Prepare For Your Lesson

 
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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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Our Commitment To Safety

Click here for the most up to date information on our safety protocols. 
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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. 

What to Bring

  • Face Coverings: Face coverings are not required during lessons, in gondolas, or indoor spaces at this time. However, face coverings are still required 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 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 Mt. Snow and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.


Where To Go

Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your lesson. 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. If you are renting equipment and will need to pick it up on the morning of your lesson, please arrive at least an hour before the start of your lesson. .

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. 

WHERE TO CHECK IN:

  • Adult Group Lessons (age 13+) 9:15 or 1:15 meeting: 
    • Pick up your tickets at the Discovery Center-bottom level. Once you have your tickets and equipment, meet outside at the back corner of the Discovery Center.  Look for the green flag. All guests must also have a lift ticket.  
  • Child Group Lessons 
    • Mountain Camp & Mountain Ride (7-14 year olds) 9:15 meeting:
      • Pick up your tickets at the Discovery Center-bottom level. Once you have your tickets and equipment, head out to the Big Dipper to meet your lesson.  Look for the red flag.  All guests must also have a lift ticket.  
    • Snow Camp & Snow Rider (5-6 year olds) 9:30 meeting: 
      • Pick up your tickets at the Discovery Center-bottom level. Once you have your tickets and equipment, head outside to the rear of the Discovery Center Building to meet your groups.  Look for the blue flag.  All guests must also have a lift ticket.  
    • Cub Camp & Cub Rider (3-4 year olds) 9:30 or 1:15 meeting: 
      • Pick up your tickets at the Discovery Center-bottom level. Once you have your tickets and equipment, head outside to the rear of the Discovery Center Building to meet your groups.  Look for the orange flag.  All guests must also have a lift ticket.  
  • Private Lessons (3 years and up) meet at 8:00am, 9:00am or 1:00pm: 
    • All private lessons meet outside on the South Side of the Discovery Center. Look for the yellow flag.  No lesson ticket needed but a reservation is required.  Rental gear may be picked up at the Clock Tower Rental Shop.  All guests must have a lift ticket. Visit the 2nd floor granite desk for information.   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What ski and ride school offerings will you provide this year at your resorts?
We are pleased to be resuming more ski and ride school programs this season, including those for younger children. Specifics can be found on our ski and ride school page

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. However, face coverings are still required 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. Any Ski & Ride School product that is cancelled prior to 24 hours of the lesson start time will be issued a full refund. Any Ski & Ride School product that is cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson start time will be charged a cancellation fee.

For more information on refunds and cancellations, please refer to the Ski & Ride School Terms of Sale.

Do I need a vaccine to ski and ride this season?
No. Vaccinations are not required to ski or ride during the 2021/22 season. Additionally, thanks to continued improvement in COVID-19 cases, proof of vaccination is no longer required for guests to dine at our indoor cafeteria-style restaurants, effective Saturday, Mar. 12, 2022.

Will you change this policy if the situation with COVID-19 increases?
All of our COVID-19 safety protocols are subject to change, however, we believe guests can assume this will be our policy for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.

Are you requiring your staff to be vaccinated?
Yes. Vail Resorts currently requires all employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Will Vail Resorts require proof of vaccination to enter or dine at restaurants?
No. As of March 12, we do not require proof of vaccination for guests to access any area of the resort, including dining and ski and ride school.