About Ski and Snowboard School

Your Lesson at Beaver Creek

Start your learning journey by exploring our lesson offerings and learning more about Beaver Creek's Ski and Snowboard School. Whether you prefer steep slopes, technical terrain, or gentle groomed runs - our instructors will help you sharpen your skills.

What Level am I?

We know it can be difficult to decide which lesson level is best for you. Below is a description of all the skiing and snowboarding levels to help you decide what level you are at before you book your lesson.

 

Skiing Snowboarding
First Timer

First time skiing.

Learning outcomes for this lesson will range from becoming familiar with the equipment and snow to learning how to stop on gentle terrain.

First time snowboarding.

Learning outcomes for this lesson will range from becoming familiar with the equipment and snow to learning how to slide and stop on gentle terrain.

Beginner

1+ day(s) of skiing experience. Abilities range from stopping on gentle terrain to linking turns on easy green terrain.

Learning objectives in this lesson range from learning to make turns to matching skis parallel at the end of your turns all on easy green terrain.

1+ day(s) snowboarding experience. Abilities range from sliding and stopping on gentle terrain to linking turns on easy green terrain.

Learning objectives in this lesson range from controlling your speed throughout turns on easy green terrain to exploring different beginner runs across the mountain.

Intermediate

Ability ranges from matching skis parallel at the end of the turn on green terrain to consistent parallel skiing on blue terrain.

Learning objectives in this lesson will range from learning to consistently make parallel turns on green terrain to learning how to make various turn sizes on blue and easy black terrain.

Abilities range from consistently making linked turns on all green terrain to venturing into easier blue terrain.

Learning objectives in this lesson will include continuing to consistently link turns on green terrain, learning how to make dynamic turns on blue terrain, learning how to ride switch, introducing carved turns, venturing into the easiest ungroomed terrain, and introducing freestyle.

Advanced

Ability ranges from making a variety of turn sizes on all blue and easy black terrain to making skidded and carved turns on all terrain (trees, moguls, ungroomed, and groomed).

Learning outcomes in this lesson will range from selecting proper mountain tactics, intro to carving, moguls, and variable terrain, and skill enhancement for better performance and efficiency.

Abilities range from making a variety of turn sizes on all blue and easy black terrain to making skidded and carved turns on all terrain (trees, moguls, ungroomed, and groomed).

Learning outcomes in this lesson will range from selecting proper mountain tactics, freestyle enhancement, moguls and variable terrain, and skill enhancement for better performance and efficiency.

"Our kids ski instructor took our kids from not knowing anything to skiing green runs in just a few hours. As an experienced skier I like his approach to build their confidence and quickly get them skiing."
Shawn
"My guide gave me confidence in my ability, challenged me, and was so helpful. Because of his instructions, I was able to enjoy my skiing experience for the rest of my trip there!"
Debra

Ready to Find Your Lesson?

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Older children snowboarding with an instructor
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Find Your Adventure

Leverage available technology and our local staffs’ knowledge and expertise in order to create your best adventure yet.
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Get an Insider’s Guide to Beaver Creek

Achieve your goals and make your day extraordinary at Ski and Snowboard School.
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Prepping For Your Lesson

Arrive ready to roll with a few tips from our instructors.
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Reach Your New Personal Best

Up your game quickly from green or blue runs up to black diamonds.
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Terrain Tips

Make your progression smooth and successful.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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?  
Seasonal programs for the 2024-2025 season will be available for new participant registration starting the last week of August. Please note that early registration has been granted to previous program participants. This may result in limited spots in seasonal programs.

 

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. Our child (3-12) and youth (13-18) daily and most season-long programs will include lunch, or a lunch voucher to purchase lunch during the lesson. Participants will be responsible for bringing or purchasing their own food in private lessons, group lessons for adults, and specialty lessons unless otherwise stated in the program details.

 

Do lessons Include rentals and lift tickets? 
Other than programming for ages 3-6, lessons do not include lift tickets or rentals as standard. These items must be purchased separately, and all lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. 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. All lesson participants are required to have a valid season pass or lift ticket, as well as ski or snowboard equipment. For complete details on what to bring and when to arrive, check out our Know Before You Go page. 

 

What if I have special needs or requests, e.g. Drug or Food Allergies? 
We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and offer different options when possible.  When registering for child group lessons, you will have an opportunity either when booking or when checking in for the lessons to inform us of drug or food allergies.  Severe allergy concerns or circumstances should be discussed with the school staff directly prior to your visit.

 

Can and should I tip my instructor?
Gratuities for instructors are not a requirement but an appropriate and appreciated gesture. A 15-20% gratuity based on the cost of the lesson will make your instructor feel very appreciated and valued.

 

What is the cancellation and refund policy for Ski and Snowboard School lessons? 
Changes or cancellations can be made in advance of your lesson date by contacting the Ski and Snowboard School directly. Any Ski and 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 made less than 48 hours before 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.

The resort will not cancel lessons due to weather if the resort itself is operational. For more detailed information on refunds and cancellations, including the policy for Seasonal or Season-Long Programs, please refer to the Terms of Sale