About Ski & Snowboard School

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! See below for more information on the Ski & Snowboard School experience.

SEE ALL LESSONS

 

ABOUT SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOL


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! See below for more information on the Ski & Snowboard School experience.


SEE ALL LESSONS
 
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Prepare For Your Lesson

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Where to Go

Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your group lesson. If you arrive late for a group lesson and cannot complete check-in prior to the lesson start time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day. If you are renting equipment, we strongly recommend that you get fitted for your rental equipment the day before. If that is not possible, please arrive at least an hour before the start of your lesson. If you purchased a lift ticket or pass outside of your lesson bundle, please collect it before proceeding to your lesson meeting place.

WHERE TO CHECK IN:

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. 

  • Adult Group Lessons:
    • In Lionshead first-timers meet at the base near the private lesson sign, all other levels meet at the top of gondola 19
    • In Golden Peak first-timers meet at the base at the in town bus stop, all other levels meet near the base of chair 12
  • Child Group Lessons: Lionshead or Golden Peak.
  • 3 to 6 Year Old Lessons: Lionshead or Golden Peak
  • Teen Group Lessons: 
    • Ages 13 - 15 meet in Lionshead or Golden Peak
    • Ages 16+ use Adult Group Lesson meeting locations
  • Private Lessons:
    • All levels available out of Lionshead & Golden Peak
    • No first-time lessons available out of Vail Village

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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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. 

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What to Bring

  • 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 Vail 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.
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Get Ready to Cruise the Slopes

Our Progressive Promise
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Learn More

Our Progressive Promise

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John Smith
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Child Ski Lesson
CHILD LESSONS

Top 10 Tips to Make Your Kid a Shredder

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Kids Ski School at Vail, CO.
What you can expect

Day in the Life
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Learn More
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Instructor

Get To Know One Of Our World-Class Instructors
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John Smith
Washington

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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. 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. 

 

Does my child need to be potty trained to participate in a lesson?
All children are required to be potty trained to participate in ski school lessons.

 

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. A cancellation Fee will be assessed for a guest when they cancel either a Group or Private Lesson (1- and 2-hour Lessons, half day and full day) as follows:

  • Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled prior to 48 hours of the lesson's start time will be issued a full refund.
  • Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled within 48 hours of the lesson’s start time will be charged the Cancellation Fee.
  • For Ski & Ride School Products that contain one lesson day, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the lesson.
  • For Ski & Ride School Products that contain multiple lesson days, and a full Cancellation is required, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the first lesson. All other days in a multiple lesson Ski & Ride School Product will be fully refunded.
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. 

Your Path To Learning

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING YOUR THREE LESSONS
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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.