Learn to Ski or Snowboard at Sugarbush

Every skier and snowboarder starts somewhere.

Maybe it's your very first day on snow. Maybe you're looking to build confidence, tackle steeper terrain, or help your child discover a lifelong love of winter. Whatever brings you here, Sugarbush offers ski lessons, snowboard lessons, camps, and seasonal programs for every age and ability.

From first-timers to experienced skiers and riders, our coaches create supportive, fun, and personalized learning experiences that help you make the most of every day on the mountain.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or spending the season with us, there's a program designed to help you progress.

If you want to...Recommended Program
Learn to ski or snowboard for the first time as an adultFirst Timer Lessons
Improve your beginner skills during a vacationAdult Group Lessons
Give your child a full day of instruction with peersKids Group Lessons
Learn with family or friendsPrivate Lessons
Focus on advanced skills or specific terrainPrivate Lessons or Camps & Series
Develop your child's skills all winterSeasonal Programs

Start Your Next Run Here.
Whether you're making your first turns, helping your child build confidence, or working toward your next skiing milestone, our Ski & Ride team is here to help you enjoy every moment on the mountain.



Contact Ski & Ride School

Find the Right Program

Every skier learns differently. That's why we offer everything from one-day lessons to season-long coaching programs.

Choose the experience that fits your goals.


Before You Arrive
Planning ahead makes for a smoother day on the mountain.

Meeting Locations
Most lessons take place at Lincoln Peak, home to the Schoolhouse for kids programs and the Farmhouse for adult and teen lessons.

Kids lessons at Mt. Ellen meet outside the Mt. Ellen Base Lodge and are offered on weekends and select peak dates.

Each lesson page includes specific check-in instructions, but arriving early gives you time to pick up rentals, purchase lift tickets if needed, and get ready before your lesson begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daily Lessons are one-day experiences that include private lessons, group lessons, and First Timer Lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
Camps & Seriesare programs designed around specific skills, age groups, or goals. Camps take place over consecutive days, while series meet in weekly sessions through the season.
Seasonal Programs are weekend commitments for kids and teens, offering consistent coaching and steady progression all winter.



If you’re brand new to the mountain, we’ve got you covered! Our First Timer Lessons are offered in a group format and are the perfect way to take your very first turns with others learning just like you.

Ready to really commit? Check out our award-winning First Timer to Life Timer program, which includes three days of group lessons, rentals, and lift tickets designed to help you fall in love with the sport (and stick with it).

Prefer more personal attention? We also offer private lessons for skiers and riders of all levels.
Most lessons happen at Lincoln Peak, where the Schoolhouse (for kids) and Farmhouse (for teens and adults) are located side-by-side in the base area. Mt. Ellen, 4 miles away, offers limited lesson availability. New this year at Mt. Ellen: theEasy Up Lift, a surface lift ideal for beginners.

We offer ski and snowboard programs for all ages, from toddlers taking their first turns to seasoned adult skiers and riders. Program availability varies by age, location, and ability, so be sure to check individual product pages for details.

For young skiers and riders our Schoolhouse programs at Lincoln Peak include:

  • Micro Bears (ages 3-4): A gentle introduction to skiing through play-based learning and one-on-one attention.

  • Mini Bears (ages 5-6): Small group instruction that builds confidence and foundational skills.

  • Sugar Bears (ages 7-12): A progression-focused program in a fun group environment designed to take young skiers to the next level.

  • Mt. Ellen kids' lessons are ages 6-12, offered on weekends and peak dates, with limited availability. These are a great option for families based at that mountain.

For teens and adults, we offer:
Private Lessons (all disciplines, all abilities): Personalized instruction for skiers and riders looking to improve quickly and focus on specific goals.
Group Lessons (ski and snowboard): Designed for beginner and intermediate levels, these small group sessions provide a supportive environment for progression and confidence-building.

In addition to lessons, we offer:
Seasonal Programs for kids and teens: One or two days per weekend, all winter long, focused on skill development, consistency and fun.
Winter Camps and Series for kids, teens, and adults: Multi-day or weekly sessions that dive deeper into specific skills, terrain or styles of skiing and riding.

It depends on the product. Some lessons (like First Timer Lessons) include rentals and tickets, while others may require them to be purchased separately. Each product page will outline exactly what’s included.
We recommend reserving early, especially during peak periods and holiday weeks. All lessons, camps, and programs can be booked online through our website. For more information, please call 802-583-6542 or email skiandrideschool@sugarbush.com.

Dress in waterproof layers, wear gloves or mittens, and don’t forget goggles or sunglasses. Helmets are highly recommended (and included with most rentals). No cotton please!

Want to learn more about what to wear? Check out our guide.
WHAT TO WEAR
Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early if you need rentals or lift tickets.
If you're already geared up, arriving 15–30 minutes before your lesson is recommended.
Schoolhouse Lessons have specific check-in times. Please see your confirmation for details.

- 72+ hours before your lesson: Cancel for a refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee per order.
- 72+ hours before your lesson: Reschedule at no charge.
- Within 72 hours, but by 4 p.m. the day before your lesson: Reschedule for a $50 rebooking fee per lesson. Cancellations are non-refundable.
- Day of your lesson: Changes, cancellations, and refunds are not permitted.
- Weather: If the resort is open for skiing or riding, lessons are not eligible for weather-related refunds or cancellations. Please plan accordingly.

Questions? Call 802-583-6542 or email skiandrideschool@sugarbush.com.

- Lift tickets, rentals, and helmets are not included unless specifically noted.
- Participants 14 and under must wear a properly fastened snow sports helmet.
- Lessons start at their scheduled time and will not be extended for late arrivals.
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes early, or 45 minutes early if you need to rent equipment.
- Depending on your ability and lesson type, terrain may include moguls, glades, and park features.
- If your equipment malfunctions during a lesson, Sugarbush staff may authorize replacement rental equipment.
- In a medical emergency, Sugarbush staff may contact emergency services and arrange transportation.
- Resort shuttles or vans may be used to transport guests between resort locations.

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