Conquer the Mountain With

SKI & RIDE SCHOOL

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Prepare For Your Lesson

Arriving prepared for your lesson is key to maximizing your day on the slopes with your instructor. Below you can find information on where to go, what to expect, and what to bring.

 

Where To Go

ARRIVAL TIME:

  • Collecting Group Lesson Tickets: all group lesson participants must collect tickets on the first day of their lesson, prior to checking-in at their respective meeting areas. Tickets may be collected for all consecutive lessons.
  • Taking a lesson with your own equipment (skis or snowboards and/or boots): Please check-in 15 minutes prior to the lesson start time.
  • Taking a lesson with rental equipment (skis, snowboards, and/or boots) from our on-site rental shop: Those renting equipment onsite should arrive earlier to account for wait times. Where possible, we recommend collecting equipment the day prior to your lesson. If collecting same day, please arrive a minimum of one hour prior to your lesson check-in time. Weekends and holidays may see longer wait times for rental services. Late arrivals may result in lessons being accommodated on a subsequent day.

LESSON LOCATIONS:  

There are several locations where lessons begin, split between two base areas:

Your exact meeting point was selected at the time of booking, with the appropriate check-in location listed on the confirmation email. Arrivals at alternate locations may not be accommodated. 

  • ADULTS (Ages 15+) 
    • Clock Tower Adult Meeting Area: On-snow, Adjacent to the F-10 Carpet 
    • Jackson Gore Adult Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift 
  • MOUNTAIN EXPLORERS (Ages 7-14) 
    • Clock Tower Mountain Explorers Meeting Area: On-snow, to the right of the A Quad
    • Jackson Gore Mountain Explorers Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift
  • SNOW STARS (Ages 5-6) 
    • Clock Tower Snow Stars Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the Snow Stars building
    • Jackson Gore Snow Stars Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift 
  • LITTLE DIPPERS (AGES 3-4)
    • Clock Tower Little Dippers Meeting Area: Inside the Snow Stars building.
    • Jackson Gore Little Dippers Meeting Area: Inside Snow Stars, to the left of the Jackson Gore Archway from the parking lot side. 
  • PRIVATE LESSONS (Ages 3+)
    • Clock Tower Private Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the F-10 Carpet 
    • Jackson Gore Private Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift  
 

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 & Ride School 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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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 full day child group lessons. Half day lessons do 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. 

Snowboarding in powder

What to Bring

 

  • 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 Okemo and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.
  • Lift Access: All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Tickets can be purchased online with a group lesson package or separately here.

Ski & Ride School 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 Ride 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. 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. 

 

Does my child need to be potty trained to participate in a lesson?
All children are required to be potty trained to participate in ski school lessons.

 

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. Check local guidance for face covering requirements 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. A cancellation Fee will be assessed for a guest when they cancel either a Group or Private Lesson (1- and 2-hour Lessons, half day and full day) as follows:

  • Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled prior to 48 hours of the lesson's start time will be issued a full refund.
  • Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled within 48 hours of the lesson’s start time will be charged the Cancellation Fee.
  • For Ski & Ride School Products that contain one lesson day, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the lesson.
  • For Ski & Ride School Products that contain multiple lesson days, and a full Cancellation is required, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the first lesson. All other days in a multiple lesson Ski & Ride School Product will be fully refunded.
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.