Frequently asked Questions
Thinking of trying figure skating? Have a look at our FAQs to find out all the information you need.
Why figure skating?
Our aim is to inspire as many people as possible to embrace the joy of figure skating and to nurture and develop each skater so that they can achieve their best possible results.
Figure skating is a sport that is both technical and artistic. It helps children develop excellent balance, good reflexes and coordination as well as helping with postural control. It demands self-discipline and concentration, qualities that are important in our sport.
It is a demanding sport, but one that is full of fun and joy - the freedom of gliding across the ice, the pleasure of skating to music and the pride you feel when you perfect a move – these are the unique experiences that our club aims to give our skaters.
Who are we?
The Club du Patinage Artistique de Chamonix (CPAC) is the Chamonix valley’s official figure skating club. The club caters for beginners and experienced skaters, boys and girls aged 3 and a half to 18 as well as adults.
We have around 100 members, two nationally qualified teachers (DEJEPS) and a team of qualified volunteer coaches who all share their passion and experience for our sport with our younger skaters. We think of ourselves as a skating ‘family’, working hard together to achieve our common goals of supporting each other and each achieving our best.
How are your lessons organised?
We have lessons from beginner to competition level.
Our beginner lessons take place on Monday after school for children and Monday lunchtimes for adults. Our aim is to teach the foundations of figure skating. Safety is our priority and each child is allowed to develop at their own pace.
Lessons are all in French, Chamonix being the internal hub that it is, we are used to hosting skaters from many different countries. It is important that your child is comfortable being away from you for the lessons and for safety reasons parents may not interrupt or intervene during the lessons. Parents can currently watch the lessons from the stands once a week (Monday nights for loisirs skaters).
Our club also gives beginners aged 5+ an extra free lesson on Wednesday afternoons during the first term (Sept – mid Dec, not including holidays and subject to rink planning). These lessons are in the ‘École de Glace’ which is a joint initiative with the Chamonix Hockey Club where beginners from both clubs work with both sets of trainers to improve their skating skills.
Which group will my child be in?
Each child is allocated to a group depending on their level; either in a ‘loisir’ (recreational) or competition group, each named after a different colour. The children in competition groups are selected by the coaches.
On the ice competition skaters of differing levels may skate together at the same time. Skaters in the loisirs groups may also find themselves skating in groups formed of different levels of skaters, depending on which skills we are working on.
What events does the club organise?
One of the highlights of the year is our annual show which is a popular event in the Chamonix social calendar. All our skaters take part and they love showing off their new skills to their families and friends.
Beginner skaters also pass their official FFSG (Fédération Française de Sports de Glace) medals during the season.
Our other major event each year is the Coupe de Chamonix competition. It is a regional level competition that is open to skaters from the whole of France and abroad.
How much does it cost to join?
All members pay a licence fee to the FFSG and then an annual fee for lessons.
We have a special arrangement for our youngest skaters in the Panpans group (3-5 years old) who can buy a pre-paid card of five lessons which can be renewed as often as they like.
We also have family rates if when you have two or more children over the age of 5 in the club.
What equipment do I need?
Can I try first?
Anyone joining the club for the first time has two free trials before their fees are paid in. Please note that in order to benefit from the free trials you will need to provide full contact details by filling in the 'free trial' from on the sign up page.
How do I sign up?
Sign-ups for new members take place at the Forum des Sports in the Chamonix Sports Centre on Saturday 7th September 2024 from 10 am to 2pm. You can download the forms from our website to help you prepare your registration beforehand. Sign-ups for previous members are via our online members site before the 1st September 2024.
What do I need to provide to sign up?
To become a member and to be allowed to skate, you will need to submit a full membership pack. This comprises :
For children:
For adults :
Our aim is to inspire as many people as possible to embrace the joy of figure skating and to nurture and develop each skater so that they can achieve their best possible results.
Figure skating is a sport that is both technical and artistic. It helps children develop excellent balance, good reflexes and coordination as well as helping with postural control. It demands self-discipline and concentration, qualities that are important in our sport.
It is a demanding sport, but one that is full of fun and joy - the freedom of gliding across the ice, the pleasure of skating to music and the pride you feel when you perfect a move – these are the unique experiences that our club aims to give our skaters.
Who are we?
The Club du Patinage Artistique de Chamonix (CPAC) is the Chamonix valley’s official figure skating club. The club caters for beginners and experienced skaters, boys and girls aged 3 and a half to 18 as well as adults.
We have around 100 members, two nationally qualified teachers (DEJEPS) and a team of qualified volunteer coaches who all share their passion and experience for our sport with our younger skaters. We think of ourselves as a skating ‘family’, working hard together to achieve our common goals of supporting each other and each achieving our best.
How are your lessons organised?
We have lessons from beginner to competition level.
Our beginner lessons take place on Monday after school for children and Monday lunchtimes for adults. Our aim is to teach the foundations of figure skating. Safety is our priority and each child is allowed to develop at their own pace.
Lessons are all in French, Chamonix being the internal hub that it is, we are used to hosting skaters from many different countries. It is important that your child is comfortable being away from you for the lessons and for safety reasons parents may not interrupt or intervene during the lessons. Parents can currently watch the lessons from the stands once a week (Monday nights for loisirs skaters).
Our club also gives beginners aged 5+ an extra free lesson on Wednesday afternoons during the first term (Sept – mid Dec, not including holidays and subject to rink planning). These lessons are in the ‘École de Glace’ which is a joint initiative with the Chamonix Hockey Club where beginners from both clubs work with both sets of trainers to improve their skating skills.
Which group will my child be in?
Each child is allocated to a group depending on their level; either in a ‘loisir’ (recreational) or competition group, each named after a different colour. The children in competition groups are selected by the coaches.
On the ice competition skaters of differing levels may skate together at the same time. Skaters in the loisirs groups may also find themselves skating in groups formed of different levels of skaters, depending on which skills we are working on.
What events does the club organise?
One of the highlights of the year is our annual show which is a popular event in the Chamonix social calendar. All our skaters take part and they love showing off their new skills to their families and friends.
Beginner skaters also pass their official FFSG (Fédération Française de Sports de Glace) medals during the season.
Our other major event each year is the Coupe de Chamonix competition. It is a regional level competition that is open to skaters from the whole of France and abroad.
How much does it cost to join?
All members pay a licence fee to the FFSG and then an annual fee for lessons.
We have a special arrangement for our youngest skaters in the Panpans group (3-5 years old) who can buy a pre-paid card of five lessons which can be renewed as often as they like.
We also have family rates if when you have two or more children over the age of 5 in the club.
What equipment do I need?
- Skates - the essential piece of equipment is a good pair of quality skates. Members are able to rent a pair of skates from the club for the season, or to buy their own. Our members benefit from have special rates with local retailers (Le Vestiaire and Promoglace).
- Clothing – All skaters must have their hair tied up, wear gloves and warm clothes that allow them to move easily. Children aged 3-5 must wear a helmet and all skaters taking part in the Wednesday ‘École de Glace’ lesson need to wear a helmet.
Can I try first?
Anyone joining the club for the first time has two free trials before their fees are paid in. Please note that in order to benefit from the free trials you will need to provide full contact details by filling in the 'free trial' from on the sign up page.
How do I sign up?
Sign-ups for new members take place at the Forum des Sports in the Chamonix Sports Centre on Saturday 7th September 2024 from 10 am to 2pm. You can download the forms from our website to help you prepare your registration beforehand. Sign-ups for previous members are via our online members site before the 1st September 2024.
What do I need to provide to sign up?
To become a member and to be allowed to skate, you will need to submit a full membership pack. This comprises :
For children:
- The sign-up form
- The health questionnaire and a medical certificate if you have answered 'yes' to questions on the questionnaire
- An anti-doping form (required by our federation)
- 1 x passport photo
- A copy of the child’s ID or the livret de famille for new members
- Full payment of licence and membership fees for the year at the time of signing. These will be paid in after two free trials.
For adults :
- The sign-up form
- The health questionnaire for previous members and a medical certificate for all new members or those who have ticked 'yes' on the form
- An anti-doping form (required by our federation)
- 1 x passport photo
- A copy of your ID or the livret de famille for new members
- Full payment of licence and membership fees for the year at the time of signing. These will be paid in after two free trials