Prepare For Your Lesson

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What to Expect

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Prep For The Lesson

Best pricing is available online, in advance. To book a group lesson within 24 hours or a private lesson within 48 hours, please visit one of our Ski & Snowboard sales locations or call ahead. Our cancellation policy is available here. Make sure all members of your group have a pass or lift ticket and rent gear if needed.
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Our Commitment To Safety

Click here for the most up to date information on our safety protocols including vaccination and mask requirements for indoor dining. 
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Early Is On Time

Arrive 30 minutes before the lesson to allow time for check-in. If you or your child are picking up rental gear, arrive 60 minutes early.
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Check-In For The Day

Check-in for the lesson at the location or base area you selected while booking. 
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Meet Our World-Class Instructors

All group lessons will be sorted by ability level and child lessons will be sorted by age. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs or group goals. 
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CONQUER THE MOUNTAIN

World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace. All Full Day lessons will include a break for lunch, with food provided only for child lessons. Half Day and Bundled AM / PM lessons will not include lunch.
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PICK UP YOUR ADVENTURER

If you are dropping off a child, make sure to confirm location and pick-up time. The instructor will provide a summary of their lesson and your child's progress at pick-up. 

 

Gratuities: Instructor gratuity is at your discretion. Please note, a 15-20% gratuity based on the cost of the lesson will make your instructor feel very appreciated and valued. 

Child Private

What to Bring

  • Face Coverings: Face coverings will only be required during the indoor portion of the ski and ride school experience this season, including during drop-off and pick-up, and accessing indoor facilities such as restrooms and restaurants (while not eating or drinking). Face coverings will not be required during the outdoor portion of the ski and ride school experience. Face coverings will also not be required in outdoor spaces such lift lines, chairlifts and gondolas.
  • Helmet: The use of helmets is strongly recommended. Children age 14 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski & ride school, subject to local regulations. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. Rental helmets are available at our children's ski school locations for your convenience.
  • Warm clothes including moisture wicking base layers, mid layers to trap body heat, and water-resistant outerwear, warm calf-high socks, and gloves or mittens.
  • Goggles or sunglasses
  • Sunscreen is recommended, even on cloudy days.
  • Don’t have your own gear? Rent with Kirkwood and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.


Ski Lessons

Where to Go

  • If you are renting equipment and need to pick it up on the morning of your lesson, please arrive one to two hours before the start of your lesson. Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your lesson if you do not need to pick up your equipment rentals. If you arrive late and cannot complete check-in including being fitted for your equipment prior to the check-in end time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day. 
  • The location of your lesson is selected at the time of booking and the check-in location will be listed on your confirmation email once a lesson is purchased. 
  • Where to check-in
    • Adult Group Lessons - Timber Creek Base Area
      • For 10:30AM Half Day Group Lessons: Check in at the Ski and Ride School desk at the top of the stairs from 8:30AM – 10:00AM.  
      • For 1:30PM Half Day Group Lessons: Check in any time before 1:00PM inside our Adult Ski School Office.  
    • Child Group Lessons - Timber Creek Base Area
      • For 3-4 year old “Mini Ripper” Lessons: Check in at the Ski and Ride School desk at the top of the Stairs from 8:30AM – 10:00AM.  
      • For 5-14 Year Old Kid’s 10:30AM Half Day and Full Day Lessons: Check in at the Ski and Ride School desk at the top of the stairs from 8:30AM – 10:00AM.
      • For 5-14 Year Old Kid’s 1:30PM Half Day Group Lessons: Check in any time before 1:00PM inside our Adult Ski School Office.   
    • Private Lessons - Your meeting place will be confirmed when you book through your confirmation email.  
      • If you are meeting at “Expedition Kirkwood”: Check in at the Village “Snowgun” between Chair 5 and 10 from 9:15AM to 9:30AM for morning and full day lessons and 12:45PM to 1:00PM for afternoon lessons.   
      • If you are meeting at “Timber Creek”: Check in at Private Lesson Meeting Flags between chairs 7 and 9 from 9:15AM to 9:30AM for morning and full day lessons and 12:45PM to 1:00PM for afternoon lessons.  
      • 1 hour “Early Bird” lessons: Meet at 9:00AM at Timber Creek at the Private Lesson Flags between chair 7 and Chair 9. 
    • Progressions Session and AllStar Clinics - Check in at the Village “Snowgun” between Chair 5 and 10 at 10:15AM.   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What ski and ride school offerings will you provide this year at your resorts?
We are pleased to be resuming more ski and ride school programs this season, including those for younger children. Specifics can be found on our ski and ride school page.

 

Will face coverings be required in ski and ride school this season?
Face coverings will only be required during the indoor portion of the ski and ride school experience this season, including during drop-off and pick-up, and accessing indoor facilities such as restrooms and restaurants (while not eating or drinking). Face coverings will not be required during the outdoor portion of the ski and ride school experience. Face coverings will also not be required in outdoor spaces such lift lines, chairlifts and gondolas.

 

Do I need a proof of vaccination to go to ski and ride school or take private lessons?
Children ages 12 and older who are part of a full-day ski and ride school program will be required to show proof of vaccination as lessons include lunches at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants. This proof of vaccination will be required at the time of drop-off at the ski and ride school program. Adults participating in ski and ride school programs or private lessons may choose to opt-out of dining at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants.

 

Will there be an option to pick up my child (12 and over) for lunch if they cannot show proof of vaccination?
We will be requiring proof of vaccination for all children ages 12 and over in full-day ski and ride school programs that contain a lunch offering.  We will not be providing an outdoor or lunch-pickup option for these individuals. At many of our resorts, half-day lesson options that exclude lunch will also be available.

 

What is the cancellation and refund policy for Ski & Ride School lessons?
Changes or cancellations can be made in advance of your lesson date by contacting the Ski & Ride School conducting your lesson. Any Ski & Ride School product that is cancelled prior to 24 hours of the lesson start time will be issued a full refund. Any Ski & Ride School product that is cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson start time will be charged a cancellation fee. 

As a reminder, for guests 12 years and older, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to participate in full day Ski & Snowboard programming. If you or your child cannot meet this requirement, cancellations must be made 24 hours in advanced of your lesson.

For more information on refunds and cancellations, please refer to the Ski & Ride School Terms of Sale.

 

Do I have to wear a face covering while I’m skiing and snowboarding? 

While face coverings are not required during the physical acts of skiing and snowboarding if the guest is maintaining proper physical distance. 

Are you allowing neck gaiters/buffs?

Face covering should follow CDC guidelines, with two or more layers of fabric that completely cover your nose and mouth and they should not have vents, valves or holes.  

What about my child age 2 and under – do they need a mask?

In line with local and CDC guidelines, we are asking that children aged 3 and older wear face coverings. 

What are you doing to ensure physical distancing is possible?

We will work to allow for physical distancing throughout our operations to help ensure a safe experience. First and foremost we will manage the number of people on our mountains through a reservation system. Additionally, we have adapted our approach to loading lifts and gondolas and are manage the number of people coming in and out of our facilities. 

What happens if there is a case of COVID-19 confirmed at your resort?

We will continue to work with local health officials to minimize the impact and spread of COVID-19 in our resort communities, prioritizing the health and safety of our employees and guests. If there is a case at our resort, or among an employee, we will follow all guidance provided by local health officials. If a guest or employee feels sick, we ask that they remain home.