition and testing makes sense and what kind of event is the right starting point.DO YOU COACH SKATERS WHO ALREADY HAVE A COACH?
I enjoy working alongside other coaches and believe skaters and coaches alike benefit from a strong training team. We have a great team of coaches at the rink that support different parts of an athlete’s development, including choreography, ice dance, jumps, spins, skating skills, off-ice training, and competition preparation.I work as both a primary coach and a supplemental coach. In either role, my focus is helping skaters develop movement patterns, skating skills, and training habits that support long-term progress. Clear communication is important. If a skater already has a primary coach, I prefer that everyone understands the purpose of the additional lesson support so the skater receives consistent, respectful coaching.WHERE CAN I BUY SKATES AND GET THEM SHARPENED?
If you need a full-service skate shop, I recommend you visit Edges & Dreams located on the lower level of South Suburban Sports Complex.
COMPETITIVE SKATING
Not every skater needs to compete, but skaters benefit from having goals. Testing, performances, and competitions can help skaters build confidence, learn preparation skills, and experience the sport in a more complete way. The right path depends on the skater’s interest, age, level, confidence, and family goals.Competitive skating can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging. It requires time, practice, patience, financial planning, emotional support, and a skater who is willing to keep showing up. As skaters move up in level and difficulty, the commitment to training usually grows with them.Progress is not perfectly linear. Some seasons bring fast improvement, while others are about rebuilding, refining, gaining confidence, or learning how to compete more effectively. Everyone's journey in skating is different, and those experiences can help build resilience that lasts beyond skating.The goal is not to rush the process. The goal is to create a realistic training plan that supports steady progress, confidence, and long-term development.SUGGESTED ICE TIME & LESSONS
Strong results require time, repetition, and commitment. These are general guidelines, not one-size-fits-all requirements. Every skater’s plan should be realistic for their age, level, goals, schedule, and family. Weekly exhibitions are recommended for all competitive levels when offered.• Learn to Skate: 2 days/week
+ 1 session per day
+ 1 class and lesson per week
+ 1 off ice activity per week• Academy Prep: 3 days/week
+ 1–2 sessions per day
+ 1–2 lessons per week
+ 2 off ice classes per week• Pre-Preliminary/Preliminary: 3 days/week
+ 2 sessions per day
+ 2–3 lessons per week
+ 3 off ice classes per week• Pre-Juvenile/Juvenile: 4 days/week
+ 2–3 sessions per day
+ 3–4 lessons per week
+ 4 classes per week• Intermediate/Novice: 5 days/week
+ 2–3 sessions per day
+ 4–5 lessons per week
+ 4-5 classes per week• Junior/Senior: 5–6 days/week
+ 3 sessions per day
+ 6+ lessons per week
+ 5+ off ice classes per week
on the ice since 1994
ABOUT COACH NICK
I’m a U.S. Figure Skating Core Certified Coach and hold a Level 2 Accreditation in Singles and am Master Accredited in Group Instruction, Skating Skills, and Program Direction. I'm a Gold Medalist in Skating Skills and U.S. Figure Skating Get Up Champion & Ambassador with 19 years of coaching experience. I've been coaching at the Edge Ice Arena in Littleton, Colorado since 2017.I have worked in skating program leadership since 2013, directing programs in a variety of rink environments and helping develop opportunities for skaters at many different stages. Those experiences have shaped the way I coach, communicate, and adapt to different skaters, families, programs, and goals.I work with skaters from the beginning stages of private lessons through test, competition, and long-term training goals. I enjoy helping motivated skaters build confidence, develop strong technique, work toward meaningful goals, and still have fun on the ice.My coaching combines structure, creativity, strong skating foundations, and a belief that skaters learn best when they are involved in the process. I use a systematic approach, but I adapt technique and progressions to the individual skater. Every athlete learns differently, and my goal is to help skaters understand what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how to keep improving.Beyond the rink, I’ve authored articles for The Professional Skater magazine, presented at clinics, and built an extensive Dartfish video library to support athlete learning. I pride myself on creativity, curiosity, and being a lifelong student of the sport.I believe the rink is a place where resilience is built, friendships are formed, and every fall is another opportunity to get up stronger.My goal is to help skaters grow into confident, capable people, both on and off the ice - and have fun along the way.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." – Xunzi
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CONTACT NICK
New to figure skating? You do not need to know which lesson or training option is right for your skater before reaching out. Send a few details about your skater and I’ll follow up with the best next step.Feel free to reach out in person if you see me at the rink!
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