Prepare For Your Lesson

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What to Expect

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Prep For The Lesson

Best pricing is available online, in advance. To book a group lesson within 24 hours or a private lesson within 48 hours, please visit one of our Ski & Snowboard sales locations or call ahead. Our cancellation policy is available here. Make sure all members of your group have a pass or lift ticket and rent gear if needed.
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Our Commitment To Safety

Click here for the most up to date information on our safety protocols including vaccination and mask requirements for indoor dining. 
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Early Is On Time & Parking

Arrive early to allow time for parking, check-in, and rental fitting (if needed).  Please refer to the check-in times that are specific to your lesson.

Northstar offers several different parking options depending on your needs and preferences. Shuttles are available from most lots, and there is a designated Auto-drop and Shuttle-drop at the front of the Northstar Village.
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Check-In For The Day

Check-in for the lesson at the location or base area you selected while booking. 
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Meet Our World-Class Instructors

All group lessons will be sorted by ability level and child lessons will be sorted by age. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs or group goals. 
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CONQUER THE MOUNTAIN

World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace. All Full Day lessons will include a break for lunch, with food provided only for child lessons. Half Day and Bundled AM / PM lessons will not include lunch.
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PICK UP YOUR ADVENTURER

If you are dropping off a child, make sure to confirm location and pick-up time. The instructor will provide a summary of their lesson and your child's progress at pick-up. 

 

Gratuities: Instructor gratuity is at your discretion. Please note, a 15-20% gratuity based on the cost of the lesson will make your instructor feel very appreciated and valued. 

What to Bring

  • Face Coverings: Face coverings will be required during the indoor portion of the ski and ride school experience this season, including during drop-off and pick-up, and accessing indoor facilities such as restrooms and restaurants (while not eating or drinking). Click here for more information on our safety protocols including mask requirements in outdoor spaces.
  • Proof of Vaccination: Children ages 12 and older who are part of a full-day ski and ride school program will be required to show proof of vaccination as lessons include lunch at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants. This proof of vaccination will be required at the time of drop-off at the ski and ride school program. Adults participating in ski and ride school programs or private lessons may choose to opt-out of dining at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants. Acceptable forms of proof include: 
    • A physical vaccination card 
    • A photo of a vaccination card on their phone 
    • An official vaccination mobile app, including all official U.S. state, European Union and foreign country mobile apps, digital passports and digital certificates; and the following third-party vaccination mobile apps: Clear Health Pass, IATA Travel Pass App, Verifly, VaxYes by Gogetdoc, and CommonPass 
    Adults 18 and over will also need to provide an official photo ID. Government issued IDs with a photo and name matching the guest’s vaccination card will be accepted, as well as Epic Passes with photos. 
  • Helmet: The use of helmets is strongly recommended. Children age 14 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski & ride school, subject to local regulations. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. Rental helmets are available at our children's ski school locations for your convenience.
  • Warm clothes including moisture wicking base layers, mid layers to trap body heat, and water-resistant outerwear, warm calf-high socks, and gloves or mittens.
  • Goggles or sunglasses
  • Sunscreen is recommended, even on cloudy days.
  • Don’t have your own gear? Rent with Northstar and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.


Self-Health Screening

The health and safety of our guests is our first priority. We have established comprehensive Health and Safety measures to keep our guests, employees, and the community safe. All employees are required to undergo a health screening before they arrive at work. All participants will be required to undergo a pre-arrival Self-Health Screening prior to the start of each lesson (a parent or guardian will be required to complete the screening for each child taking a lesson). If you have a minor in a lesson, please review the Child Sickness Policy.  
 

The pre-arrival Self-Health Screening is a very simple to use web form that you can access on your smartphone or computer. All participants will need to complete this Self-Health Screening on the morning of each lesson. Below are the screening questions included in the form, so you know what to expect.

  1. Are you currently under direction from public health or a medical professional to quarantine or isolate because of concerns of COVID-19? 
  2. Have you tested positive or were you diagnosed as presumed positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days?
  3. Do you have the following symptoms (not due to a known health condition):  
    • feeling feverish, including having chills?
    • a new or worsening cough?  
    • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing worse than normal for you at altitude?
    • new loss of taste or smell?
    • sore throat?
    • muscle or body aches that are not normal for you with exercise or altitude?
    • vomiting or diarrhea?
    • runny nose or congestion that is not normal for you?
    • new or severe headache?
    • new fatigue that is not normal for you with exercise or altitude?
 

Where to Go

PRIVATE FULL DAY AND HALF DAY LESSON DETAILS

  • Check in approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled lesson start time. Please arrive ready to ski or snowboard with your equipment, helmet, sunscreen, goggles, gloves, etc. Lessons will end at the same location they began unless other arrangements are made.
  • All lesson participants need a lift ticket or pass, which is not included in your lesson reservation.

WHERE TO CHECK IN:

Northstar Village

Please check in at the Private Lesson office, next to the Season Pass office and Skating Rink, in the center of the Northstar Village.

Mid-Mountain Ski and Snowboard School

Please check in at the Ski and Snowboard School Archway at Mid-Mountain. From the Northstar Village, allow time to ride up the Big Springs Gondola. When you reach Mid-Mountain, exit to the right. The Ski and Snowboard School Arch is just past The Lodge at Big Springs. You must have your equipment and lift ticket prior to boarding the Big Springs Gondola.

The Ritz-Carlton True North (Ritz Guests Only)

Please check in at The Ritz-Carlon True North shop located on the Main floor of The Ritz-Carlton near Café Blue and Ski Storage.

Where to Go

WHERE TO GO – ADULT & CHILD MAX 6 SKI LESSONS

Check-in based on lesson confirmation location: Mid-Mountain Ski & Snowboard School, Children’s Ski School, or The Ritz-Carlton True North (Ritz guests only)

MID-MOUNTAIN SKI AND SNOWBOARD SCHOOL

  • Lesson Ticket Pick-up Location: 
    • Northstar Sports Village Rentals, located on Copper Lane on the lower level of the Northstar Village. Ages 15-17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • When to Check-In:
    • Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM
      • 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (if renting equipment)*
      • 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (if bringing equipment)
    • Half Day PM
      • 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (if renting equipment)*
      • 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (if bringing equipment)
  • *Renting equipment? Prior Day check-in is available from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. the afternoon before scheduled ski lesson start date.
  • Lesson Meeting Location
    • After picking up the lesson ticket and rentals (if needed), lesson participants will board the Big Springs Gondola to meet their coach at the Mid-Mountain Ski and Snowboard School Archway. From the top of the Big Springs Gondola, exit to the right. The Ski and Snowboard School Arch is just past The Lodge at Big Springs. Lessons will start and end at the Mid-Mountain Ski and Snowboard School.


CHILDREN’S SKI SCHOOL

  • Lesson Check-in Location:
    • Northstar Village Children’s Ski School, located on the main level of the Northstar Village, next to the Season Pass office and Skating Rink.
  • When to Check-In:
    • Ages 7 – 14 Years: 8:45 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:15 a.m.
    • Ages 5 – 6 Years: 9:00 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:30 a.m.
    • Ages 3 – 4 Years: 9:15 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:45 a.m.
  • When and Where to Pick Up
    • Ages 7 – 14 Years: 3:40 p.m. on the Village Overlook*
    • Ages 5 – 6 Years: 3:20 p.m. on the Village Overlook*
    • Ages 3 – 4 Years AM Half Day: 12:20 p.m.
      • Pickup will either be at the Mid-Mountain Ski School or Village Ski School. Pickup location will be determined at time of drop-off.
    • Ages 3 – 4 Years Full Day: 3:00 p.m. on the Village Overlook*
    • *The Village Overlook is located directly above the Village Children’s Ski School. Access is via a staircase next to the Ski School or via the inside hallway elevator near the public restrooms.


THE RITZ-CARLTON TRUE NORTH (RITZ GUESTS ONLY)

  • Lesson Ticket Pick-up Location:
    • The Ritz-Carlton True North shop located on the Main floor of The Ritz-Carlton near Café Blue and Ski Storage. Ages 15-17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • ADULT MAX 6 SKI LESSONS
    • When to Check-In:
      • Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM
        • 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (if renting equipment)*
        • 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (if bringing equipment)
      • Half Day PM
        • 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (if renting equipment)*
        • 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (if bringing equipment)
  • *Renting equipment? Prior Day check-in is available from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. the afternoon before scheduled ski lesson start date.
  • Lesson Meeting Location:
    • From the True North shop, lesson participants (ages 15+) will take the Sherpa (on snow transportation vehicle) from The Ritz-Carlton to the mid mountain area and then proceed to the Ski and Snowboard School Archway to check in. Lessons will start and end at the Mid-Mountain Ski and Snowboard School.

Where to Go

WHERE TO GO – ADULT & CHILD MAX 6 SNOWBOARD LESSONS

Check-in based on lesson confirmation location: Burton Academy or The Ritz-Carlton True North (Ritz guests only)

BURTON ACADEMY

  • Lesson Ticket Pick-up Location: 
    • Northstar Village Burton Academy, located on Gondola Way near the Season Pass office, on the main level of the Northstar Village. Ages 15-17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian
  • ADULT MAX 6 SNOWBOARD LESSONS
    • When to Check-In:
      • Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM
        • 8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (if renting equipment)
        • 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (if bringing equipment)
      • Half Day PM
        • 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (if renting equipment)
        • 8:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (if bringing equipment)
    • Lesson Meeting Location:
      • From this location, lesson participants (ages 15+) will board the Big Springs Gondola to meet their coach at the Mid-Mountain Burton Academy location. From the top of the Big Springs Gondola, exit to the right. The Burton Academy is past The Lodge at Big Springs, on the far side of The Big Easy chair lift. Lessons will start and end at the Mid-Mountain Burton Academy.
  • CHILD MAX 6 SNOWBOARD LESSONS
    • When to Check-In:
      • Ages 7 – 14 Years: 8:45 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:15 a.m.
      • Ages 5 – 6 Years: 9:00 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:30 a.m.
      • Ages 3 – 4 Years: 9:15 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:45 a.m.
    • When and Where to Pick-Up
      • Ages 7 – 14 Years: 3:40 p.m. at the Village Burton Academy
      • Ages 5 – 6 Years: 3:20 p.m. at the Village Burton Academy
      • Ages 3 – 4 Years AM Half Day: 12:20 p.m. at the Mid-Mountain Burton Academy*
        • *The Mid-Mountain Burton Academy is located just past The Big Easy chair lift in the beginner lesson area at Mid-Mountain.
      • Ages 3 – 4 Years Full Day: 3:00 p.m. at the Village Burton Academy


THE RITZ-CARLTON TRUE NORTH (RITZ GUESTS ONLY)

  • Lesson Ticket Pick-up Location:
    • The Ritz-Carlton True North shop located on the Main floor of The Ritz-Carlton near Café Blue and Ski Storage. Ages 15-17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • ADULT MAX 6 SNOWBOARD LESSONS
    • When to Check-In:
      • Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM
        • 8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (if renting equipment)
        • 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (if bringing equipment)
      • Half Day PM
        • 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (if renting equipment)
        • 8:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (if bringing equipment)
  • Lesson Meeting Location:
    • From the True North shop, lesson participants (ages 15+) will take the Sherpa (on snow transportation vehicle) from The Ritz-Carlton to the mid mountain area and then proceed to the Mid-Mountain Burton Academy to check in. Lessons will start and end at the Mid-Mountain Burton Academy.
  • CHILD MAX 6 SNOWBOARD LESSONS
    • When to Check-In:
      • Ages 7 – 14 Years: 8:45 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:15 a.m.
      • Ages 5 – 6 Years: 9:00 a.m. Check-in must be completed by 9:30 a.m.
      • If you are a guest lodging at The Ritz-Carlton and have signed up for a 3 – 4 year old group lesson, you will need to proceed to the Village at Northstar by 9:15 a.m. Please check with your Ritz-Carlton concierge for Highlands Gondola operating hours.
    • When and Where to Pick-Up:
      • Ages 7 – 14 Years: 3:40 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton True North
      • Ages 5 – 6 Years: 3:20 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton True North

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What ski and ride school offerings will you provide this year at your resorts?
We are pleased to be resuming more ski and ride school programs this season, including those for younger children. Specifics can be found on our ski and ride school page.

 

Will face coverings be required in ski and ride school this season?
Face coverings will only be required during the indoor portion of the ski and ride school experience this season, including during drop-off and pick-up, and accessing indoor facilities such as restrooms and restaurants (while not eating or drinking), and on gondolas. Face coverings will not be required during the outdoor portion of the ski and ride school experience. 

 

Do I need a proof of vaccination to go to ski and ride school or take private lessons?
Children ages 12 and older who are part of a full-day ski and ride school program will be required to show proof of vaccination as lessons include lunches at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants. This proof of vaccination will be required at the time of drop-off at the ski and ride school program. Adults participating in ski and ride school programs or private lessons may choose to opt-out of dining at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants.

 

Will there be an option to pick up my child (12 and over) for lunch if they cannot show proof of vaccination?
We will be requiring proof of vaccination for all children ages 12 and over in full-day ski and ride school programs that contain a lunch offering.  We will not be providing an outdoor or lunch-pickup option for these individuals. At many of our resorts, half-day lesson options that exclude lunch will also be available.

 

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. Any Ski & Ride School product that is cancelled prior to 24 hours of the lesson start time will be issued a full refund. Any Ski & Ride School product that is cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson start time will be charged a cancellation fee. 

As a reminder, for guests 12 years and older, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to participate in full day Ski & Snowboard programming. If you or your child cannot meet this requirement, cancellations must be made 24 hours in advanced of your lesson.

For more information on refunds and cancellations, please refer to the Ski & Ride School Terms of Sale.

 

Will there be restrictions on Ski & Ride School lift access when lift tickets are unavailable?

No, the ability to purchase Ski & Ride School and include a lift ticket will not be limited during popular holiday periods.

Do I need a vaccine to ski and ride this season?
No. If you wish to access our resorts to ski and ride this season, a vaccination will not be required. Vaccines will also not be required in outdoor spaces such lift lines, chairlifts, gondolas, outdoor restaurants and restaurant patios, or in indoor spaces such as restrooms, lodging properties, full-service restaurants, and retail and rental locations. However, if you wish to access our indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for those 12 and older.

 

Why is Vail Resorts requiring proof of vaccination to enter or dine at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants this season?
As a company, the health and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. We are fortunate that the core of our business takes place outdoors in beautiful, vast mountain settings. However, as we welcome guests from around the world to the indoor experience at our resorts, we feel it’s important to do our part to combat the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our guests, employees and communities safe. Consistent with the approaches taken by many other large-scale indoor events and venues, we believe this requirement is necessary given the number of guests using these facilities and the fact that guests will not be wearing face coverings while eating and drinking.

 

What qualifies as proof of vaccination for guests looking to dine at indoor, on-mountain, quick-service restaurants this season?
Guests age 12 and over will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by showing one of the following:

  • A physical vaccination card
  • A photo of a vaccination card on their phone
  • An official vaccination mobile app, including all official U.S. state, European Union and foreign country mobile apps, digital passports and digital certificates; and the following third-party vaccination mobile apps: Clear Health Pass, IATA Travel Pass App, Verifly, VaxYes by Gogetdoc, and CommonPass

Adults 18 and over will also need to provide an official photo ID. Government issued IDs with a photo and name matching the guest’s vaccination card will be accepted, as well as Epic Passes with photos.

After the first validation of COVID-19 vaccination, guests may opt for a small, non-transferable sticker to be applied to the front of their pass. Guests with this sticker can re-enter indoor, cafeteria-style restaurants at any Vail Resorts property for the remainder of the season without re-validating their proof of vaccination at the door. Guests may also opt not to receive a sticker and instead to re-validate their proof of vaccination each time they enter indoor, cafeteria-style restaurants. Regardless, Vail Resorts will not be recording any guest vaccination status information.

 

Which vaccinations will be accepted?
For guests looking to dine at indoor, cafeteria-style restaurants this season, the following vaccinations recognized by the World Health Organization will be accepted: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

 

Which indoor, on-mountain, quick service restaurants will require proof of vaccination?
Please visit the Resort Dining Page, where the list of cafeteria-style restaurants requiring proof of vaccination will be posted once the resort opens for the season.

 

When will the proof of vaccination requirement go into effect for indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants?
This protocol will be in effect as each mountain opens for the 2021-22 season.

 

How often will you check my proof of vaccination?
After the first validation of COVID-19 vaccination, guests may opt for a small, non-transferable sticker to be applied to the front of their pass. Guests with this sticker can re-enter indoor, cafeteria-style restaurants at any Vail Resorts property for the remainder of the season without re-validating their proof of vaccination at the door. Guests may also opt not to receive a sticker and instead to re-validate their proof of vaccination each time they enter indoor, cafeteria-style restaurants. Regardless, Vail Resorts will not be recording any guest vaccination status information.

 

Are you storing my vaccination status anywhere?
No. Vail Resorts will not be tracking or recording any guest vaccination status information.

 

What if I am not vaccinated or forget my proof of vaccination?
Guests who forget their proof of COVID-19 vaccination, have not previously had their proof of COVID-19 vaccination validated with a sticker on their pass, or have not been vaccinated will not be permitted to enter our indoor, cafeteria-style restaurants. We recommend they bring their own lunch or visit an outdoor on-mountain restaurant or other dining establishments where proof of vaccination is not required.

 

Can I provide a vaccination exception to dine indoors?
No. Guest proof of COVID-19 vaccination for those ages 12 and over will be required in indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants. Guest vaccination exceptions will not be accepted.

 

Can I provide proof of a negative COVID test to dine indoors?
No. Guest proof of COVID-19 vaccination for those ages 12 and over will be required in indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants. Proof of a negative COVID test will not be accepted.

 

Can I enter one of your indoor, on mountain quick-service restaurants to buy food and take it outside?
No. For the safety of our guests and employees, entrance to these quick-service restaurants will require proof of vaccination. Other dining venues will offer alternatives such as ‘grab & go,’ outdoor options, and full-service restaurants which do not require proof of vaccination to enter.

 

Will I need proof of vaccination to use to the restroom or other amenities?
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will not be required to use restrooms or other general amenities at any facilities, but face coverings are required in all indoor locations.

 

Will I need proof of vaccination to warm up inside?
Guests will not need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access indoor spaces that don’t provide on-mountain quick-service dining. Face coverings will be required in indoor settings.

 

Will bars be open for the 2021-22 season? Will vaccinations be required to visit bars?
Yes, bars will be open for the 2021-22 season, and we will be following all local public health guidance around vaccination or other requirements for our bars.

 

Will I need a proof of vaccination for my wedding, conference or event?
No. Guest proof of COVID-19 vaccination for those ages 12 and over will only be required at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants.

 

Will I need a proof of vaccination for hotel dining establishments?
No. Guest proof of COVID-19 vaccination for those ages 12 and over will only be required at indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants.

 

Why do you have different policies for quick-service and full-service restaurants?
Indoor, on-mountain quick-service restaurants are higher volume, higher density locations with cafeteria-style settings and multi-party seating options. We believe this vaccine requirement will reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in these unique settings and protect our guests and their families as well employees. Full-service restaurants are more spacious with party-specific seating, providing natural physical distancing and capacity management.

 

Will children under the age of 12 need proof of vaccination after it becomes available to dine indoors on-mountain?
At this point, we are not requiring children under the age of 12 to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and do not intend to institute a change in this policy this season unless required to do so by local public health.

 

Will I need a proof of a vaccination booster at some point during the season to dine indoors on-mountain?
We are not intending to require proof of booster COVID-19 vaccines at any point in the season.

 

Will you change this policy if the situation with COVID-19 improves?
While it is possible we will change this policy based on an improving situation with COVID-19, we believe all guests should assume this will be our policy for the entirety of the 2021-22 season.

 

Are you requiring your staff to be vaccinated?
Yes. We believe the COVID-19 vaccine is the way to end this pandemic, and the best way to keep our employees and guests safe. In compliance with the recent rules announced under the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Vail Resorts will be requiring all employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, effective Nov. 15, 2021.