First Timer Lessons
Start here. Ride for life.
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 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.
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Take your first day even further with our First Timer to Life Timer program. This three-day experience includes three lessons, rentals, and lift access and when you complete the program as a true first timer, you’ll earn a FREE Premium Season Pass for the rest of the winter. Because once you get started, we know you’ll want to keep going. rich-text, responsive-table
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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.
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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.
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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?
What is the First Timer to Life Timer program?
What’s the difference between a private and group lesson?
Do I need to reserve lessons in advance?
Do lessons include rentals and a lift ticket?
Do I need a helmet?
Where do lessons meet?
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?
Learn more about what to wear in our blog:
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