Learn to ski & ride at Schweitzer
Schweitzer Ski & Ride School
Lessons & Guides
Whether it’s your first day on the mountain or you’re a regular, Schweitzer's coaches are here to help you. If you want to gain confidence, improve skills, and have fun, we have a lesson offering for you. Our teaching approach emphasizes learning by doing in a fun and safe environment. Book online up to 2 days in advance for best pricing and availability.
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Whether it’s your first day on the mountain or you’re a regular, Schweitzer's coaches are here to help you. If you want to gain confidence, improve skills, and have fun, we have a lesson offering for you. Our teaching approach emphasizes learning by doing in a fun and safe environment. Book online up to 2 days in advance for best pricing and availability.
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Private Lessons (All Ages)
Tailored to your goals, our private ski and snowboard lessons ensure you make the most of your time at Schweitzer! Whether it’s a one-day session or a season-long training program, personalized instruction can help take your skiing and riding to the next level.
Kids Group Lessons (Ages 6-12)
Whether your kid is brand new or already linking their turns on beginner slopes, group lessons are the perfect way to make their first memories of the mountain. Our expert instructors will provide simple, individualized instruction in a group environment filled with skiers who are the similar age and ability level.
Adult Group Lessons (Ages 13+)
First-timer to intermediate skiers and riders can establish a foundation of solid habits and take their skills to the next level in a half-day group lesson. You'll mingle with other skiers or snowboarders and enjoy tips from knowledgeable instructors who simplify progress.
Schweitzer Guides
New to the mountain? Want to ski or ride like a local? Discover Schweitzer with a personal guide. Your Schweitzer Guide will take you to some of the best terrain areas based on daily conditions, interests, and ability levels.
Nice Turns
A 6-week program designed to develop skills, grow confidence, improve technique, explore new terrain, conquer fears, and increase enjoyment!
Multi-Week Lesson Programs
Extend your child or teen's learning to multiple weeks with Funatics, Mountain Xplorers, or our new Freestyle Camp (more info coming soon) for kids! For those 18 and older looking to improve their own abilities, choose Nice Turns, part of our adult program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lift Tickets and Rentals Included?
Depending on the lesson, lift tickets and rentals can be added during the purchasing process. For private lessons, lift tickets and rentals must be purchased separately.
How Many Students Will Be In The Class?
At Schweitzer, we always do our best to keep class sizes at or below 9 students.
How Many People Can Be In Private Lessons?
Up to 5 people can participate in private lessons at no additional cost.
What Do We Need To Bring For Their Lesson?
You will need to bring your lift ticket or season pass, skis and poles or snowboard, and proper clothing. And don't forget to bring the excitement!
What Should I Wear?
Be sure to check the weather and the Mountain Report page to adequately prepare for your day on the slopes. The most important thing for skiing and riding is to dress in layers. You can always adjust during the day! Wear your base layers (preferably no cotton), mid layers, waterproof outer layers, warm gloves, a helmet, goggles, and a face mask. If it's your first time on the mountain, you can also check out our First Timers Guide!
When And Where To Arrive For Group Lessons?
Please arrive at the learning area, across from the Great Escape chairlift, 15 minutes before your lesson begins. We strongly recommend arriving to the mountain an hour and a half prior to your lesson time if you need to pick up rentals or a lift ticket beforehand.
Lesson Details
Kids (Ages 6-12) Group Ski Lessons are available in half- and full-day options and you have the choice to add a lift ticket and rentals for the day.
- The Full-Day option run from 9:30am until 3pm with a supervised lunch break. Snacks, lunch, and hot chocolate will be provided.
- The Half-Day option runs from 9:30am to 11:45am or 12:45pm to 3pm. Snacks and hot chocolate will be provided.
- You must arrive 15 minutes before the lesson start time so we can sort your child into the correct group.
- The Full-Day option run from 9:30am until 3pm with a supervised lunch break. Snacks, lunch, and hot chocolate will be provided.
- The Half-Day option runs from 9:30am to 11:45am or 12:45pm to 3pm. Snacks and hot chocolate will be provided.
- You must arrive 15 minutes before the lesson start time so we can sort your child into the correct group.
What Lesson Should I Book?
First Time Lessons
Our First-Time Lessons are designed for those who are hitting the slopes for the very first time or needing some extra assistance learning how to stop. This class is designed to help you learn the basics you'll need to continue practicing even after your lesson is over!
Beginner Lessons
The Beginner Lessons are for beginner skiers or riders who are able to stop and maybe change directions across the hill on the easiest terrain! This class is for those who have been out riding before and are ready to continue fine tuning their turns, maintain balance, and work their way up to linking turns or making parallel turns.
Intermediate Lessons (daily for kids; weekends and holiday periods only for adults)
Intermediate lessons are for students who are comfortable on all beginner (green circle) terrain and working up to various levels of intermediate (blue square) terrain. Snowboarders at this level should be able to link both heel side and toe side turns together on beginner terrain, while skiers at this level should be able to make parallel turns on beginner terrain.
Advanced Lessons (weekends and holiday periods for kids only)
These lessons are for experienced skiers or riders who are comfortable linking turns - parallel for skiers - on all intermediate (blue square) terrain and looking to venture into easier advanced (black diamond) terrain.
If you are unsure, give us a call at (833) 854-7669 so we can assist you with your selection!
Our First-Time Lessons are designed for those who are hitting the slopes for the very first time or needing some extra assistance learning how to stop. This class is designed to help you learn the basics you'll need to continue practicing even after your lesson is over!
Beginner Lessons
The Beginner Lessons are for beginner skiers or riders who are able to stop and maybe change directions across the hill on the easiest terrain! This class is for those who have been out riding before and are ready to continue fine tuning their turns, maintain balance, and work their way up to linking turns or making parallel turns.
Intermediate Lessons (daily for kids; weekends and holiday periods only for adults)
Intermediate lessons are for students who are comfortable on all beginner (green circle) terrain and working up to various levels of intermediate (blue square) terrain. Snowboarders at this level should be able to link both heel side and toe side turns together on beginner terrain, while skiers at this level should be able to make parallel turns on beginner terrain.
Advanced Lessons (weekends and holiday periods for kids only)
These lessons are for experienced skiers or riders who are comfortable linking turns - parallel for skiers - on all intermediate (blue square) terrain and looking to venture into easier advanced (black diamond) terrain.
If you are unsure, give us a call at (833) 854-7669 so we can assist you with your selection!
Are Instructor Gratuities Included In The Price?
Instructor gratuities are not included in the purchase price of your lesson. Your instructor is highly trained and specialized in their disciplines, often dedicating their life's work toward this endeavor! Your instructor operates in a service industry and gratuities are a common practice if you think they have met or exceeded your expectations. Similar to other service industries, gratuities are typically between 15%-20%. Instructors are typically able to receive cash, Venmo, and Zelle onsite. Please communicate with your instructor on a preferred method or platform that works for both of you. Cash gratuities can also be dropped off at the Ski & Ride Center sales desk if you know the first and last name of your instructor.
Lesson Refund and Cancellation Policies
Ski & Ride School Cancellation Policy: Lessons are fully refundable if you cancel up to 2 full days before your lesson start time. Within 2 days, lessons are non-refundable.
Group Lessons are offered daily. However, they are subject to change based on instructor availability, group sizes, and events. For group and private lessons, please book online or call (833) 854-7669 if you need additional assistance.
Group Lessons are offered daily. However, they are subject to change based on instructor availability, group sizes, and events. For group and private lessons, please book online or call (833) 854-7669 if you need additional assistance.