Learn to Ski or Snowboard

Calling all first-timers and experience seekers!

Discover your passion for the mountains this winter by becoming a skier or snowboarder. Whistler Blackcomb's Snow School offers beginner lessons in group settings or private one-on-one instruction. Learn to ski or snowboard at your own pace and in a fun, safe environment, with other adults of similar skill level. Our world-class instructors will help you learn new skills and grow your confidence to take on green runs and beyond!

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Your First Lesson

WHAT TO EXPECT YOUR FIRST TIME SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING
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Getting Ready

Learn how to put on (and take off) all your equipment and get comfortable standing on flat terrain before you progress to gradual inclines.

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Learning Zone Skills

Practice makes perfect in the Learning Zone! Here you will learn how to control the direction of your skis/snowboard by making turns and playing on the gentle slope.

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Chair Lift To New Terrain

You're ready to access new runs! Your instructor will provide guidance on how to ride the chair lift safely, and how to control your speed and turns on the slopes.

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Discover The Mountain

Now that you have learned the basics, you are ready to go play, discover your independence, and explore more of the mountain with friends and family! Have fun skiing or snowboarding green terrain, seeing beautiful views, and creating new memories this winter.

Ready to Find Your Lesson?

Purchase your lessons online for the best availability and price. Lessons can sell out, so secure your spot today!

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Teen Snowboard Lesson at Whistler Blackcomb
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What ski and snowboard lesson offerings will you provide this year at your resorts?
We are pleased to offer a range of ski and snowboard programming including group and private lessons as well as season long and specialty programs. Specific details can be found on our Snow School pages.

 

When will season long programs be available for enrollment?  
Seasonal programs for the 2023-2024 season will be available for new participant registration starting the last week of August. Please note that early registration has been granted to previous program participants. This may result in limited spots in seasonal programs.

 

What is included with a ski or snowboard lesson?  
Each lesson will include professional instruction from one of our instructors. Full day lessons will include a break for lunch. Our child (3-12) and youth (13-18) daily and most season-long programs will include lunch, or a lunch voucher to purchase lunch during the lesson. Participants will be responsible for bringing or purchasing their own food in private lessons, group lessons for adults, and specialty lessons unless otherwise stated in the program details.

 

Do lessons Include rentals and lift tickets? 
Other than programming for ages 3-6, lessons do not include lift tickets or rentals as standard. These items must be purchased separately, and all lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. While purchasing a group lesson, you can add-on lift tickets and rentals at a discounted rate. You may bring your own equipment. Passes are available to purchase here. Buy in advance and online for the best rates. 

 

What should I bring to my lesson?  
Weather conditions will vary and remember you will spend the day outside! We recommend dressing in layers including warm clothes, googles/sunglasses and sunscreen. All lesson participants are required to have a valid season pass or lift ticket, as well as ski or snowboard equipment. For complete details on what to bring and when to arrive, check out our Know Before You Go page. 

 

What if I have special needs or requests, e.g. Drug or Food Allergies? 
We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and offer different options when possible.  When registering for child group lessons, you will have an opportunity either when booking or when checking in for the lessons to inform us of drug or food allergies.  Severe allergy concerns or circumstances should be discussed with the school staff directly prior to your visit.

 

Can and should I tip my instructor?
Gratuities for instructors are not a requirement but an appropriate and appreciated gesture. A 15-20% gratuity based on the cost of the lesson will make your instructor feel very appreciated and valued.

 

What is the cancellation and refund policy for Snow School lessons? 
Changes or cancellations can be made in advance of your lesson date by contacting the Snow School directly. Any Snow School group or private lesson product that is cancelled prior to 48 hours of the lesson start time will be issued a full refund. Group or private lesson cancellations made less than 48 hours before the lesson start time will be charged a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the cost of the lesson in the case of a single day reservation.

The resort will not cancel lessons due to weather if the resort itself is operational. For more detailed information on refunds and cancellations, including the policy for Seasonal or Season-Long Programs, please refer to the Terms of Sale