Know Before You Go

Teen Snowboard Lesson at Kirkwood
what to know before you go

Prepare for your lesson

Arriving prepared for your lesson is key to maximizing your day on the slopes with your instructor. Below you can find information on where to go, what to expect, and what to bring.
Previous tab Previous tab

Where to Go and When

Rental Equipment
  • If you are renting equipment, please check-in at least one hour before the start of your lesson.
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. If you purchased a lift ticket or pass outside of your lesson bundle, please collect it before proceeding to your lesson meeting place.
Lesson Check-In:
  • Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your lesson. If you arrive late and cannot complete check-in prior to the check-in end time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.
  • Child Group Lessons take place out of the Timber Creek Base Area
3-4 Year Old Lessons Start at 10:30AM Check-in at the Ski and Ride School desk at the top of the stairs between 8:30AM – 10:00AM
5-14 Year Old Half Day AM and Full Day Lessons Start at 10:30AM Check-in at the Ski and Ride School desk at the top of the stairs between 8:30AM – 10:00AM
5-14 Year Old Half Day PM Lessons Start at 1:30PM Check in any time before 1:00PM inside our Ski and Ride School Office
Children's Snowboard Lesson at Kirkwood

What to Expect

  • All group child lessons will be sorted by age. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs or group goals.
  • World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • Full Day lessons will include a break for lunch (included in your lesson purchase), with food provided at with food provided at one of our on-mountain locations. The instructor will provide a summary of their lesson and your child's progress at pick-up.
  • Please ensure your child has eaten, is hydrated, and has used the restroom prior to starting their lesson. All students must be able to independently use the restroom.

Where to Go and When

Rental Equipment
  • If you are renting equipment, please check-in at least one hour before the start of your lesson.
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. If you purchased a lift ticket or pass outside of your lesson bundle, please collect it before proceeding to your lesson meeting place.
Lesson Check-In:
  • Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your lesson. If you arrive late and cannot complete check-in prior to the check-in end time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.
  • Adult Group Lessons take place out of the Timber Creek Base Area
Half Day Morning (AM) Group Lessons Start at 10:30AM Check-in at the Ski and Ride School desk at the top of the stairs between 8:30AM – 10:00AM
Half Day Afternoon (PM) Group Lessons Start at 1:30PM Check in any time before 1:00PM inside our Adult Ski School Office
Adult Snowboard Lesson at Kirkwood

What to Expect

  • All group lessons will be sorted by ability level. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs or group goals.
  • World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • Lessons run for 2½ hours.

Where to Go and When

Rental Equipment
  • If you are renting equipment, please check-in at least one hour before the start of your lesson.
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. If you purchased a lift ticket or pass outside of your lesson bundle, please collect it before proceeding to your lesson meeting place.
Lesson Check-In:
  • Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your lesson. If you arrive late and cannot complete check-in prior to the check-in end time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.
  • The meeting place for your Private Lesson will be confirmed when you book through your confirmation email.
Meeting at Expedition Kirkwood Check in at the Village “Snowgun” between Chair 5 and 10 Between 9:15AM to 9:30AM for Morning and Full Day Lessons and 12:45PM to 1:00PM for Afternoon Lessons
Meeting at Timber Creek Check in at the Private Lesson Meeting Flags between chairs 7 and 9 Between 9:15AM to 9:30AM for Morning and Full Day Lessons and 12:45PM to 1:00PM for Afternoon Lessons
For 1-hour Early Bird Lessons Timber Creek at the Private Lesson Flags between chair 7 and Chair 9 Meet at 9:00AM
Teen Ski Lesson at Kirkwood

What to Expect

  • Private Lesson experiences will be catered to your individual needs and goals for the day.
  • Our world-class instructors will provide guidance on skill development and assist in accessing terrain based on your experience level at your own pace.
  • Private lessons do not include lunch. Our instructors will provide opportunities for you and your family to eat lunch (full day lessons) and have rest breaks throughout the day.
  • When dropping off children in private lessons, make sure to confirm location and pick-up time.

What You Need

Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, so review the following items to ensure you are fully equipped for your ski or snowboard lesson.

Resort Guest Purchasing a Lift Ticket at Steven's Pass
Lift Access

All guests must have a pass or a lift ticket to participate in a lesson. Best pricing is available online, in advance.

Lift Tickets

Passes

Employees with retail skiis in Northstar, CA.
Gear
Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment and boots if already owned. If renting, please arrive an hour prior to your lesson start time to ensure enough time for pick up.
Book Rentals
Close Up of Boy Smiling in Ski Helmet with Goggles
Helmets

A winter sport helmet is required for all lesson participants aged 14 and under, and 18 and under in designated children’s lessons. We strongly encourage helmet use for all ages. Helmets can be included along with a rental order or rented separately.

Family skiing in Kirkwood, CA.
Clothing & Accessories
Waterproof snow pants and gloves or mittens are required to keep you warm and dry. Goggles are also required to protect your eyes from the cold air and block UV light.
 

What We Recommend

Get Altitude Ready:
  • If you aren’t used to being above sea level, it’s ideal to arrive a day or so early to give your body time to settle in. Regardless of when you arrive, be sure to hydrate in the days leading up to your trip and continue once you are at altitude. Hydration is key to avoiding unpleasant side effects of altitude. Once you’re here, don’t push too hard on day one, and if you feel any discomfort, move lower down the mountain and take a break.
Clothing:
  • Base Layers: These fall under snow gear to provide an extra level of insulation while keeping your skin dry from sweat. Recommended to be a tighter fit for comfort and to wear both top and bottom.
  • Neck Gaiter: This is normally a tube of fabric worn around your neck and face to protect you from sun the sun and cold conditions.
  • Snow Socks: Should go to just under the knee. Generally labelled to keep your feet warm and should be breathable.
  • Layers and/or Jacket: Based on comfort level, it is recommended to have one fleece layer and/or a snow jacket on top of your base layers.
  • Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin with high attention to the nose, lips, and neck.
  • Children: It is recommended to choose clothing in which children can slip in and out of independently for bathroom breaks.