Vail Ski & Snowboard School FAQ's

Lift tickets are not included in the base price of lessons. Everyone accessing the mountain must have a lift ticket. For many of our lessons we offer a discounted lift ticket as an add-on product.

Yes. Vail & Beaver Creek both offer beginner programs for adults as well as kids.

The First Time Skier & Rider Series

The First Time Series is a special offer designed for first time adult skiers & riders:

Buy 2 get the 3rd day at a very reduced rate– participants get three consecutive days of beginner lessons and lift tickets.
The goal is to have you skiing or snowboarding confidently down our easiest trails after your first lesson series.
Graduates who attend all three days may then take three additional days of intermediate lessons at a discounted multi-day rate.
Visit our Vail Adult ski & snowboard school or Beaver Creek Adult ski & snowboard school page for details on this season's program.

Yes, you can make reservations up to 48 hours prior to your arrival. Call 1-970-754-4300 for lessons at Vail, or 1-970-754-5300 for lessons at Beaver Creek. 

We strongly recommend making a reservation for your children, kids or teens. It will expedite the check-in process.

Call us for answers to any more ski school essential questions you may have.

During the actual lesson time, we recommend that parents observe from a distance to prevent disrupting the class.
The Adult Ski School is for ages 16 and up. Because of the different teaching needed for children and to respect the other adults in the lesson, children and teens are accommodated at our Kids & Teens Ski and Snowboard School.

The best way for families to ski or snowboard together is to reserve a Family Private Lesson (up to 6 guest per instructor).

Group Lesson Reservations

Yes, you can now reserve in advance for adult group lessons and by doing so we will ensure you receive the best price! Visit our website or call the following for the respective resort. With advance reservations we will have all the information and lesson tickets ready to printout for you when you arrive at our sales office.

  • Vail - Lesson Details - 1-970-754-4300
  • Beaver Creek - Lesson Details - 1-970-754-5300
  • Keystone - Lesson Details - 1-970-496-4170
  • Breckenridge - Lesson Details - 1-970-453-3250
  • Heavenly - Lesson Details - 1-775-586-7000
  • Park City - Lesson Details - 1-435-649-8111
  • Kirkwood - Lesson Details - 1-800-967-7500
  • Northstar - Lesson Details - 1-800-466-6784
  • The Vail Children's Ski and Snowboard School Children offers multi day lessons online and in person. When booking 3+ days or more of ski school group lessons, discounted additional days are available. Please contact us at 970.754.4300 for additional information.
    Vail Ski and Snowboard School

    Discover why the Vail Ski and Snowboard School is consistently rated one of the top 10 schools in ski country. The Vail Ski and Snowboard School offers a variety of programs that provide tools for technique and education of the mountain experience. Participants of all ages are sure to get the most out of their winter vacation on the slopes. Vail instructors understand that it's not just about learning, but it's also about having fun.

    General Ski School Information

    • Locations: Base area locations at Golden Peak, Vail Village and Lionshead; on-mountain at Mid-Vail and Eagle's Nest.
    • Packages: Prices vary and some packages may include lift tickets and rentals.
    • Rentals: High-performance skis are available at retail Vail Sports locations in Golden Peak, Vail Village and Lionshead.
    • Other: Group lesson/lift packages are now available for select ski and snowboard school programs that will save guests money over purchasing elements separately.
    • Ages: All adult group lessons are for guests ages 16 and older. Please click here for information on children's ski school programs.
    • More Information: Call (970) 475-4543

    Learn From a Vail Instructor

    • Learn from one of 850 knowledgeable and certified alpine, snowboard, telemark and Nordic instructors.
    • Instruction available in 30 languages including Spanish, German, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and even Croatian.
    • Instructors incorporate the latest research on adult and child learning, as well as advances in equipment, into their teaching. Several instructors even consult with equipment manufacturers in designing new skis, boots and snowboards.
    • Lessons offer a personalized experience, tailored to suit individual learning styles and specific interests.
    • Many instructors participate on the national demonstration teams for their individual countries, including the U.S., Sweden, Argentina and Australia.
    • Private and group lessons can focus on particular techniques, terrain or tours of local "hot spots."
    • A number of top Vail instructors train other instructors around the country and throughout the world.
    • Experience quick access to the slopes via exclusive ski school lift lines.


    First Timers!

    We love to share our love of snowsports and offer the First Time Series in both skiing and snowboarding. Studies have found that when people take professional instruction for three days at the start (to get good strong basic skills) they are much more likely to enjoy the sport and stick with it. To reach as many first-timers as possible, we offer the First Time Series, which is discounted during our regular weeks, and even better, buy-1-get-3 during our value weeks! Packages are for lift and lesson, and if you need equipment, that can be included also.

    >More Information: Call (970) 475-4543

    Yes, you will need to show identification, your confirmation letter, and sign documents.
    Multi-Day Lesson Packages

    Most of our resorts offer great discounts for multi-day lessons for children and adults.

    Vail and Beaver Creek Ski School offers two different multi-day options. There is the First Time Series for people who have never tried the sport before. This is undoubtedly the best program to enroll in if you are new to our sports. The discounted package includes three days of lessons to help you learn the sport, with the intention of being comfortable to venture out on your own after 3 days of instruction. For those who are not new to the sport, we also offer a 3 Day package for skiing or snowboarding. The discounted package is a great value and will help you expand your skill set on snow! These lessons are not transferable to others and  unused day may not be refunded. These lesson packages are available all season long and the best price is guaranteed when you book online in advanced of your arrival. Many of these 3 Day lesson packages come with lift ticket and rental package options.

    Half Days

    For beginner 3-6 year olds- Available from 9:45am to 12 noon, when availability permits. These lessons may not be reserved in advanced. Please check in with the Children's Ski & Snowboard schools on the day you would like to consider a lesson.

    For Teens and Adults- Available from 12:45pm to 3:45pm. You can also take the full-day lesson and just leave when you need to.

    Yes, the Children's Ski & Ride School rental shops specialize in fitting your children with the proper equipment for their age & ability.
    If you register online you may reserve rentals in advance. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the lesson start time on the first day for fitting. If possible please come in the afternoon the day before to pick up tickets and get fitted for rental equipment.

    Change of Plans?

    To change your reservations please call:

    • Vail: 1-970-754-4300
    • Beaver Creek: 1-970-754-5300
    • Keystone: 1-970-496-4170
    • Breckenridge: 1-970-453-3250
    • Crested Butte: 1-970-251-7022
    • Northstar: 1-530-562-1010
    • Heavenly: 1-775-586-7000
    • Kirkwood: 1-209-258-7356
    • Park City: 1-435-658-5530
    • Stevens Pass: 1-206-812-4510
    • Whistler Blackhomb: 1-604-967-8950
    • Stowe: 1-802-253-3000
    • Mount Sunapee: 1-603-763-3541
    • Okemo: 1-802-228-1600

    Program Length

    • Adult Programs: Lessons meet at 9:45am and end at 3:30pm.
    • Children Programs
      • Age 3-6 programs: Children need to be dressed, ticketed, ready to ski, and checked in no later than 9:45am
      • Parent conferences and child pick up are available from 3:15 until 4:00pm. Children may wait in the centers until 4:00pm under supervised care
      • Age 7-14 programs: Children need to be dressed, ticketed, ready to ski, and checked in no later than 9:15am
      • Vail's Ski School Age 7-12 programs and 13 and older teen programs: Kids and Teens need to be dressed appropriately for their lesson, ticketed, ready to ski or snowboard, and checked-in no later than 9:15am
      • Vail's Ski School Age 7-12 programs and 13 and older teen programs: Parent conferences and child pick up are from 3:30 until 4:00pm. Children may wait in the centers until 4:00pm under supervised care

    Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes prior to lesson start time to pick up tickets and get fitted for rental equipment. If possible, please come in the afternoon before the lesson start date to pick up tickets and get fitted for rental equipment.

    No, you can purchase a lesson only ticket to be used in conjunction with the lift ticket for the day your child is participating in the children's ski and snowboard school program. The lesson only product can be purchased onsite or online.

    Like lift tickets, equipment rental is not included in the price of Adult Lessons. If you are needing to rent equipment, please click here to reserve equipment online.

    Ski School Ages

    Child Lessons - We start with willing, potty-trained 3 year olds. Please prepare your child for separation from mom and dad for the day.

    Adult Lessons are for ages 16 and up. If you wish to have your family learn together, you will need to book a private lesson. Private Lessons can be reserved by calling the corresponding number below.

  • Vail - Lesson Details - 1-970-754-4300
  • Beaver Creek - Lesson Details - 1-970-754-5300
  •  

    The Snow is Falling!

    Children: If it snows during lessons, the kids will ski or snowboard and will come inside for frequent breaks during extremely low temperatures.

    Adults: We LOVE snow! We send class out regardless of the weather. The class will take breaks, but dress properly and you will enjoy every minute of it.

    Snow, Friends and Fun!
    • For the age 7-14 programs and Vail's 7-12 and teen programs (13 and older), the children meet their instructor at 9:15am. They leave the base area at 9:30 am. The class will stop for lunch and take a bathroom and drink break when needed. Otherwise they will ski/snowboard until 3:30pm
    • For 3-year-old beginner programs, the children need to be checked in by 9:45am. They will do an indoor ski lesson and then go outside on the hill for an hour in the morning. They will come in around noon for lunch. After lunch the children will go back outside to ski for another hour. They then come inside for quiet rest time until parent pick up at 3:15pm.
    • For 4-6-year-old beginner programs, the children need to be checked in by 9:45am. They will ski for an hour and a half in the morning, come in for lunch around noon and then participate in an indoor activity. They will then ski for another hour and a half until 3pm. Parent pick up is from 3:15pm until 4:30pm.
    • For the 3-6-year-old Superstar programs (children who can stop on their own and ride the chair lift), the children need to be checked in by 9:45am. They will ski for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours after lunch. Parent pick up is from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.

    The ticket can be used on another day or refunded if the child is sick first thing in the morning and is picked up immediately after the parents have been contacted. If the child is sick and remains in the program for the entire day and the parents do not pick the child up after receiving a call, the ticket will not be refunded.

    If you are late for your lesson we will do everything possible to accommodate. However, if the class has left the base area, you may have to reschedule for another available date. No call, no shows are subject to full lesson charge.

    To speak to a ski and snowboard school representative, call 1-970-754-4300.

    Children's Ski Lessons

    • We start with willing, potty-trained 3 year olds.
    • Please help prepare your child for separation from mom and dad for the day.

    Children's Snowboard Lessons

    • For group lessons we take ages 5 - 12. Snowboard private lessons are available for all ages.

    Children't Snowboard Lessons - Vail Kids Snowboard School

    • For group lessons we take 7-12 year olds and ages 13 and older for our teen groups.
    • Snowboard private lessons are available for children of all ages.
    • We offer a semi-private snowboard lesson for ages 5 and 6, maximum of 4 children per class.
    • The daily format is very similar to the 3-6 alpine program. Pre-registration online is highly recommended.
    You should select the level that you are currently skiing/riding at, not what you want to become. If you are unclear or uncertain of your level, please read below to see our description of zones of learning. All you need to select is beginner, intermediate or advanced. Upon arrival, we will combine you with other guests of the same skill level with your zone.

    Get in the ZONE

    We split the lessons into what 'zone' you ski in; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. For instance within the beginner zone, there are skiers/boarders that are first-timers, up to those just starting on intermediate runs. Within that zone, you will be matched up with other students that are at your level. So all you really need to let us know is if you ski on beginner, intermediate, or advanced runs, that's the level of lesson to take.

    How early do I have to wake up?

    • Lessons start at 9:00 AM
    • Arrive 1 hour prior to the scheduled start time of your lesson
    • Allow extra time if you need rental equipment that morning
    • Please remember to have all rental equipment with you when you arrive at the lesson meeting spot

    Remember To Bring:

    • Dress in layers. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures
    • Eye Protection; sunglasses or goggles
    • Good Gloves - Your gardening gloves won't make the cut
    • Good Socks - A well-fitted pair of wool or synthetic wool socks, not too thick. Cotton socks aren't recommended.
    • Waterproof jackets and pants will keep you warmer and more comfortable
    • Water - it's important to stay hydrated at dry altitude
    • A Snack - something small that will fit in a pocket to keep up energy
    • Credit Card or cash for payment and any food you may want to buy on the mountain
    • Sunblock - the suns rays and its reflection off the snow are powerful at this altitude
    • And of course: Skis, snowboard, boots, poles (you'd be surprised how many people forget)

    Adaptive Programs

    Adaptive skiing applies to ski/snowboard instruction of individuals with special needs. It's about adapting the ski equipment for each person's unique needs and adapting the ski instruction as well. Our Adaptive Ski School programs are recognized as leaders in providing first class instruction and training to people of all disabilities both physical and cognitive. We provide instruction in alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

    Please contact our ski school at 970.754.4300 for more information.

    Whether you’re new to snow life or a honed expert, the best ski school’s in Colorado can be found at all of our resorts.

    Vail
    Learn world-class technique that will let you master the slopes. Private or group lessons from Vail's team of elite instructors can help you conquer any type of terrain. Whether your're a seasoned expert or just starting out, Vail Snowsports School has a variety of programs to help you reach your goals. With over 160 instructors from around the world, representing 30 countries, our instructors speak a variety of languages to meet and exceed the needs of our international clientele. Vail Ski School

    Beaver Creek 
    Mastering your skills at the Beaver Creek Ski & Snowboard School is a learning experience unlike any other. Whether it's the world-class instructors and their unswerving dedication to making you as good as you can be, or the unrivaled splendor of the exquisite surroundings and how it makes your heart race, you’ll quickly discover why we say Beaver Creek is the Ivy League of Ski and Snowboard Schools. Beaver Creek Ski School

    Breckenridge
    No matter if you’re new to the sport or an expert looking to perfect your skills, Breckenridge Ski and Snowboard School has a program for you. With top-notch instructors and terrain for every skill level, our school will have you conquering the slopes in no time. Breckenridge Ski School

    Keystone
    The Keystone Ski and Snowboard School welcomes Bobby Murphy on board as our new Director of Skier Services. Bobby brings more than 20 years of ski industry experience to Keystone. As a two-term member of PSIA’s National Alpine Team, he is regarded as one of the industry’s most accomplished snowsports professionals. Keystone Ski School

     

    Siblings of different ages in Day Care/ Nursery

    No, if you children are in different age groups, they cannot be placed in the same classroom for the day. In some cases if our staff feels there is a need, siblings may have the opportunity for brief visits during the day.