Adult Ski & Snowboard Lessons

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.

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.

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: the Easy Up Lift, a surface lift ideal for beginners.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:
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