Registration open for Park City Speed Skating Club’s free first-timers session

Learn to speed skate for free in Park City. Photo: courtesy of the Park City Speed Skating Club

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Speedskating Club is offering the opportunity to learn to skate, for free, this autumn.

• Date: Wed. Sept. 17
• Time: 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. 
• Place: Park City Ice Arena

Participants are welcome to use hockey, figure, or speedskates, making sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and dress warmly.

“If deciding to try speedskates, be ready for a serious boost in speed,” wrote coach Brian Boudreau in a statement. “We’re on the hunt for the next generation of Olympians for the 2034 Winter Games!” 

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• Casey Dawson: A Park City local and bronze medalist from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Casey is also a contender in the 2026 Winter Games.
• Coach Nat (Mills): A three-time Olympian, former USA record holder, and a coach to multiple world-class skaters.
• Coach Brian (Boudreau): four-time Olympic Trials competitor, and current Master World Record holder in the 1000m who started speedskating at age 30 after MVP college hockey career at Umass/Boston.
• Special Guests: You might also get to meet former world record holder and three-time Olympic medalist J.R. Celski and bronze medalist Travis Jaynor.

The fastest lap by NHL star Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, where the Utah Mammoth originated, from a standing start is just over 13 seconds. By comparison, in the sport of speedskating, the fastest boys and girls under 10 in the country could arguably beat that time.

Local speedskating hero and former Park City coach JR Celski has completed a flying lap on a short-track oval in just 7.9 seconds. “Unless you’ve seen short-track speedskating in person, you have no idea how fast it is.” Boudreau added.

• Must you be stable and able on figure or hockey skates? You should be comfortable on the ice and have a basic level of stability on figure or hockey skates before trying speedskates.
• Do you need to bring a bike helmet? Yes, a bike helmet is required for safety.  Helmet also provided at Rink.
• Do you need to bring gloves? Yes, gloves are required.
• What time should you arrive to get speedskates? Please arrive at 5 p.m. to get your speedskates fitted.

No preregistration is required. All ages welcome.