How to Survive the Figure Skating Off Season

Skating Stans, we finally made it to the figure skating off season!

While my sleep schedule is grateful for the break, I know that within a few weeks, I’ll crave the weekly competitions, the excitement of watching my favorite skaters compete, and most of all, the community.

If you’re like me and you’re not sure how you’ll survive the next three months, here’s a list of ✨bucket list items✨ you can do during the off season to further your skating knowledge and deepen your love for the sport (aside from getting on the ice yourself)!

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1. Watch Iconic Performances from Previous Eras

I’m ashamed to admit that my knowledge of pre-2010s figure skating is not as detailed as it should be, and dare I say it, incomplete. What I mean is that there are a LOT of memorable skating performances that I have yet to watch. As a skating fan, it’s important to me that I’m aware of our sport’s past, in order to truly honor the skaters who paved the way for our current generation. I’m working on creating an ultimate list of your recommendations, but for the time being, here are a few of the skaters whose careers and performances I plan to dive into:

• Michelle Kwan

• Sasha Cohen

• Katarina Witt

• Paul Wylie

• Alexei Yagudin

• Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean

2. Brush Up on the International Judging System

I recently asked you all on my Instagram account how you would improve the judging system. I was blown away by the number of thoughtful and insightful responses I received, but I also noticed something else: While I understand the broad strokes of the IJS, despite the fact that I spent 10+ years as a competitive figure skater, my knowledge is lacking when it comes to the minuscule details of figure skating judging.

This realization has inspired me to spend time during the off season reacquainting myself with the IJS and reading through ISU materials. Ultimately, I’d like to incorporate more content on my page about the judging system, exploring how it can be reformed and incorporating perspectives from people who have judged events before. And in order to do this, I need to become an expert on the current judging system.

For folks who have a strong grasp of the IJS — what are the best resources I should consult, in addition to the ISU website? Leave a comment below!

3. Stay Updated on New ISU Rules

Before the season starts, the ISU typically publishes rule changes or clarifications to existing rules. Already, they’ve announced that the ice dance theme for the 2025-26 season will be music of the 1990s. I plan to keep an eye out for any major rule changes before we head into the Olympic season, and I’ll share important updates. As far as I know, this website is the best way to stay up to date.

4. Explore the “ISU Vision 2030”

The ISU has made it clear that it’s focused on evolving the sport to reach new audiences. The ISU Vision 2030 lays out its plan to accomplish this. Described as a “strategic roadmap,” it outlines the ISU’s approach to improving the sport through five pillars: growth, opportunity, innovation, safeguarding, and unity. The roadmap was informed by more than 100 interviews, an ISU Member Survey, and input gathered from ISU Member Conferences. Already, we’ve seen this plan in action: At Worlds, the ISU implemented several changes to upgrade the viewing experience for fans in the arena.

For folks passionate about modernizing the sport, the ISU Vision 2030 is a fascinating read, and it helps provide context for some of the changes we’ve seen recently. Despite the execution of some of these new features (looking at you, Leader’s Chair), it’s promising to know that the ISU is aware of the need for innovation.

5. Attend an Ice Show

Not only is it the off season, but it’s also show season! While I’ve always preferred watching competitions, shows are a fun way to see athletes let loose, showcase their artistry and musicality, and preview new programs.

If you’re able to, consider attending a show during the off season. And bring a friend — that’s a great way to get them interested in skating. If you’re unable to see a show in person, keep an eye out for performances posted on social media and YouTube.

Here are some of the most prominent shows that I know of, but this isn’t an exhaustive list:

• Stars On Ice: USA

• Stars On Ice: Canada

• Stars On Ice: Japan (Already passed, shows were in April)

• Yuzuru Hanyu Notte Stellata

• Dreams On Ice

• Fantasy On Ice

• Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance

6. Get Familiar with a New Discipline or Skating Program

This is the perfect time to explore a new discipline or program within skating. I personally want to become more familiar with Solo Dance, but there are so many areas to dig in to, from Synchro, to Theatre On Ice, to Collegiate Skating.

7. Enjoy Figure Skating Pop Culture

We don’t get a lot of podcasts, movies, or TV shows that cover figure skating, but when we do, they are always entertaining. It’s funny to see what aspects of the sport are dramatized for mainstream audiences or ignored altogether. Regardless of their quality, there’s nothing cozier than watching a figure skating movie or listening to your favorite skating podcast. This is not a complete list, but here are some recommendations, with the stars next to my favorites.

Movies:

• Blades of Glory ⭐

• Ice Castles

• Ice Princess ⭐

• I, Tonya ⭐

• The Cutting Edge

TV Shows and Docuseries:

• Be Good Johnny Weir ⭐

• Harlem Ice

• I Have Nothing

• Ice Diaries ⭐

• Meddling

• Of Ice and Fame (The Medvedeva and Zagitova documentary)

• On Edge ⭐

• Spinning Out

• Tessa and Scott ⭐

• Yuri on Ice ⭐

Podcasts:

In my last Substack article, I reviewed a few of these podcasts. Check it out here!

• The Cutting Edge ⭐

• Ice Tea

• The Iron Butterfly

• The Future of Figure Skating ⭐

• The Runthrough ⭐

• Scoreography ⭐

• This Week in Skating

8. Support Skaters

Athletes are at the heart of this sport. Whether it’s leaving a positive comment on social media, supporting your local skating club, or donating to a skater’s GoFundMe, I encourage everyone to take a moment during the offseason to show your appreciation for skaters!

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If you’ve made it this far, thanks for joining this community! Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram with feedback on what you’d like to see me cover in the future. I’m also on Threads and YouTube.

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