About Ski and Ride School
Your Lesson at Okemo
Start your learning journey by exploring our lesson offerings and learning more about Okemo's Ski & Ride School. Whether you prefer steep slopes, technical terrain, or gentle groomed runs - our instructors will help you sharpen your skills.
Lessons for Everyone
What Level am I?
We know it can be difficult to decide which lesson level is best for you. Below is a description of all the skiing and snowboarding levels to help you decide what level you are at before you book your lesson.
| Skiing | Snowboarding | |
|---|---|---|
| First Timer |
First time skiing. Learning outcomes for this lesson will range from becoming familiar with the equipment and snow to learning how to stop on gentle terrain. |
First time snowboarding. Learning outcomes for this lesson will range from becoming familiar with the equipment and snow to learning how to slide and stop on gentle terrain. |
| Beginner |
1+ day(s) of skiing experience. Abilities range from stopping on gentle terrain to linking turns on easy green terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson range from learning to make turns to matching skis parallel at the end of your turns all on easy green terrain. |
1+ day(s) snowboarding experience. Abilities range from sliding and stopping on gentle terrain to linking turns on easy green terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson range from controlling your speed throughout turns on easy green terrain to exploring different beginner runs across the mountain. |
| Intermediate |
Ability ranges from matching skis parallel at the end of the turn on green terrain to consistent parallel skiing on blue terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson will range from learning to consistently make parallel turns on green terrain to learning how to make various turn sizes on blue and easy black terrain. |
Abilities range from consistently making linked turns on all green terrain to venturing into easier blue terrain. Learning objectives in this lesson will include continuing to consistently link turns on green terrain, learning how to make dynamic turns on blue terrain, learning how to ride switch, introducing carved turns, venturing into the easiest ungroomed terrain, and introducing freestyle. |
| Advanced |
Ability ranges from making a variety of turn sizes on all blue and easy black terrain to making skidded and carved turns on all terrain (trees, moguls, ungroomed, and groomed). Learning outcomes in this lesson will range from selecting proper mountain tactics, intro to carving, moguls, and variable terrain, and skill enhancement for better performance and efficiency. |
Abilities range from making a variety of turn sizes on all blue and easy black terrain to making skidded and carved turns on all terrain (trees, moguls, ungroomed, and groomed). Learning outcomes in this lesson will range from selecting proper mountain tactics, freestyle enhancement, moguls and variable terrain, and skill enhancement for better performance and efficiency. |
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"My guide gave me confidence in my ability, challenged me, and was so helpful. Because of his instructions, I was able to enjoy my skiing experience for the rest of my trip there!"Debra
"Our kids ski instructor took our kids from not knowing anything to skiing green runs in just a few hours. As an experienced skier I like his approach to build their confidence and quickly get them skiing."Shawn
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 Ski and Ride 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 for some seasonal programs has been granted to previous program participants. This may result in limited spots for new participants.
What is included with a ski or snowboard lesson?
Each lesson will include professional instruction from one of our instructors. If offered, full day lessons will include a break for lunch, and full day group lessons for children will include lunch. Participants will be responsible for bringing or purchasing their own food in private lessons, group lessons for adults, and season long and specialty lessons for children unless specified in the program details.
Do lessons Include rentals and lift tickets?
No, 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, checkout 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.
Does my child need to be potty trained to participate in a lesson?
All children are required to be potty trained to participate in Ski and Ride School lessons.
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 Ski & Ride School lessons?
Changes or cancellations can be made in advance of your lesson date by contacting the Ski & Ride School conducting your lesson. A cancellation Fee will be assessed for a guest when they cancel either a Group or Private Lesson as follows:
- Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled prior to 48 hours of the lesson's start time will be issued a full refund.
- Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled less than 48 hours before the lesson’s start time will be charged the Cancellation Fee.
- For Ski & Ride School Products that contain one lesson day, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the lesson.
- For Ski & Ride School Products that contain multiple lesson days, and a full Cancellation is required, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the first lesson. All other days in a multiple lesson Ski & Ride School Product will be fully refunded.
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.