Ski School FAQs

Keystone Ski & Ride School FAQ's

Lift tickets are not included in the base price of lessons. Everyone accessing the mountain must have a lift ticket. For many of our lessons we offer a discounted lift ticket as an add-on product.

During the actual lesson time, we recommend that parents observe from a distance to prevent disrupting the class.
The Adult Ski School is for ages 16 and up. Because of the different teaching needed for children and to respect the other adults in the lesson, children and teens are accommodated at our Kids & Teens Ski and Snowboard School.

The best way for families to ski or snowboard together is to reserve a Family Private Lesson (up to 6 guest per instructor).
Yes, you will need to show identification, your confirmation letter, and sign documents.
Yes, the Children's Ski & Ride School rental shops specialize in fitting your children with the proper equipment for their age & ability.
If you register online you may reserve rentals in advance. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the lesson start time on the first day for fitting. If possible please come in the afternoon the day before to pick up tickets and get fitted for rental equipment.

Change of Plans?

To change your reservations please call:

  • Vail: 1-970-754-4300
  • Beaver Creek: 1-970-754-5300
  • Keystone: 1-970-496-4170
  • Breckenridge: 1-970-453-3250
  • Crested Butte: 1-970-251-7022
  • Northstar: 1-530-562-1010
  • Heavenly: 1-775-586-7000
  • Kirkwood: 1-209-258-7356
  • Park City: 1-435-658-5530
  • Stevens Pass: 1-206-812-4510
  • Whistler Blackhomb: 1-604-967-8950
  • Stowe: 1-802-253-3000
  • Mount Sunapee: 1-603-763-3541
  • Okemo: 1-802-228-1600

No, you can purchase a lesson only ticket to be used in conjunction with the lift ticket for the day your child is participating in the children's ski and snowboard school program. The lesson only product can be purchased onsite or online.

Like lift tickets, equipment rental is not included in the price of Adult Lessons. If you are needing to rent equipment, please click here to reserve equipment online.
The Snow is Falling!

Children: If it snows during lessons, the kids will ski or snowboard and will come inside for frequent breaks during extremely low temperatures.

Adults: We LOVE snow! We send class out regardless of the weather. The class will take breaks, but dress properly and you will enjoy every minute of it.

Snow, Friends and Fun!
  • For the age 7-14 programs the children meet their instructor at 9:15am. They leave the base area at 9:30 am. The class will stop for lunch and take a bathroom and drink break when needed. Otherwise they will ski/snowboard until 3:30pm
  • For 3-year-old beginner programs, the children will do an indoor ski lesson and then go outside on the hill for a combined 2.5 hours of ski time throughout the day. They will come in around noon for lunch. Pick up is at 3:30pm. Other time spent inside consists of arts & crafts, practice in snow gear, and yoga! 
  • For 4-6-year-old beginner programs, the children need to be checked in by 9:30am. They will ski more intermittently throughout the day with bathroom and warming up breaks based on the stamina of the group. They will come in for lunch around noon. Parent pick up is at 3:30pm. 

Check out our Lesson/Ski School Programs

The ticket can be used on another day or refunded if the child is sick first thing in the morning and is picked up immediately after the parents have been contacted. If the child is sick and remains in the program for the entire day and the parents do not pick the child up after receiving a call, the ticket will not be refunded.

Check out our Lesson/Ski School Programs

If you are late for your lesson we will do everything possible to accommodate. However, if the class has left the base area, you may have to reschedule for another available date. No call, no shows are subject to full lesson charge.

To speak to a ski and snowboard school representative, call +1-970-496-4170.

Children's Ski Lessons

  • We start with willing, potty-trained 3 year olds.
  • Please help prepare your child for separation from mom and dad for the day.

Children's Snowboard Lessons

  • For group lessons we take ages 5 - 12. Snowboard private lessons are available for all ages.

Children't Snowboard Lessons - Vail Kids Snowboard School

  • For group lessons we take 7-12 year olds and ages 13 and older for our teen groups.
  • Snowboard private lessons are available for children of all ages.
  • We offer a semi-private snowboard lesson for ages 5 and 6, maximum of 4 children per class.
  • The daily format is very similar to the 3-6 alpine program. Pre-registration online is highly recommended
You should select the level that you are currently skiing/riding at, not what you want to become. If you are unclear or uncertain of your level, please read below to see our description of zones of learning. All you need to select is beginner, intermediate or advanced. Upon arrival, we will combine you with other guests of the same skill level with your zone.

Get in the ZONE

We split the lessons into what 'zone' you ski in; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. For instance within the beginner zone, there are skiers/boarders that are first-timers, up to those just starting on intermediate runs. Within that zone, you will be matched up with other students that are at your level. So all you really need to let us know is if you ski on beginner, intermediate, or advanced runs, that's the level of lesson to take.

Where to go:

All level 301 and above classes meet at the top of Keystone Mountain, which requires a minimum 30 minute lift ride.

When to check in:

9:00 AM lessons

Check in time is from 8:00 AM until 9:00 AM

12:45 PM lessons

Check in time is from 8:00 AM until 12:45 PM

Are you renting equipment?

If you need to get fitted for equipment, please allow a minimum of 60 minutes prior to the lesson start time.

TIME-SAVING TIP: If possible, please come in the afternoon before the lesson start date to pick up tickets and rental equipment, if needed.

To reserve a lesson:


How early do I have to wake up?

  • Lessons start at 9:00 AM
  • Arrive 1 hour prior to the scheduled start time of your lesson
  • Allow extra time if you need rental equipment that morning
  • Please remember to have all rental equipment with you when you arrive at the lesson meeting spot

Remember To Bring:

  • Dress in layers. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures
  • Eye Protection; sunglasses or goggles
  • Good Gloves - Your gardening gloves won't make the cut
  • Good Socks - A well-fitted pair of wool or synthetic wool socks, not too thick. Cotton socks aren't recommended.
  • Waterproof jackets and pants will keep you warmer and more comfortable
  • Water - it's important to stay hydrated at dry altitude
  • A Snack - something small that will fit in a pocket to keep up energy
  • Credit Card or cash for payment and any food you may want to buy on the mountain
  • Sunblock - the suns rays and its reflection off the snow are powerful at this altitude
  • And of course: Skis, snowboard, boots, poles (you'd be surprised how many people forget)

To Reserve Lessons: 

Adaptive Programs

Please contact the Ski and Ride School about options for Adaptive Lessons.

Choose one of our Resorts below for more information on specific programs:

 

 

Siblings of different ages in Day Care/ Nursery

No, if you children are in different age groups, they cannot be placed in the same classroom for the day. In some cases if our staff feels there is a need, siblings may have the opportunity for brief visits during the day.

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