Know Before You Go

Kids ski lesson in woods at Crested Butte
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.

Lesson Locations

Lesson location may vary based on ability level and lesson type. Please reference the location selected at the time of purchase or review the lesson preparation email sent shortly before your lesson date. If you arrive at the incorrect location, your reserved lesson may not be available. Please contact us in advance if your lesson needs to be moved.
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What You Need to Know

WHERE TO GO: 

The Vail Ski & Snowboard School has two base areas where Child Group Lessons meet. You must check-in for the lesson at the location where your lesson is booked.

If it is your child’s first day in group lessons, you will first need to go to the lobby of the location that you have purchased to pick up your child’s pre-printed registration packet before heading to the Child Group Lesson meeting locations.

Location Name Parking Free Bus Route Directions
Golden Peak Children's Center Temporary drop-off and pick-up parking available Golden Peak Stop Google Maps
Lionshead Children's Center Parking available in the Lionshead Parking Structure Lionshead Peak Stop Google Maps

WHEN TO ARRIVE AND DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD:

  • Please arrive at your lesson’s location 30 minutes before to allow time for check-in and meeting your world-class instructor.
  • If you are picking up rental gear, please arrive 60 minutes early, or if possible, the day before your lessons to collect your equipment.
  • The meeting locations for 3-6 group lessons and 7-15 group lessons are separated but in close proximity in both locations at both Children's Centers.
  • Our Children’s Centers are daily open from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

PICKING UP YOUR CHILD:

Please make sure to confirm location and pick-up times with child’s specific instructor. The instructor will provide a summary of their lesson, a progress report and preview future lessons at pick-up.

  • 3-4 Half-day group lessons: 12:00pm
  • 3-4 Full-day group lessons: 3:00pm
  • 7-15 Full-day group lessons: 3:30pm
Children's Ski Lesson at Vail

What to Expect

  • Groups will be sorted by skill level and age to the best of our ability. The instructor will determine a plan for the day and pacing is based on the individual goals and the needs of the group.
  • Arrive on time for group lessons, as late students can negatively impact other participants.
  • Due to potential separation anxiety, we ask that parents of children in our 3-6 program keep an adequate distance away from our learning areas during the lesson.
  • Full Day Group Lessons include a meal for lunch and snacks in our facilities, as well as hot or cold beverages. Please check with your instructor to find out the exact lunch break location.
  • Please inform us at drop-off of any food allergies/sensitivities, special dietary restrictions or medical conditions.
  • Do not pack snacks that contain tree nuts.
  • Please ensure that your child has access to a restroom prior to the start of the lesson.
  • Please be aware of the security protocols for child pick-up.

What You Need to Know

WHERE TO GO: 

The Vail Ski & Snowboard School has two base areas where Adult Group Lessons meet. You must check-in for the lesson at the location where your lesson is booked.

Location Name Parking Free Bus Route Directions
Golden Peak Adult Ski and Snowboard School Temporary drop-off and pick-up parking available Golden Peak Stop Google Maps
Lionshead Ski and Snowboard School Parking available in the Lionshead Parking Structure Lionshead Peak Stop Google Maps

WHEN TO ARRIVE:

  • Please arrive at your lesson’s location 30 minutes before to allow time for check-in and meeting your world-class instructor.
  • If you are picking up rental gear, please arrive 60 minutes early, or if possible, the day before your lessons to collect your equipment.
Adult Snowboard Lesson at Vail

What to Expect

  • All adult group lessons will be sorted by skill level and desired outcomes. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on the individual goals and the needs of the group.
  • Please arrive on time for group lessons, as late students can negatively impact other participants.
  • World-class instructors create a fun learning environment with an emphasis on skill development while exploring a variety of appropriate terrain across the resort.
  • Children age 16 and 17 should sign up for adult group lessons
  • Please ask your instructor about lunch locations for full-day lessons

What You Need to Know

WHERE TO GO: 

The Vail Ski & Snowboard School has three locations where Private Lessons meet. You must check-in for the lesson at the location where your lesson is booked and rental equipment is available at all locations. 

Location Name Parking Free Bus Route Directions
Golden Peak Temporary drop-off and pick-up parking available Golden Peak Stop Google Maps
Vail Village Parking available in the Vail Village Parking Structure Covered Bridge Stop Google Maps
Lionshead Parking available in the Lionshead Parking Structure Lionshead Peak Stop Google Maps

WHEN TO ARRIVE:

  • Please arrive at your lesson’s location 30 minutes before to allow time for check-in and meeting your world-class instructor.
  • If you are picking up rental gear, please arrive 60 minutes early, or if possible, the day before your lessons to collect your equipment.
  • Provided that all participants have lift access passes, a signed lesson release of liability and ski/snowboard equipment, you can go directly to the Private Lesson meeting location that you have selected (Golden Peak, Vail Village or Lionshead) 

LESSON END TIMES:

Lesson end times are as follows:

  • Morning (AM) Half-day Private Lessons: 12:00pm
  • Afternoon (PM) Half-day Private Lessons: 3:45pm
  • Full-day Private Lessons: 3:30pm  

If picking up children in a Private Lesson, please make sure to confirm location and pick-up times with child’s specific instructor. The instructor will provide a summary of their lesson, a progress report and preview future lessons at pick-up.

Advance Family Ski School Lesson in Vail, CO

What to Expect

Private Lessons offer a variety of perks that are not available with Group Lessons.

  • Private Lessons allow more individualized learning experiences, including start and end times.
  • After the first day, instructors can meet at off mountain meeting locations.
  • World-class instructors create a fun learning environment with an emphasis on skill development while exploring a variety of appropriate terrain across the resort.
  • Please note, Private Lessons do not include lift access or lunch.

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: These are longer than wool socks and thicker at the shin and toes to compliment your boot fit.
  • 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.