Steamboat Springs — It’s a great time of year to get back on the ice at the Howelsen Hill Ice Arena according to Stacy McAllister, figure skating coordinator for the city of Steamboat Springs.

“All of our new programs will begin this week,” Mcallister said. “I’m excited to see things get rolling again.”

Most of the programs are geared to introduce skating and ice hockey to younger children. However, the Learn to Skate Programs continue through age 5 before children advance to the Sequins to Rhinestones for figure skating programs and the Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey association for those wanting to play hockey.There is also a parent tot program at 10:15 a.m. Thursdays. That program, during which parents escort their young children who are younger than 3 1/2, is $56 for seven weeks.

The season kicks off at 4 p.m. Tuesday with the Learn to Skate Program. Children will be placed in different levels based on ability and all programs offer basic skills. The class runs for seven weeks and costs $70. Children must be 3 1/2 or older to be in the program.

Once children have advanced they will be able to take the Sequins to Rhinestones, which provides a bridge to the Steamboat Springs Figures Skating Club. Sequined to Rhinestones begins Sept. 10 and runs at 4 p.m. on Thursdays.

This season the Ice Arena will offer two introductory hockey programs as well. Pre-hockey, aimed at children ages 3 1/2 to 5, will begin Sept. 14. It will focus on the skating skills needed to play the game and will offer limited stick and puck experience. The rink will also offer hockey 2, which will continue to develop skating skills with slightly more stick and puck stills. That class will prepare young players for the mini-mites program. Hockey 1 classes will meet at 4 p.m. and Hockey 2 will meet at 4:25 p.m. Mondays and both are $60 for six weeks.

For a complete list of programs offered at the rink please see steamboatsprings.net/documentcenter/view/1461 for more information or contact Mcallister at 970-871-7040.

To reach John F. Russell, call 970-871-4209, email jrussell@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @Framp1966