Ski & Snowboard Lessons

Whether you're stepping on snow for the first time or looking to fine-tune your turns, our Ski & Ride School offers lessons for all ages and ability levels. Choose from private or group formats and learn from Sugarbush’s experienced, supportive pros who are passionate about helping you progress. We offer daily lessons at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen, with flexible options to match your goals, pace, and comfort level. Group lessons are a great way to meet others and build confidence together, while private lessons offer one-on-one coaching (or bring a small group of family and friends).

If you’re looking for the perfect place to get your kids started, the Schoolhouse at Lincoln Peak is just for skiers and riders ages 12 and under. With fun, dedicated learning terrain and specialized instructors, it's an ideal setting for young adventurers to fall in love with the mountain. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

Daily Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Sugarbush offers daily ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and abilities, whether you're just starting out or refining your technique. Choose from group lessons or private coaching at Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen. Our professional instructors tailor every session to your goals, so you can build confidence, explore more terrain and enjoy the mountain to its fullest.

Ski & Snowboard Lessons

Schoolhouse Lessons at Lincoln Peak
The Schoolhouse at Lincoln Peak is designed just for kids ages 12 and under. With fun, dedicated learning zones and instructors who specialize in youth coaching, it's the perfect place for young skiers and riders to learn, grow and have a blast. Whether it’s their first day or they’re ready to take on the next level, the Schoolhouse is where it all begins.

Schoolhouse Lessons

An Instructor leading a group lesson on skis

First Timer to Life Timer

Sugarbush is one of the best places to be a first timer. With award-winning instruction, beginner-friendly terrain and a welcoming learning environment, it’s the perfect mountain to start your skiing or snowboarding journey. Whether you're stepping into boots for the first time or finally committing to those first turns, our programs are designed to build skills and confidence every step of the way.

LEARN MORE

Helpful Information

Lift Tickets

Season Passes

Visitor Guide

Two Mountains, One Great Place to Learn
Sugarbush offers lessons at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen, just 4 miles apart. Daily instruction takes place at Lincoln Peak, whereas Mt. Ellen offers limited lesson availability. New this year is Tommy’s Toy, a beginner-friendly surface lift that makes learning at Ellen even more accessible.

At Lincoln Peak, the Schoolhouse and Farmhouse are conveniently located side by side in the base area. Kids check in at the Schoolhouse, while adults and teens start at the Farmhouse, which also houses rentals and lift tickets. At Mt. Ellen all lessons and programs are based out of the Mt Ellen Base Lodge, along with rentals and lift tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are lessons for?

Lessons are available for skiers and riders of all ages and ability levels, whether it’s your first time on snow or you’re looking to level up your skills. From toddlers to teens to adults, we’ve got a program and coach for you.

What are Schoolhouse Lessons?

Schoolhouse Lessons are age-specific group lessons for kids ages 3 to 12, based out of the Schoolhouse building at Lincoln Peak. These full-day or half-day programs combine skill-building with fun and are grouped by age and ability.

What is the First Timer to Life Timer program?

Our award-winning First Timer to Life Timer program is designed just for you! It includes three days of lessons, rentals and lift tickets to help you get comfortable on snow. We also offer private and group lessons for first-timers of all ages.

What’s the difference between a private and group lesson?

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: Tommy’s Toy, a surface lift ideal for beginners.

Do I need to reserve lessons in advance?

Yes! Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during weekends and holiday periods. Lessons often sell out, book early to secure your preferred time and location.

Do lessons include rentals and a lift ticket?

It depends on the product. Some lessons (like First Timer to Life Timer) include rentals and tickets, while others may require them to be purchased separately. Each product page will outline exactly what’s included.

Do I need a helmet?

Helmets are required for all lesson participants ages 14 and under, and we strongly recommend them for everyone. Helmets are available to rent as part of your equipment package or on their own.

Where do lessons meet?

Schoolhouse Lessons: Meet outside the Schoolhouse building at Lincoln Peak

Adult/Teen Group & Private Lessons (Lincoln Peak): Meet slopeside outside The Farmhouse

Mt. Ellen Lessons: Meet slopeside near the base lodge and lift corral

Full check-in details will be provided in your confirmation email.

What level am I?

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 should I wear to my lesson?

Dress in waterproof layers, bring gloves or mittens, goggles or sunglasses, and a helmet. Avoid cotton, it doesn’t keep you warm when wet!

Learn more about what to wear in our blog:
CHECK IT OUT