Elevating Your Edge: Intermediate Ice Skating Moves to Master This Winter
Winter brings the perfect opportunity to transition from a casual rink visitor to a confident, skilled skater. If you can already glide forward smoothly, stop without crashing into the boards, and manage basic backwards skating, you have reached the intermediate plateau. This winter is the ideal time to push past the basics. Stepping into intermediate territory requires a focus on edge control, balance, and flow, transforming choppy movements into a seamless dance on the ice. The Power of the Outside Edge
Most beginners survive by riding the flat of the blade or leaning slightly inward on their inside edges. True intermediate skating begins when you master the outside edge. The outside edge is the outer side of the blade, away from your big toe. Learning to trust this edge is essential for advanced turning and speed. To practice, try skating on a large circle. Lift your inside foot and hold a steady glide on the outside edge of your outer foot. Keep your hips square and your core tight. Mastering this control eliminates the awkward wobble common in early skaters and prepares you for complex choreography. Mastering Forward and Backward Crossovers
Crossovers are the quintessential intermediate milestone. They allow you to maintain or build speed while navigating turns, rather than slowing down. For forward crossovers, you skate on a curve and physically cross your outside skate completely over your inside skate. The power actually comes from the under-push of the inside skate. Once forward crossovers feel natural, the real challenge begins with backward crossovers. Backward crossovers require you to look in the direction of travel, drop your weight into a deep knee bend, and use a reach-and-pump motion. Achieving smooth crossovers makes you look like a seasoned regular on any public sessions. The Grace of the Three-Turn
If you want to add flair and direction changes to your routine, the three-turn is your gateway move. Named because the blade traces a shape resembling the number three on the ice, this turn takes you from forward to backward (or vice versa) on a single foot. The turn happens at the apex of a curve using a quick rotation of the hips and shoulders. The key to a clean three-turn is checking your weight over the correct part of the blade—the ball of the foot—and keeping your upper body quiet. It requires precise timing, but executing a flawless, silent three-turn across the rink feels incredibly rewarding. Developing the Mohawk Turn
Unlike the three-turn, which stays on one foot, the Mohawk turn changes direction from forward to backward while transferring weight from one foot to the other. To perform an inside Mohawk, glide forward on an inside edge, open your hips wide so your feet form a heels-together position, and step backward onto the inside edge of the opposite foot. This move is heavily dependent on hip flexibility and core stability. It is a fundamental transitional element used by hockey players to evade defenders and by figure skaters to setup jumps. Sinking Into Deep Edges with Arabesques and Spirals
Intermediate skating is not just about technical turns; it is also about extension and artistry. The spiral, or arabesque, is a crowd-pleasing move that tests your balance and leg strength. Glide forward with speed, choose a strong edge, and slowly lift one leg behind you while lowering your torso. The goal is to get your extended leg at least hip-high while maintaining a proud, upright chest. Holding a stable spiral for several seconds requires immense glute and core strength, making it an excellent winter fitness challenge.
Progressing through these intermediate milestones transforms ice skating from a simple winter pastime into a fulfilling athletic pursuit. Each of these maneuvers builds upon the last, demanding deeper knee bends, stronger core engagement, and a higher level of bravery. By dedicating your ice time this winter to mastering edge work, crossovers, and foundational turns, you will unlock a brand-new sense of freedom and speed on the ice, making the cold season something to truly look forward to
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