Whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or polishing your technique after years of skiing or snowboarding, Ski & Ride School (SRS) is your gateway to a safe, fun, and skill-building experience on the mountain. Lessons are offered at every Vail-owned ski resort, catering to all skill levels and age groups to help everyone improve their abilities and have a great time.
This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Ski & Ride School, from preparing for your lesson to what to expect during the session, ensuring your experience is smooth and enjoyable.
1. How to Prepare for Your Ski & Ride Lesson
The key to a successful ski or snowboard lesson is preparation. Here’s how to get ready for an amazing day on the slopes:
Equipment Essentials
If you need to rent equipment, make sure you allow extra time before your lesson. Aim to arrive 60-90 minutes early, or better yet, pick up your gear the day before where possible. This includes skis or a snowboard, boots, helmets, and other necessary equipment.
- Lift Access: Every lesson participant must have a valid lift ticket or season pass. Be sure to purchase these in advance online for the best rates.
- Helmets: Helmets are required for all kids and recommended for everyone. Helmets can be rented or purchased at the resort.
- Clothing: Stay warm and dry with waterproof snow pants, jackets, and gloves. Goggles are also essential to protect your eyes from UV rays and cold wind.
Know Before You Go
Each resort will have a designated check-in location, listed on your confirmation email. It’s essential to arrive at your meeting spot at least 30 minutes before the lesson start time. This gives you time to check in, meet your instructor, and get situated.
Pro Tip: If you are late for your lesson or at the wrong location, we will do everything possible to accommodate you the same day. However, if the class has left the base area, you may have to reschedule for another available date. Take a look at some more tips here.
2. Kid's Ski & Snowboard Lessons
There’s no better way to introduce your child to the excitement of skiing or snowboarding than through a structured lesson. Child lessons are designed to build confidence, learn basic skills and safety, and be fun and are a good option for kid’s first time on the slopes or if they’ve been shredding for a few seasons.
Who Is It For?
- Skiing: Ages 3-15 (exact age ranges vary by resort)
- Snowboarding: Ages 5-15 (exact age ranges vary by resort)
Lessons Breakdown
- Half Day Lessons: 2 ½ hours
- Full Day Lessons: 5 ½ hours at Vail and Beaver Creek, 6 hours at Keystone and Breck (includes lunch)
- Levels: Grouped by age and ability level to ensure personalized instruction
Lessons may be held at various base areas at the resorts. Make sure you check your lesson purchase confirmation email for the exact lesson type, location and start time. Please also confirm with your kid’s instructor about pick-up time and locations for the end of their lesson. You can learn more about daycare services at specific resorts here.
3. Adult Ski & Snowboard Lessons
New to skiing or snowboarding? Build a strong foundation with the help of our world-class instructors. Or if you've mastered the basics, keep growing your confidence and polishing your skillset to take on the most exhilarating terrain on the mountain.
Who Is It For?
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Vail and Beaver Creek Ages 16+, Keystone and Breck Ages 15+
- All Levels: Grouped by age and skill level
Lesson Options
- Half Day Lessons: 2 ½ hours
- Full Day Lessons: 5 ½ hours at Vail and Beaver Creek, 6 hours at Keystone and Breck
Adult group lessons will be tailored to the goals of your group, so invite your friends or make new ones as you all learn similar new skills and have fun growing together on the mountain.
4. Private Lessons: A one-of-a-kind Adventure
Customize your day on the mountain with private lessons. Experience a tailored learning experience crafted to help you and your group advance your skills and tackle more challenging terrain or simply spend a day with a private guide uncovering the best of the mountain together. Private lessons are offered in half-day and full-day options.
Who Is It For?
- Skiing & Snowboarding: All ages, all levels
- Group Size: 1-6 people
Please keep in mind that all private lessons require a current lift ticket or season pass. When booking private lessons online, a concierge from the resort will connect with you directly to confirm your session and assist with any final trip planning needs. To book a private lesson within 48 hours of your visit, call the resort or visit the nearest Ski School location.
5. Skiing or Snowboarding?
A common question for beginner's is should I ski or snowboard? Both are incredibly fun, but they offer very different experiences.
- Skiing: Generally considered easier to learn initially due to the independent control of each leg, skiing allows for better balance and control, especially on flat or green terrain.
- Snowboarding: Snowboarding can be more challenging at the start, especially learning to get on and off the chairlift, but many find it easier to master advanced tricks and techniques once they’ve gotten the basics down.
If you’re not sure which one to choose, consider taking a lesson in each to see what suits you best!
6. Ability Levels Explained
All group lessons are sorted by ability level, and the instructor will determine lesson plans based on the group's ability level and goals. All group lesson participants will explore terrain aligned to their ability level while also practicing new techniques at their own pace.
It’s important to evaluate your level honestly to get the most out of your lesson.
- First Timer: Never skied or snowboarded before. These lessons cover the basics–getting familiar with equipment and learning how to stop on green terrain.
- Beginner: Has some experience and is comfortable on green runs. You’ll work on linking turns, gaining control, and building confidence.
- Intermediate: Comfortable on blue runs. These lessons focus on refining turns, exploring easy black terrain, and adopting advanced techniques.
- Advanced: Comfortable on black runs. Advanced lessons cover carving turns, tackling ungroomed terrain, and mastering trees or moguls.
If you’re not sure where you fit, don’t worry! Our experienced Instructors will evaluate your ability and adjust the lesson plan accordingly to help you get the most out of the day. If your child is at a higher ability level than their age group, please talk to their instructor to ensure that they get placed appropriately.
7. What Happens After the Lesson?
Your lesson may be over, but the learning doesn’t have to stop! Here are some tips on how to continue improving your skills:
- Practice: Spend time on the slopes practicing the techniques you learned. Ski resorts offer plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain where you can hone your skills.
- Continue To Advance Your Skills With Our Experts: Progress happens quickly when you have regular guidance. Consider signing up for additional lessons, whether in the same season or the next.
- Stay Active: Keeping fit during the off-season will help maintain the strength and flexibility needed for skiing and snowboarding.
- Practice: The human brain requires many, many repetitions to become autonomous with motor skills like skiing and snowboarding. Take time to practice on your own or with a friend or family member the drills and skills from your last lesson.
- Explore Similar Terrain: Master skills by navigating to success on trails that have slightly different shape but repeat the trails you went down during your lesson.
- Take Videos: Find a safe and remote spot on the mountain and ask a friend or family member to record video of you skiing or snowboarding. This allows us to more closely see how specific body movements and position relate to success on the snow (or not!).
- Mirror Others: We all have different tendencies and preferences on the snow. Slide with a friend or family member and try to match their turn size and turn shape. Adjusting the timing or intensity of body movements help to dial in underlying skills.
8. Some Tips for Success
Here are a few key tips to keep in mind to help you get started on the slopes in the right direction:
- Practice: The human brain requires many, many repetitions to become autonomous with motor skills like skiing and snowboarding. Take time to practice on your own or with a friend or family member the drills and skills from your last lesson.
- Explore Similar Terrain: Master skills by navigating to success on trails that have slightly different shape but repeat the trails you went down during your lesson.
- Take Videos: Ask a friend or family member to record video of you skiing or snowboarding. Not only does this make great content for social media, but it also allows us to more closely see how specific body movements and position relate to success on the snow (or not!).
- Mirror Others: We all have different tendencies and preferences on the snow. Slide with a friend or family member and try to match their turn size and turn shape. Adjusting the timing or intensity of body movements help to dial in underlying skills.
9. Additional Tips for Parents
If you’re a parent bringing your child to ski school, here are a few extra tips to make the day go smoothly:
- Dress Warmly: Make sure your child is bundled up in waterproof clothing. Remember gloves, helmets, and goggles! Your child should arrive dressed (clothing and ski/snowboard gear) and ready to be outside with their ski/snowboard equipment.
- Arrive Early: Getting to the lesson location early ensures a stress-free check-in process.
- Please make sure your child has used the restroom before you drop them off for their lesson.
- Parents must stay with their child until the check-in process is complete with their instructor. For private lessons, be prepared to exchange contact information with your child's instructor and make a plan for lunch if applicable.
- Pack Snacks: Lunch is included for full -day lessons, but packing some extra snacks is a good idea for energy during breaks. If your child brings snacks, please do not pack any that contain nuts.
Final Thoughts
Ski & Ride School is designed to provide a seamless, enjoyable experience for all participants, ensuring they leave the mountain with more skills and confidence than they came with. Ski & Ride School offers lessons tailored to your abilities, making it the perfect place to improve, have fun, and enjoy the snow!
