Snowshoe Bunny

snowshoe ski and snowboard school lesson guide

Helpful information to ensure you're prepared to make the most of your lesson and time on snow.
A lesson with a talented instructor is the best way to gain the skills and confidence so essential to an amazing snow experience. We want you to love the time you spend sliding with us, so we've included this guide to give you a heads up about the mountain/lesson environment and help you build your "lesson strategy."

GET IN GEAR:Dress for cold weather and snow. That means thin thermal base layers (not cotton), heavier mid-layers and outer-layers specifically designed for snow. When it comes to your feet, try a thin wool or polyester pair and only wear one pair. It's a common misconception that wearing more than one pair of socks will keep you warmer. Waterproof gloves and goggles are also key to enjoying your first snow experience.

FUEL UP: You dehydrate and fatigue easier at higher altitudes. Eat and hydrate well your entire trip and don't be surprised when your appetite grows! Be sure to take breaks as you need them and allow yourself to recharge.

REMEMBER WHY YOU'RE HERE:To have fun! Learning to ski or snowboard is exciting, rewarding, and so much fun...so let it be all of that! Talk to friends and family about what to expect, and when you meet your instructor ask them to help you set goals that will start you off right and keep you on track for progress.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: We highly encourage multiple lessons. Even long time skiers and snowboarders take lessons (heck, we offer high-end clinics regularly for our instructors to keep them progressing!); most people discover that additional lessons are a big help in locking down skills that give them the confidence they need to really enjoy their experience.

WANT SOME PERSONALIZED ATTENTION? We've got a sweet follow-up deal for you after your initial group lesson. Enjoy a "Solo Session" with us. More information on Solo Sessions:
  • It is a same-day, one-on-one learning session for only $59.
  • Appropriate for first-time skiers/riders to those ready to explore more Green/Beginner Terrain.
  • Solo Sessions can be purchased on-site after your initial group lesson. They are non-transferable.
  • Solo Sessions do not access Blue or Black terrain.


PRIOR TO ARRIVAL FOR LESSON
Before checking in at Ski and Snowboard School for you or your child's lesson, be sure you have:

- Proper Attire- see first-timers guide for recommendations. The following items are mandatory for all children 12 and under: water-resistant outerwear, gloves, helmet, goggles/sunglasses/eye protection, and face protection/neck gaiter.

- Lift ticket or season pass. You can pick these up at The Depot at Expedition Station.

- Lesson Ticket. You can also pick this up at The Depot ticket at Expedition Station.

- Equipment. If you are renting equipment, please pick up your rentals prior to lesson start time, even if they're included in the package. Please keep in mind that the rental process takes time. On weekends and during holidays, the process may take an hour or possibly longer. Picking up equipment the night before your lesson is strongly recommended. Find out which rental location is closest to your lodging accommodation here.


LESSON CHECK-IN TIMES & LOCATIONSKids World:Parents may check their children into Kids World group lessons anytime between 9:00am and 10:00am, on-snow outside of Expedition Rentals by the multi-colored flags. Please have children checked-in no later than 10:00am. Late arrivals may not be accepted, as adding students to a lesson after it has begun can significantly hinder the progress of the group as a whole. Children must be picked up promptly at 3:00pm each day.

Group Lessons (ages 13 and older) and JUNIOR GROUP LESSONS (AGES 8-12):Check-in anytime between 9:00am and 12:00pm, on-snow outside of Expedition Rentals by the multi-colored flags.

PRIVATE LESSONS & ADVANCED Mountain Clinic lESSONS:Check-in at your designated time, on-snow outside of Expedition Rentals by the orange flag.

CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING POLICY
Cancellations are not permitted within 72 hours of the lesson and will result in forfeiture of payment. We will reschedule lessons based on availability within 72 hours during your current trip which will result in a $25 rescheduling fee. We will not reschedule day-of lessons.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
Lessons will not be cancelled due to weather. If the lifts are spinning, lessons are going. On extreme weather days, additional breaks will be allotted as needed. Refunds will not be issued should you decide not to attend your lesson due to weather.

WAIVERS
All participants in lessons are required to sign a waiver. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver for all children under the age of 18. Please accompany any students under the age of 18 to the lesson check-in. Students under the age of 18 who arrive at lesson check-in without a parent or guardian will not be permitted to participate in the lesson.

"QUALITY OF LESSON" CONSIDERATION
Kids World Groups: Group lessons are just that - multiple children with a variety of personalities, goals (including expectations from parents), energy levels, and abilities. That's a great thing. Friends are part of what makes Kids World so much fun! We take a good look at each wonderful child entrusted to our care and place them in a group that makes the most sense with respect to the big picture for that day. That can mean mixed ages with matched abilities, some groups small than others due to skill set, and it ALWAYS means some variation of skill even within a group. If you are adamant that your child only ski or snowboard with others of the exact same (or near-exact) same ability level, we encourage you to consider a Private Lesson as this is the setting in which we guarantee one-to-one attention and a lesson that moves at a pace customized to your child's ability.

WILL SKI AND SNOWBOARD LESSONS BE LIMITED?
No, we are offering lessons at full capacity this season. Lessons tend to sell out well in advance, so advanced reservations are highly recommended. Walk-up lessons may not be available.

GENERAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR SKI AND SNOWBOARD LESSONS

- Ski and Snowboarding requires a lot of gear that naturally lends itself toward containment. Instructors will wear helmets, waterproof gloves, and eye protection (goggles or sunglasses) during your lesson.
- Instructors will check-in/check-out lessons outdoors to limit the amount of close, indoor interaction with others* (see one exception below under Kids World).
- Guests are requested to communicate any personal preferences concerning distance and levels of contact to instructors at the beginning of the lessons so we can respect your comfort levels.
- Social distancing is not always possible in a group lesson setting. If guests have any concerns interacting with others not in their party, a private lesson is the best option (*please see chair lift riding guidelines when placing groups of children in a private lesson).


KIDS WORLD POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Facility/Indoor guidelines are as follows:

- Breaks and lunches will be staggered throughout the day.
- Children will be assigned the same table for the entire day when inside.
- Children will remain in pods, while at their assigned tables.
- Face coverings will not be required while inside the Kids World facility to allow for exemptions (ex: while eating/drinking) If you are not comfortable with your child being in this setting, this program may not be best suited for your child; a private lesson is recommended.


Check-in guidelines are as follows:

- Check-in will take place outdoors, on snow between 9am and 10am to allow for staggering start times.
- A full assessment of your child's ability will take place on our beginner hill at the start of the lesson.
- At times, children may need moved to a new group due to a variety of reasons, to provide the best experience. If you are not comfortable with children moving from group to group when needed, a private lesson is recommended.
- "Mommy and Me" Lessons will check-in and begin indoors (inside Kids World) between 9am and 9:30am.


Check-out guidelines are as follows:

- Check-out will be outside, on snow.
- Check-out will be designated to a specific area - on high volume days, we will separate check out locations to allow for more distancing. Parents will be informed of check-out location at check-in.
- Some children (especially younger children) may tire out by the end of the day and need to stay inside to rest. Parents will be informed at check-out if they should go inside Kids World to pick up their child.*


Lift riding guidelines are as follows:

- Children are required to ride the lift with an adult for their safety.
- When the class size exceeds the chair lift capacity, adult guests in line will be grouped up with children in the class.
- Our beginner chair occupies 3 people; therefore 1 instructor may ride with 2 children. When a class size exceeds 2 children, other non-lesson taking adult guests will be placed on a chair with the children.
- Other mountain employees, volunteers, and floating instructors will be utilized first to assist with chair lift rides before seeking non-lesson taking adult guests.


PRE-SKI SCHOOL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:

- Pre-Ski School will have limited capacity.
- Children will be interacting with other children & staff members, will share toys, and eat lunch together.
- Face coverings are not required for children in this age group. Please consider your comfort level of allowing your child to interact with other children in a close setting before selecting this program.



For more information on all of the policies and procedures that we have implemented this season in order to help protect one another and limit the spread of COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 Policy page.

Please note that these guidelines are subject to change as we continue to monitor the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to check back to our website prior to your visit for the most up-to-date information.