Each year, the Mt. Pleasant Figure Skating Club hosts the Mountain Town Classic Competition.  The event is part of the Michigan Compete with Us Series, and hosts competitors from all over the state. Skaters from Snowplow Sam to Pre Free Skate and Beginner to Preliminary levels compete in various events including Elements (Compulsory) and Programs to music (Free Skate)   This is a great opportunity for participants to try competing in an environment that is familiar and comfortable for them.

 

When is the 2025 Competition?

The 2025 Mountain Town Classic Competition has been scheduled for March 8, 2025.

What is the purpose of the Basic Skills Series Competitions?

To promote a FUN, introductory, competitive experience for skaters. 

What events can skaters compete in?  

The most common events are:

• Basic Skills Elements: (All skaters, level Snowplow Sam – Basic 6) Each skater in the group or flight will be asked to perform the elements at their level one at a time. This is similar to our LTS evaluation sessions. While the skater is performing the elements there will be judges assessing their skills and assigning them scores based on how well the skill was completed.  Each skater will take turns doing each element until all are completed. All of the skills they will be performing are ones they’ve already learned in their Learn to Skate Classes. 
• Compulsory Program: (Skaters in private lessons, level Pre Free Skate and up): Each skater will perform a short choreographed program on ½ ice without music featuring required elements.  Judges will evaluate the skills and program as a whole 
• Program with Music (Skaters in private lessons, levels: Snowplow Sam and up): Each skater will perform a choreographed program to music featuring required elements, connecting movements and artistic motions.  Judges will evaluate the skills and program as a whole.
• Showcase Events (Skaters in private lessons, levels Basic 1 and up): Each skater will perform a theatrical choreographed program to music. These programs tell a story, showcase a character and may use props. Programs are judged from an entertainment standpoint with a focus on energy, poise, acting, choreography, form/extension and the use of props and the ice.  

How are the scores calculated?

Once all competitors in the flight are finished, the judge’s scores for each skater are brought to the accountant to tally. Those numbers are then converted to ordinals  (1,2,3,4,5,6) which determine the skaters final placement.  Once these results are certified they will be posted and the awards ceremony will take place.

Who receives a medal?

For Basic Skills competitions, every skater who participates will receive a medal corresponding to their final placement. Most events are limited to 6 skaters per group or flight. Shortly after the results are posted the skaters will be called to the podium area where the medals will be awarded.  The ceremony is a great chance to take photos, so be sure to bring your camera!

What level should my child compete at?

Skaters must compete at their current class level or the last level they passed.  For example, if the skater is in Basic 4, they could compete at Basic 3 or 4.  Your skater’s coach will help you choose the correct level for them to compete at where they can be the most successful.

Does my skater need a Private Coach to Compete?

Skaters competing in the Basic Skills Element Events do not need a Private Coach to compete.  They will be able to utilize Learn to Skate time for practice, and there will be a special practice just for competitors the week before the event.  A Learn to Skate Coach will be assigned to help your skater on the day of the competition as well. 

Can my child compete with a Program to Music like they see in the Olympics?

Freestyle and showcase programs are coordinated and choreographed with the help of a private coach and require an additional time and monetary commitment, outside of group lessons.  If your skater is interested in exploring this form of competition and you wish to learn more about it or want to inquire about hiring a coach, please chat with our Learn to Skate Director or via email at mtpleasantfsc@gmail.com.

How much does it cost to compete?

For MPFSC Learn to Skate USA Members competing in Snowplow Sam through Pre Free Skate, Beginner and High Beginner the cost to compete is $40 for the first event and $20 for each subsequent event.  For skaters entering events at the Pre Preliminary, Preliminary, or Adult levels the cost is $50 for the first event and $20 for each additional event.

How do we sign up?

EZ-Registration forms will be available at the Learn to Skate Cart by early February.  Online registration is also available at Sk8Stuff. Registration and payment are due TBD. Late registration may be accepted with permission from the Ice Director if space allows.

How long does the competition take?

Schedules will be available at the rink and at sk8stuff.com in the week prior to the competition, but Basic Skills Element Events are usually held in the morning.  Your child will need to arrive 1 hr prior to their time slot to register and prepare to take the ice. Events can move faster or slower than expected, so it’s important to be ready in advance.

What should my child wear for competition?

Your child may wear whatever they feel comfortable in.  Boys usually choose to wear dark pants, shirt and turtleneck or sweater.  Most girls will wear a skating dress or a skirt with a sweater and tights.   Hair should be neat, with long hair pulled back in either a bun or ponytail.

Are there more Basic Skills Competitions my skater can enter?

Yes! The Mountain Town Classic is part of the Michigan Compete with Us series. The series features several competitions across the state of Michigan and Indiana. Skaters at the Snowplow Sam – High Beginner levels who skate in the elements/compulsory and/or free skate events earn points based on their placement. Points from each competition are added up and the top three skaters at each level who have competed at 3 or more competitions will receive special series medals at the Finale Competition in Midland in November. Be sure to “Like” the Michigan Basic Skills Series on Facebook to stay up to date with the upcoming competitions.

Competition Code of Conduct:

Remember, every child competing is special to someone. Skaters and families should be respectful of all competitors. In the audience, refrain from entering, exiting, or wandering the bleacher area while skaters are performing. There’s plenty of time in between skaters to move around. Be supportive of your skater and be attentive to and appreciative of the efforts of all skaters.

 

Have more questions? Email us at mtpleasantfsc@gmail.com or ask at the Learn to Skate Cart.