Know Before You Go

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

At Okemo, there are several locations where lessons begin, split between two base areas:

Your exact meeting point was selected at the time of booking, with the appropriate check-in location listed on the confirmation email. Arrivals at alternate locations may not be accommodated. 

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Where to Go

Step 1
Know Your Lesson Location

Okemo has two separate base areas, Clock Tower and Jackson Gore. The lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email. Details about parking and maps of the two base areas can be found below for reference.

Base Area Maps & Parking

At both locations, the check-in process follows the same steps. Note that if you arrive to lesson-check-in late, at the wrong base area or without your equipment, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.

 

Step 2
Rental Equipment

Ski or snowboard rental equipment must be collected prior to checking in for your lesson. If you are bringing your own equipment, skip this step. 

  • Rental equipment is available at both Base Areas
  • Allow 60 to 75 minutes for the rental process, especially on weekends and during holiday periods.

PRO TIP: Where possible, we recommend collecting equipment the day prior to your lesson to save time and avoid delays.

 

Step 3
Tickets

Lift tickets or a season pass are required for all lesson participants on all lesson days.

  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
  • All group lesson participants must collect tickets on the first day of their lesson, prior to checking-in at their respective meeting areas.
  • Tickets may be collected for all consecutive lessons.

 

Step 4
Lesson Check-In/Drop-Off

Check-in 15 minutes prior to the start of your lesson, with your lift ticket/pass and ski/snowboard gear. Check-in locations depend on the child's age:

Program Clock Tower Meeting Area Jackson Gore Meeting Area
Mountain Explorers
(Ages 7-14) 		Meet on-snow, adjacent to the Snow Stars building Meet on-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift
Snow Stars
(Ages 5-6) 		Meet on-snow, to the right of the A Quad Meet on-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift
Little Dippers
(Ages 3-4) 		Inside the Snow Stars building Inside Snow Stars, to the left of the Jackson Gore Archway from the parking lot side

 

After the Lesson
Pick-Up

Pick up locations are same as where you drop your child off at the start of their lesson.

  • Mountain Explorers (ages 7-14) ends at 3:00pm
  • Snow Stars (ages 5-6) and Little Dippers (ages 3-4) at 2:30pm
  • All children's lessons are full days only.
 
Child Ski Lesson at Okemo

What to Expect

  • All group lessons will be sorted by ability level and age. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs or 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 break for lunch (included in your lesson purchase). The instructor will provide a summary of their lesson and your child's progress at pick-up.
  • Restroom breaks and hot chocolate breaks will be taken at the discretion of instructor based on the needs of the of the group.

Where to Go

Okemo has two separate base areas, Clock Tower and Jackson Gore. The lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email. Details about parking and maps of the two base areas can be found below for reference.

  • Clock Tower Adult Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the F-10 Carpet 
  • Jackson Gore Adult Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift  

Base Area Maps & Parking

When To Arrive
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
  • Arrive at your lesson's location 15 minutes before the lesson start time to allow time for check-in and meeting your instructor.
  • If you are picking up rental gear, arrive 60 minutes early.
 
Adult Snowboard Lesson at Okemo

What to Expect

  • Groups are sorted by ability level.
  • The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs or group goals.
  • World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • Lessons run for 2 hours (Half Day) or 5½ hours (Full Day).

Where to Go

Okemo has two separate base areas, Clock Tower and Jackson Gore. The lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email. Details about parking and maps of the two base areas can be found below for reference.

  • Clock Tower Private Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the F-10 Carpet 
  • Jackson Gore Private Meeting Area: On-snow, adjacent to the Coleman Brook Lift  

Base Area Maps & Parking

When To Arrive
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
  • Arrive at your lesson's location 15 minutes before the lesson start time to allow time for check-in and meeting your instructor.
  • If you are picking up rental gear, arrive 60 minutes early.
 
Adult Ski Lesson at Okemo

What to Expect

  • Private Lesson experiences will be catered to your individual needs and goals for the lesson
  • Lunch is not included in a Private Lesson. Our instructors will provide opportunities to break and refuel throughout the lesson.
  • Full day private lessons will meet at 9am at the the location selected upon lesson purchase.
  • Half day private lessons will either meet at 9am for Morning (AM) lessons or 12:45pm Afternoon (PM) lessons.

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 Access

All guests must have a pass or a lift ticket to participate in a lesson. Best pricing is available online, in advance.

Lift Tickets

Passes

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 an hour prior to your lesson start time to ensure enough time for pick up.
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

  • 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 worn around your neck and face to protect you from sun the sun and cold conditions.
  • Snow 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 clothing in which children can slip in and out of independently for bathroom breaks.