Know Before You Go

Kids Ski School at Vail, CO
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.
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Where to Go

As you review the below information to prepare for your lesson, if you are unfamiliar with the resort visit our Getting Here and Parking Page. 

Step 1
Resort Arrival
  • On weekends, holidays, and heavy snow days our parking lots fill early.
  • Aim to arrive 45 minutes prior to your lesson for a relaxing start to your experience. If rentals are needed, plan on arriving 60 minutes prior to your lesson.
Step 2
Lesson Check-In
  • Children in group lessons will check in at the Ticket Window or the Ski & Ride School Tent in front of the Main Lodge.
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
  • If your child requires rental equipment. arrive at least 60 minutes prior to lesson start time.
  • If you are bringing your own equipment, arrive 45 minutes prior to lesson start time.
Step 3
Equipment
  • If you require rental equipment, go to the rental building to collect it.
    • If you are bringing your own equipment skip this step.
Step 4
Lesson Drop-Off
  • Parents and students will meet their instructors on the snow behind the main lodge.
  • Meet at the Blue Flag with your designated program name, arrive 10 minutes prior to lesson start time.
  • Confirm pick-up location and time with your instructor prior to leaving the area.
  • Please be sure your child has access to the restroom prior to drop-off to maximize lesson time.

 

Picking Up Your Child

Arrive for a timely pick-up of your child. Children will only be released to a designated adult. Pick-up time details can be subject to change.

All Lessons will end on the snow behind the main lodge. Look for the blue Ski & Ride School Flag.

 
Older children snowboarding with an instructor

What to Expect

  • All group child lessons will be sorted by pace, ability, and age.
  • The instructor will determine a plan based on individual needs and group goals.
  • Our world-class instructors will ensure participants have a fun and safe place to learn on terrain best for their skill set.
  • Instructors will provide a summary of their lesson and your child’s progress at pick-up.

Where to Go

As you review the below information to prepare for your lesson, if you are unfamiliar with the resort visit our Getting Here and Parking Page. 

Step 1
Resort Arrival
  • On weekends, holidays, and heavy snow days our parking lots fill early.
  • Aim to arrive 45 minutes prior to your lesson for a relaxing start to your experience. If rentals are needed, plan on arriving 60 minutes prior to your lesson.
Step 2
Check-In
  • Adult Group Lessons check-in at the Ticket Office or the Ski & Ride School Tent in front of the lodge.
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. Purchase here or pick up here if pre-purchased.
  • If you require rental equipment, check-in at least 60 minutes prior to lesson start time.
  • If you are bringing your own equipment, check-in 45 minutes prior to lesson start time.
Step 3
Equipment
  • If you require rental equipment, go to the rental building to collect it.
    • If you are bringing your own equipment skip this step.
Step 4
Meet Your Instructor
  • Students will meet their instructors on the snow behind the main lodge.
  • Meet at the Blue Flag with your designated program name.
  • Arrive 10 minutes prior to your lesson start time.
 
Adult ski group lesson in Crested Butte

What to Expect

  • All group lessons will be sorted by pace and ability. The instructor will determine a plan based on individual needs and group goals.
  • Our world-class instructors will ensure participants have a fun and safe place to learn on terrain best for their skill set.
  • Instructors will provide guidance for your next lesson at the end of the session.

Where to Go

As you review the below information to prepare for your lesson, if you are unfamiliar with the resort visit our Getting Here and Parking Page. 

Step 1
Resort Arrival
  • On weekends, holidays, and heavy snow days our parking lots fill early.
  • Aim to arrive 45 minutes prior to your lesson for a relaxing start to your experience. If rentals are needed, plan on arriving 60 minutes prior to your lesson.
Step 2
Check-In
  • Private Lessons check-in at the Ticket Office or the Ski & Ride School Tent in front of the lodge.
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. Purchase here or pick up here if pre-purchased.
  • If you require rental equipment, check-in at least 60 minutes prior to lesson start time.
  • If you are bringing your own equipment, check-in 45 minutes prior to lesson start time.
Step 3
Equipment
  • If you require rental equipment, go to the rental building to collect it.
    • If you are bringing your own equipment skip this step.
Step 4
Meet Your Instructor
  • Students will meet their Private Lesson instructor on the snow behind the main lodge.
  • Meet at the Blue Flag with your designated program name.
  • Arrive 10 minutes prior to your lesson start time.
 
Youth Private Lesson at Stevens Pass

What to Expect

  • Your premier private lesson instructor will co-create a plan with you for your lesson based on your individual needs and goals.
  • Our world-class instructors will ensure participants have a fun and safe place to learn on terrain best for their skill set.
  • Instructors will provide guidance for tips to use until your next lesson at the end of the session.

What's My Ability Level?

 
BEGINNER
 
INTERMEDIATE
 
ADVANCED

You know a thing or two like how to put equipment on and how to move around the flats. But you’re ready to move on from comfortable gliding, stopping, and making simple direction changes on the easiest learning terrain.

You’re comfortable and confident on all greens and some blues. Linking turns of varying sizes and controlling speeds by adjusting your line with little need for braking is not a problem.

Competent, confident, and consistent describes your speed and technique. You’re already skiing or riding with flair and offensive tactics on most terrain, carving arc-to-arc turns on easier groomed runs, and handling moderate mogul runs with good speed and rhythm.

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
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.

Gear Guide

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.

Group of Skiers and Riders on Ski Run at Mount Snow

What We Recommend

  • 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.