Ski & Ride Lessons
Whether you prefer steep slopes, or you've never tried skiing or snowboarding – our instructors will help you sharpen your skills and explore more of the mountain with confidence!
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.
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 & Ride School 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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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 full day child group lessons. Half day lessons do 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.
What to Bring
- Face Coverings: Face coverings are not required during lessons, in gondolas, or indoor spaces at this time. Check local guidance for face covering requirements on busses and shuttles.
- 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 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.
- Lift Access: All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Tickets can be purchased online with a group lesson package or separately here.
Green Run Guarantee
Calling all experience seekers! Discover your passion for the mountains this winter by becoming a skier or snowboarder.
Our Green Run Guarantee will have you learning to ski or snowboard a qualifying green run in three lessons, or your fourth lesson is free! Get ready to adventure and vista views as you progress up the mountain!
See program terms and conditions here.
Program Details
Who: Anyone ages 7+ who is new to skiing or snowboarding, or a beginner skill level
What: The Green Run Guarantee - Learn to ski or snowboard Graduation run in three lessons, or the fourth lesson is free. See full program terms and conditions here.
When: All season (depending on weather and trail conditions)
Eligible Lessons: First Time or Beginner lessons only. Half day group lessons for children ages 7-14 and adults 15+, and private lessons
Redemption Details: If by the end of your third lesson you have not progressed to the Green Run Guarantee terrain, let your instructor know. They will assist you in booking your complimentary fourth lesson.
Benefits of the Green Run Guarantee
Become a Skier or Snowboarder
Learn why so many people love skiing or snowboarding at Kirkwood and embrace your new shared passion.
Learn With Confidence
Explore With Family and Friends
Unlock more of the mountain and spend time discovering new terrain with family and friends.
Your Path To Learning
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Getting Ready
Learn how to put on (and take off) all your equipment and get comfortable standing on flat terrain before you progress to gradual inclines. |
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Ride The Magic Carpets
Build your foundational skills with your instructor. Hone your balance, practice starting and stopping, and learn how to safely ride the magic carpet. A magic carpet is like a moving sidewalk at the airport, at the resort it will carry you up a gentle slope. |
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Learning Zone Skills
Practice makes perfect in the Learning Zone! Here you will learn how to control the direction of your skis/snowboard by making turns and playing on the gentle slope. |
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Chair Lift To New Terrain
You're ready to access new runs! Your instructor will provide guidance on how to ride the chair lift safely, and how to control your speed and turns on the slopes. |
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Discover The Mountain
Now that you have learned the basics, you are ready to go play, discover your independence, and explore more of the mountain with friends and family! Have fun skiing or snowboarding green terrain, seeing beautiful views, and creating new memories this winter. |
Ski & Snowboard Ability Levels
Understanding your own ability level for skiing or snowboarding is important to help decide what level of lesson you should sign up for and what terrain, lifts or slopes are appropriate for you to explore. Below is a general description and what you can expect to learn in a lesson focused on that ski or snowboard ability level.
| Skiing | Snowboarding | |
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| First Timer |
First time skiing. Learning outcomes for this lesson will range from becoming familiar with the equipment and snow to learning how to stop in a wedge on gentle terrain. |
First time snowboarding. Learning outcomes for this lesson will range from becoming familiar with the equipment and snow to learning how to slide and stop on gentle terrain. |
| Beginner |
1+ day(s) of skiing experience. Abilities range from stopping in a wedge on gentle terrain to linking wedge turns on easy green terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson ranges from learning to make turns to matching skis parallel at the end of turn all on easy green terrain. |
1+ day(s) snowboarding experience. Abilities range from sliding and stopping on gentle terrain to linking turns on easy green terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson range from controlling your speed throughout turns on easy green terrain to exploring different beginner runs across the mountain. |
| Intermediate |
Ability ranges from matching skis parallel at the end of the turn on green terrain to consistent parallel skiing on blue terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson will range from learning to consistently make parallel turns on green terrain to learning how to make various turn sizes on blue and easy black terrain. |
Abilities range from consistently making linked turns on all green terrain to venturing into easier blue terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson will include continuing to consistently link turns on green terrain, learning how to make dynamic turns on blue terrain, learning how to ride switch, introduction to carved turns, venturing into the easiest ungroomed terrain, and introduction to freestyle. |
| Advanced |
Ability ranges from making a variety of turn sizes on all blue and easy black terrain to making skidded and carved turns on all terrain (trees, moguls, ungroomed, and groomed). Learning outcomes in this lesson will range from selecting proper mountain tactics, intro to carving, moguls, and variable terrain, and skill enhancement for better performance and efficiency. |
Abilities range from making a variety of turn sizes on all blue and easy black terrain to making skidded and carved turns on all terrain (trees, moguls, ungroomed, and groomed). Learning outcomes in this lesson will range from selecting proper mountain tactics, freestyle enhancement, moguls and variable terrain, and skill enhancement for better performance and efficiency. |
Ski & Ride School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ski and snowboard lesson offerings will you provide this year at your resorts?
We are pleased to offer a range of ski and snowboard programming including group and private lessons as well as season long and specialty programs. Specific details can be found on our Ski and Ride School pages.
When will season long programs be available for enrollment?
Season long programs will be available for registration by mid-September.
What is included with a ski or snowboard lesson?
Each lesson will include professional instruction from one of our instructors. Full day lessons will include a break for lunch, and full day group lessons for children will include lunch. Participants will be responsible for bringing or purchasing their own food in private lessons, group lessons for adults, and season long and specialty lessons for children.
Do lessons Include rentals and lift tickets?
No, lessons do not include lift tickets or rentals. These items must be purchased separately, and all lessons require a valid lift ticket. While purchasing a group lesson, you can add-on lift tickets and rentals at a discounted rate. You may bring your own equipment. Passes are available to purchase here. Buy in advance and online for the best rates.
What should I bring to my lesson?
Weather conditions will vary and remember you will spend the day outside! We recommend dressing in layers including warm clothes, googles/sunglasses and sunscreen. For complete details on what to bring and where to go, read more here.
What if I have special needs or requests, e.g. Drug or Food Allergies?
While we do our best to accommodate dietary needs and offer different options whenever possible, severe allergy concerns or specific circumstances would be best discussed with the school staff directly prior to visiting.
Will face coverings be required in Ski and Ride School this season?
No. Face coverings are not required to ski and ride, or in gondolas or indoor spaces at this time, unless required by local public health or CDC designation. This includes restaurants, lodging properties, restrooms, retail and rental locations, and base areas. Check local guidance for face covering requirements on buses and shuttles.
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 group or private lesson product that is cancelled prior to 48 hours of the lesson start time will be issued a full refund. Group or private lesson cancellations within 48 hours of the lesson start time will be charged a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the cost of the lesson in the case of a single day reservation.
Lessons are never cancelled due to weather while the resort is operational. For more detailed information on refunds and cancellations, please refer to the Terms of Sale.