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.
Where to Go
Check-in at the time and locations below based on the lesson booked. Allow yourself at least one hour to park and get your rentals if needed. If you purchased a lift ticket or pass outside of your lesson bundle, please collect it before proceeding to your lesson meeting place. If you arrive late and cannot complete check-in prior to the check-in end time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day
CHECK-IN TIMES
- 3-6 year-olds: 8:45am
- 7-14 year-olds: 8:45am
- Adult Group Lessons: 9:15am
- Afternoon Lessons: 12:45pm
WHERE TO CHECK-IN
- Adult Group Lessons: At the blue Adult Group Lesson banner at the base of the Meadows Quad at Spruce Peak. Lift access required.
- Child Group Lessons: At the top of the grand staircase, slope side of the Adventure Center at Spruce Peak. Lift access required.
- Private Lessons: Go directly to the Private Lesson Podium next to the Spruce Camp Ticket Office. Lift access required.
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 PROFESSIONAL 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 Professional 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 Stowe 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.
Ski and Snowboard Lessons for Everyone
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What Level am I?
We know it can be difficult to decide which lesson level is best for you. Below is a description of all the skiing and snowboarding levels to help you decide what level you are at before you book your lesson.
| Skiing | Snowboarding | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 range from learning to make turns to matching skis parallel at the end of your turns 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, introducing carved turns, venturing into the easiest ungroomed terrain, and introducing 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. 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.
Contact Us
At Stowe we are always striving to improve our guest service. We have the answers you're looking for; email us or give us a call. We look forward to making your trip an experience of a lifetime.