Prepare For Your Lesson

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 Snowboard 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, and full day group lessons for children will include 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. 

 

Will face coverings be required in Ski and Snowboard School this season?
No. Face coverings are not required to ski and snowboard, 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 & Snowboard School lessons? 
Changes or cancellations can be made in advance of your lesson date by contacting the Ski & Snowboard School conducting your lesson. Any Ski & Snowboard School group or private lesson product that is cancelled prior to 48 hours of the lesson start time will be issued a full refund. Group or private lesson cancellations within 48 hours of the lesson start time will be charged a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the cost of the lesson in the case of a single day reservation.

Lessons are never cancelled due to weather while the resort is operational. For more detailed information on refunds and cancellations, please refer to the Terms of Sale. 

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.

Yes, a lift ticket or season pass is required for all lessons.

The use of helmets is strongly recommended. Children age 14 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski and ride school. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. While helmets may reduce or mitigate the severity of some head injuries, their use does not guarantee safety and will not prevent certain injuries. Rental helmets are available at our children's ski school locations for your convenience.

Parents are encouraged to leave their child with the instructor in order to have the full attention of the child during the lesson. If you would like to briefly watch the beginning of the lesson, please stay on the opposite side of the fence and watch from a distance. Hanging out at the base, in the ski school, or in the lodge for the entire lesson will not be permitted.

Yes, we rent ski boots, skis and poles OR snowboard and snowboard boots. Helmets are also available for rent. Purchase as add-ons with your lesson.

No, there is no make up date if you or your child can not make their lesson. The lessons are date specific and nonrefundable. If Snow Creek closes for any reason, we will contact you with options and next steps.

Lesson reschedules/cancellations must be received via email no later than 48 hours prior to lesson start time. Any cancellation made less than 48 hours prior to lesson will be charged a 50% late cancellation fee. Lessons not cancelled prior to lesson start time will not be eligible for any refund. For Multiweek/multiday lessons this policy applies to the first day of lessons. Email: SnowCreekSkiSchool@vailresorts.com

When you are signing up for a lessons, we will ask what level skier/snowboarder you are. This helps us put you with the right instructor and class for your needs.
If you aren’t sure which level your child is, or they are in between levels, please choose a lower level. Our trained instructors will move them up when they are ready.

Ski
Level 0 - First Timer: New to the sport, Never tried it before
Level 1 - Beginner: Spent a few hours on the learning hill, Can successfully put on and take off equipment, Can move around on flat terrain, Comfortable gliding and stopping on easiest learning terrain, Can sometimes make simple direction changes while sliding
Level 2 - Advance Beginner: Comfortable gliding and making turns on beginner terrain, Can make "wedge turns" easily and may even begin parallel turns
Level 3 - Intermediate: Successfully loads and unloads chairlift, Can ski parallel with occasional wedge, Can safely and confidently complete all green terrain and some blue terrain
Level 4 - Strong Intermediate: Can ski parallel consistently and confidently, Can begin to vary size and types of turns, Can safely and confidently complete all beginner and intermediate terrain
Level 5 and 6 - Advanced: Comfortable on variable snow conditions, Comfortable using poles to link turns, Can safely and confidently ski all blue terrain and some advanced terrain

Snowboard
Level 0 - First Timer: New to the sport, Never tried it before
Level 1 - Beginner: Spent a few hours on the learning hill, Can successfully put on and take off equipment, Can move around on flat terrain, Comfortable gliding and stopping on easiest learning terrain, Can sometimes make simple direction changes while sliding
Level 2 - Advance Beginner: Comfortable gliding and making turns on beginner terrain, Can link turn heel to toe easily
Level 3 - Intermediate: Successfully loads and unloads chairlift
Board link heel to toe turns, Can safely and confidently complete all green terrain and some blue terrain
Level 4 - Strong Intermediate: Board link heel to toe turns, Can begin to vary size and types of turns, Can safely and confidently complete all beginner and intermediate terrain
Level 5 and 6 - Advanced: Comfortable on variable snow conditions, Can safely and confidently ski all blue terrain and some advanced terrain