Sugarbush Resort’s motto is “Be Better Here”. Our passionate coaches are excited to help everyone “Be Better”. They are trained to help all ages and abilities. From a skier or rider’s first moments on snow to the expert adventures found on Sugarbush’s exceptional terrain, we will help elevate your experience and create lifelong memories. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Safety, Fun & Learning

The Sugarbush Ski & Ride School is a certified member school of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors.

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Seasonal Programs Bulletin

Our seasonal programs updates will resume later this fall as we get closer to the ski season!

Registration is open for seasonal programs.

REGISTER NOW

What's My Skill Level?

The level descriptions we use here at Sugarbush are a guide that enables the Ski & Ride School to better accommodate guests’ needs. If you have specific goals, please share them with the Ski & Ride School staff so they may better accommodate you needs. Lesson levels are as follows:

Level One
Skiers & Riders: “Never-Ever” – first time skiers and riders.

Level Two
Skiers: Can stop using a wedge (a/k/a “snowplow”).
Riders: Can skid on both toe-side and heel-side and can traverse.

Level Three
Skiers: Can make turns using a wedge.
Riders: Can turn in both directions.

Level Four
Skiers: Can link wedge turns, working on different turn shapes and sizes.
Riders: Can link turns, working on different turn shapes and sizes.

Level Five
Skiers: Using turn shape to control speed, beginning to match skis in open-stance parallel.
Riders: Using turn shape to control speed, beginning freestyle maneuvers.

Level Six
Skiers: Matching skis earlier in turns and using little wedge, more refined ability to control speed and direction, and venturing to easy off-piste terrain.
Riders: Linking shaped turns on most groomed terrain, venturing into terrain parks and off-piste.

Level Seven
Skiers: Parallel on all but the steepest groomed terrain, skiing off-piste, including bumps and trees.
Riders: Confident on all but the steepest groomed terrain, riding off-piste, and beginning to do tricks in the terrain park.

Level Eight
Skiers: Making dynamic parallel turns, skiing fall-line moguls and consistently skiing on all terrain types including the terrain park and NASTAR.
Riders: Making dynamic turns, riding on all terrain and in all snow conditions, and performing tricks in the terrain park.

Level Nine
Skiers & Riders: Confident, in balance and in control using refined technique in all conditions, on all terrain, all of the time. Principal technical focus is tactical and skill blending activities.

What to Wear

What To Wear for First Timer Lesson

Water resistant snow pants and jacket suitable to weather and temperature
One pair of socks (polyester or ski designed socks)
Active-wear long underwear (anything cotton is NOT A GOOD IDEA)
Gloves or mittens (mittens better when cold)
Helmet (helmet rental included, but feel free to bring your own if preferred)
Goggles or sunglasses, hat (if not wearing a helmet), neck gaiter orface mask, sunscreen
Get a good night’s sleep, eat a hearty breakfast, and be ready to smile!