First Timer Lessons

First Timer Lessons
Curious about skiing or snowboarding but never tried it before? Our First Timer Program is built just for you. Designed for true beginners ages 13 and up, this one-day experience gives you everything you need to take your very first turns on snow.

Your package includes a two-hour group lesson with one of our patient, encouraging coaches, plus rental equipment, a snow sports helmet and beginner-friendly lift access. From learning how to buckle your boots to sliding on snow for the very first time, we’ll guide you step by step - no experience needed.

Lessons are held at Lincoln Peak and Mt Ellen in our welcoming beginner terrain, where the focus is on building comfort and confidence. Whether you’re clipping into skis or strapping into a snowboard, this is your chance to discover the mountain lifestyle in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Because everyone deserves a first day on snow and we’ll make sure yours is a great one.

For more information, please call 802-583-6542 or email skiandrideschool@sugarbush.com.

Off sale for Winter 2025/26. Please check back in mid‑August for 2026/27 lesson information and availability

A student and instructor high fiving while snowboarding

First Timer to Life Timer

Take your first day even further with Sugarbush’s First Timer to Life Timer program. Enjoy three days of lessons, rentals, and lift access—and when you finish, earn a FREE Premium Season Pass for the rest of the winter. Once you start, you won’t want to stop.

READY FOR MORE?

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Important Information
Need to Know
Lessons do not include lift ticket (unless noted), rental equipment, or helmet unless otherwise specified.
Participants 14 and under must wear a properly fastened snow sports helmet.
All lessons begin at fixed times and will not be extended for late arrivals.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early (45 minutes if renting gear).
Terrain use may include features such as moguls, glades, or park elements based on ability and lesson type.
If equipment malfunctions during a lesson, Sugarbush staff may authorize rentals.
In the event of a medical emergency, staff may call emergency services and arrange transport.
Transportation by resort shuttle or van may be used between resort locations.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made prior to 72 hours of the start date will receive a refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee per order.
Cancellations made within 72 hours are non-refundable
There is no fee to change (reschedule) lessons prior to 72 hours of lesson start date
Changes made within 72 hours and at least by 4pm the day prior to lesson date will be charged a $50 rebooking fee per lesson
Day of changes are not permitted
If the resort is open for skiing/riding there are no refunds or cancellations due to weather, please plan accordingly.
For more information, please call 802-583-6542 or email skiandrideschool@sugarbush.com.
Helpful Information

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.

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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 is the First Timer to Life Timer program?

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.

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: the Easy Up Lift, 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 Lessons) 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

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

- 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.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

- 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.