Trying to teach a friend or loved one to ski or snowboard is likely to teach the teacher a lesson they’ll never forget: So, you’re probably better off leaving ski and snowboard instruction to the professionals.
It’s also true that, like lawyers who represent themselves, self-taught skiers and riders usually have fools for students.
Ski and snowboard lessons are crucial to becoming adept and safe on the slopes. The problem, of course, is that ski and snowboard lessons can be extremely expensive. Half-day lessons this year at Vail and Beaver Creek, for example, will cost $240-$315, while full-day lessons will range from $320-$409.
There are ski and snowboard schools that are more affordable, though. Here are six of them:
Loveland: Lessons are taught at Loveland Valley, about a half mile east of the main Loveland Basin complex. Loveland Valley is essentially a second base area dedicated to beginners, although a portion of the mountain is set aside for ski race training.
A full-day group lesson costs $239, and it includes a lift ticket with rental equipment, including a helmet and goggles. Unlike many ski resorts, there is no “starting at” dynamic pricing. The price is $239 all season long for both adults and children. Lunch and snacks are provided for children.
There’s a cool deal for adults, too. The “Adult Newcomer” three-class pass costs $849, but you get a lot with it: three full-day group lessons, rental equipment and a full-season pass good for access to Loveland Valley and the Basin.
Arapahoe Basin: Half-day group lessons cost $225 for adults, $255 for children (5-12) and $265 for little ones (3-4). Those prices include the lesson, lift ticket and rentals. A-Basin is nicknamed “The Legend,” and it has a deal called the Legendary Learning Package that is worth considering. For $780, you get four half-day lessons with lift access and rentals included. After completing the fourth lesson, you can purchase an unrestricted season pass for $100 and get 20% off rentals.
Copper Mountain: First-timer adult group lessons cost $229 for a full day, $209 for a half-day. For non-newcomers, a full-day group lesson costs $229 and there is no half-day option. Full-day group lessons for ages 3-17 cost $379. For guests who do not have Ikon or Copper passes, the cost of a lift ticket is only $50. Group lessons come with dedicated lift-line access, and lesson prices are discounted 15% if booked at least seven days in advance.
Granby Ranch: This family-friendly mountain with plenty of gentle slopes offers half-day adult and junior group lessons from $239 to $269. There’s also a one-hour “beginner basics” lesson with rentals included for $99. Full-day lessons are not offered.
Purgatory Resort: At this resort in southwest Colorado near Durango, full-day group lessons for kids ages 4 to 12 will cost $209-$249, depending on the date, including lunch. The half-day rate starts at $129 and varies by date. Adult full-day group lessons for beginners and intermediates will cost $209 Monday through Thursday, $229 Friday through Sunday and $249 on peak days. Half-day lessons will be $129-$169.
Wolf Creek: Like Purgatory, Wolf Creek is a long way from Denver, but it’s a wonderful getaway with excellent skiing. The first-day beginner package for ages 9 and older includes a two-hour lesson and all-day access to three beginner lifts. For skiers, the price is $110 for a morning half-day, $100 for an afternoon half-day. Snowboarder prices are $10 more. Adding an afternoon half-day to the morning half-day costs just $32. The half-day Learn to Turn package, designed to build on what was learned in first-timer lessons, costs $134 for skiers, $144 for snowboarders. Rentals are not included, but they are available for $23 (children) and $28 (adults).
