Origin Story
From a time of challenge, opportunity is born...
The Heart Mountain Figure Skating Club was founded not only to serve our current skating community but also to honor a deeper legacy of resilience, creativity, and connection through skating. That legacy begins during one of the darkest chapters in American history—at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, where over 14,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during World War II.
Among them was HMFSC Founder Christine Castillo’s grandfather, who despite the harsh conditions and loss of freedom, helped build a makeshift winter skating rink at the camp. He and others transformed a barren landscape into a place where incarcerees of all ages could glide across the ice, finding moments of joy, freedom, and normalcy amid confinement. That act of love and resilience planted the seed for what skating could mean: not just sport, but healing, hope, opportunity and community.
Generations later, that same spirit inspired the creation of Heart Mountain Figure Skating Club. Founded by families and coaches who believe in the transformative power of skating, HMFSC is committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where skaters of all ages and abilities can thrive.
Today, the club stands in the shadow of Heart Mountain, drawing strength from the history it represents and pride in the future it is building—one skater at a time.
What sets us apart
HMFSC prides itself on creating a supportive and uplifting environment where skaters can grow through encouragement, camaraderie, and shared passion.
As a Wyoming Non-Profit Corporation (501(c)(3) status pending) and a US Figure Skating member club currently in formation, HMFSC is committed to providing high-quality opportunities for skaters at every level.
Through our diverse affiliations with sanctioned entities and access to club ice, we currently offer a wide range of training, competition, and testing experiences.
Our Complete Skater Development ™ program integrates expert on- and off-ice instruction with disciplines that support the mind, body, and spirit—nurturing not just athletic skill, but personal growth and resilience. Whether you're just beginning or preparing for higher-level competition, you'll find a welcoming community and a path forward at HMFSC.