Know Before You Go

Adult Ski Lesson at Whistler Blackcomb
what to know before you go

Prepare for your lesson

Arriving prepared for your lesson is key to maximizing your day on the slopes with your instructor. Below you can find information on where to go, what to expect, and what to bring.

Lesson Locations

Lesson location may vary based on ability level and lesson type. Please reference the location selected at the time of purchase or review the lesson preparation email sent shortly before your lesson date. If you arrive at the incorrect location, your reserved lesson may not be available. Please contact us in advance if your lesson needs to be moved.
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What You Need To Know

WHERE TO GO:

All Whistler Kids need to have their lesson voucher, lift ticket and ski/snowboard equipment prior to heading to the lesson drop-off area.

We strongly recommend collecting your children's voucher and lift ticket the day before to save time in the morning. Your lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email.

Snow School Location Name Rental Equipment Lesson Voucher & Lift Ticket Pick-Up Lesson Drop-Off
Blackcomb Base
(Upper Village)		 8:15am
at the Blackcomb Daylodge Rentals		 8:15am - 8:30am
at the Blackcomb Daylodge Snow School Sales Desk		 Whistler Kids Arch near the bottom of the Magic Chair
Creekside 8:15am
at Creekside Can-Ski		 8:15am - 8:30am
at Creekside Skier Services by the bridge		 Snow side of the Whistler Kids Facility
Whistler Village 8:15am
at Whistler Village (G1) Rentals below the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC)		 8:15am - 8:30am
in Whistler Kids to the right of the Whistler Express Gondola		 Whistler Kids staging area just outside of Whistler Kids

LESSON DROP OFF:

  • Please ensure your child is ready for their day; dressed and in their ski/snowboard boots.
  • If your child is aged 3-4 please bring an extra set of underwear, socks and longjons in a pack labelled with the child's name.
  • Please ensure that your child has used the bathroom before check in.
  • Once you have checked your child in with the instructors you are able to leave and enjoy your day! 

PICKING UP YOUR CHILD:

Pick up from all Whistler Kids locations is between 2:45 and 3:00pm.

 

Getting Here and Parking

 
Children's Ski School Lesson at Whistler Blackcomb

What to Expect

  • All Whistler Kids lessons are organized by age and ability. The instructor will work with the group to determine the day's goals.
  • World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • All Whistler Kids lessons are full day and include lunch at our designated Whistler Kids locations.
  • Breaks during the day are determined by the instructor depending on the needs of the group, weather and timing of the day.

What You Need To Know

WHERE TO GO:

Your teen should be fully ready to go upon meeting the coaches at lesson check in. They should be dressed for the day, have their equipment, lift ticket, lesson voucher and lunch voucher.

  • Whistler Teens meets on the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) in the Village to the left of the Whistler Express Gondola.
  • Lesson Voucher/Lift Ticket Pick-up: We recommend collecting your teen's voucher and lift ticket the day before. If you require to pick up morning of, please visit the Snow School Sales desk in Skier Services to the left of the Whistler Express Gondola between 8:15am-8:30am. 
  • Rental equipment: We recommend arriving at 8:15am at Whistler Village (G1) Rentals below the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) 

LESSON DROP OFF:

All teens should check in with the coaches on the GLC patio for 8:45am. 

PICKING UP YOUR CHILD:

All teens must be picked up by parents unless discussed with the Program Supervisor. Pick up time is 3:15 - 3:30pm on the Garbo Patio (directly across from the Whistler Village Gondola)

 

Getting Here and Parking

 
Teen Ski Lesson at Whistler Blackcomb

What to Expect

  • Whistler Teens lessons will be sorted by skier/rider ability. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs and group goals.
  • Our experienced coaches will help all participants enjoy exploring the Mountains, defining skill development and introduction to some of our "hidden gem terrain".
  • Whistler Teens Programming will include a lunch voucher that will be used at one of our on-mountain restaurants. Time & location will vary depending on the ability of each group.

What You Need To Know

WHERE TO GO: 

All participants need to have their lift ticket and ski/snowboard equipment prior to heading to the lesson meeting area. If needed, we strongly recommend collecting your lift ticket the day before to save time in the morning. Your lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email.

Meeting Location Ski Lessons Meet: Snowboard Lessons Meet:
Whistler Base Ability Levels 1-3:
Left side of the Whistler Gondola by the Snow School tents.		 Ability Levels 1-3:
Left side of the Whistler Gondola by the Snow School tents.
Blackcomb Base Ability Levels 1-3:
Left side of the Blackcomb Gondola by the Snow School tents.		 Ability Levels 1-3:
Available at Whistler Base only
Whistler Alpine Ability Levels 4-6:
Snow School hut located to the right of the lightboard.		 Ability Levels 4-6:
Snow School hut located to the right of the lightboard.
Blackcomb Alpine Ability Levels 4-6:
Left side of the Snow School hut, just below the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.		 Ability Levels 4-6:
Available at Whistler Alpine only.

WHEN TO ARRIVE:

  • If you have your equipment and lift pass please arrive to your chosen location at 9:30am.
  • If you require rental equipment and need to pick up your pass please arrive 30 minutes earlier.
  • If you are ability Level 4-6 you will be required to upload from our Base locations at 9:00am.
  • Note: For your half-day lesson please arrive at 12:15pm. Half-day lessons are for beginners only (Level I).

AT THE END OF THE LESSON:

If you have kids in lessons it is recommended that you let your instructor know so they are able to get you on time to your kids pick-up location.

 

Getting Here and Parking

 
Adult Ski Lesson at Whistler Blackcomb

What to Expect

  • All Adult lessons will be sorted out by ability levels. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs and group goals.
  • World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • Full Day lessons will include a lunch break at one of our on-mountain restaurants. Time & location will vary depending on the lesson and group goals.

What You Need To Know

WHERE TO GO:

All participants need to have their lift ticket and ski/snowboard equipment prior to heading to the lesson meeting area. If needed, we strongly recommend collecting your lift ticket the day before to save time in the morning. Your lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email.

  • Whistler Base: All Private Lessons meet on the left side of the Whistler Gondola by the Snow School Privates tent.
  • Blackcomb Base: All Private lessons meet on the left side of the Blackcomb Gondola by the Snow School Privates tent. 

WHEN TO ARRIVE:

All Private full-day & morning half-day lessons start at 9:00am. The afternoon half-day lessons start at 12:30pm at your chosen location. It is recommended that you get there a few minutes early. If you require rentals and lift passes, please arrive at least 30 minutes before that start of your lesson so we can help you get sorted. If you need assistance, please see one of our helpful Greeters to get you prepared for the day.

 

Getting Here and Parking

 
Adult Ski Lesson at Whistler Blackcomb

What to Expect

  • Our world-class instructors ensure that your investment benefits you for years to come! You will improve your technique, go places you never dreamed of exploring and most of all have fun!. 
  • All Private Lessons are customized to your needs and goals.
  • A Family Private Lesson is one of the best investments you can make during your stay. As participants of differing ages and ability levels have different expectations of a Private Lesson, we recommend contacting our Snow School if your party contains any of the following so we can ensure your learning objectives are met!
    • More than two children ages 3 or 4.
    • More than three beginners ages 5 or 6.
    • A mix across the following age groups: 3-4 year olds, 5-6 year olds, 7-12 year olds, or 13+.
    • A mix of ability levels.
    • A mix of disciplines – please note we cannot mix skiers and snowboarders if any of the participants are beginners.

What You Need

Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, so review the following items to ensure you are fully equipped for your ski or snowboard lesson.

Resort Guest Purchasing a Lift Ticket at Steven's Pass
Lift Tickets
All guests must have a lift ticket to participate in a lesson. Best pricing is available online, in advance.
Lift Tickets
Employees with retail skiis in Northstar, CA.
Gear

Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment and boots if already owned. If renting, please arrive 30 minutes prior to lesson check in to have your equipment set to your requirements.

Book Rentals
Close Up of Boy Smiling in Ski Helmet with Goggles
Helmets

A winter sport helmet is required for all lesson participants aged 14 and under, and 18 and under in designated children’s lessons. We strongly encourage helmet use for all ages. Helmets can be included along with a rental order or rented separately.

Family skiing in Kirkwood, CA.
Clothing & Accessories
Waterproof snow pants and gloves or mittens are required to keep you warm and dry. Goggles are also required to protect your eyes from the cold air and block UV light.
 

What We Recommend

Get Altitude Ready:
  • If you aren’t used to being above sea level, it’s ideal to arrive a day or so early to give your body time to settle in. Regardless of when you arrive, be sure to hydrate in the days leading up to your trip and continue once you are at altitude. Hydration is key to avoiding unpleasant side effects of altitude. Once you’re here, don’t push too hard on day one, and if you feel any discomfort, move lower down the mountain and take a break.
Clothing:
  • Base Layers: These fall under snow gear to provide an extra level of insulation while keeping your skin dry from sweat. Recommended to be a tighter fit for comfort and to wear both top and bottom.
  • Neck Gaiter: This is normally a tube of fabric that covers your neck and keeps you protected from the cold and snow.
  • Winter Socks: Should go to just under the knee. Generally labelled to keep your feet warm and should be breathable.
  • Layers and/or Jacket: Based on comfort level, it is recommended to have one fleece layer and/or a snow jacket on top of your base layers.
  • Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin with high attention to the nose, lips, and neck.
  • Children: It is recommended to choose outwear that is easy to get on and off (bathroom breaks), especially for the younger ones. Please label all children's clothing with their full name, including goggles.
 

Need assistance?

1-800-766-0449      604-967-8950 (LOCAL)
wbreservations@vailresorts.com 

Click Here for Guest Services Office Hours.