Previous tab Previous tab

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.

 

WHERE TO GO

At Northstar, there are several different check-in locations for ski and snowboard (SB) lessons. Your lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email. If you arrive at the incorrect location, your reserved lesson may not be available. At all locations, children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.


LOCATION INFORMATION:

For assistance in directions to the below locations, please consult our mountain and village maps here.

Name Description Lesson Types
Northstar Village Northstar Village At the base of the Big Springs Gondola by the Private Lesson office Private Lessons
Children's Ski & SB School In The Village at the Children’s Group Lessons building – Adjacent to Ice Skating Rink and Season Pass office Child Ski & SB Groups ages 3-14
Adult Ski & SB School In The Village – Adjacent to The Villager Candle Shop Adult Ski & SB Groups
Mid-Mountain Ride the Big Springs Gondola and unload at Mid-Mountain. Exit right, the lesson area is just past The Lodge at Big Springs.* Afternoon Private Lessons
Ritz-Carlton True North Shop Main floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Private, Adult Ski & SB Group and Child Ski & SB Group Lessons
(For Ritz-Carlton lodging guests only)

*You must have your equipment and lift ticket prior to boarding the Big Springs Gondola but do not need to ski or snowboard to reach this location.


WHEN TO CHECK IN:

PRIVATE LESSONS

  • Check in approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled lesson start time at your lesson location
  • Please arrive ready to ski or snowboard with your lift ticket/season pass and full ski/snowboard equipment

ADULT SKI & SNOWBOARD GROUP LESSONS (Ages 15+)

Check-in first at the Adult Ski & Snowboard School or Ritz-Carlton True North Shop (Ritz-Carlton Guests only) based on location booked, then meet your instructor at Mid-Mountain.

  • If picking up a ticket and rental equipment check-in between and no later than:
    • 8:30am – 8:45am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM
    • 12:00pm – 12:30pm for Half Day PM
  • If picking up a lesson ticket only please do so between:
    • 8:30am – 9:30am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM
    • 8:30am – 1:00pm for Half Day PM
  • Lessons meet at Mid-Mountain at the Arch (skiers) or Burton Academy (snowboarders) at 9:45am and 1:15pm
    • Ritz-Carlton Guests can either ski/board to Mid-Mountain or ride our Sherpa on-snow transportation.

PRO TIP: Renting ski equipment? Prior Day check-in is available from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. the afternoon before scheduled ski lesson start date.


CHILD SKI and SNOWBOARD LESSONS (Ages 5-14)

Check-in first at either the Children’s Ski & Snowboard School or The Ritz-Carlton True North Shop (Ritz Guests only) based on location booked. 

  • Ages 7 – 14 Years: Starts at 8:45am, must be completed by 9:15am
  • Ages 5 – 6 Years: Starts at 9:00am, must be completed by 9:30am

CHILD SKI and SNOWBOARD LESSONS (Ages 3-4)

Check-in at the Children’s Ski & Snowboard School in the Northstar Village.

  • Ages 3 – 4 Years: Starts at 9:15 am, must be completed by 9:45 am

Be sure to confirm the pick-up time and location for your child upon check-in.

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 to arrive at the Children's Ski & Snowboard School by 9:15 a.m.

 

What To Expect

Prep Gray
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.

On Time Gray
Early Is On Time

Arrive 30 minutes before the lesson to allow time for check-in. If you or your child are picking up rental gear, arrive 60 minutes early.

Check In Gray
Check-In For The Day

Check-in for the lesson at the location or base area you selected while booking. 

Instructor Gray
Meet Our World-Class Instructors

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

Mountain Gray 

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.

 Pick Up Gray

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. 

Your Path To Learning

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING YOUR THREE LESSONS
Get Ready Green Run Guarantee Icon - grey - 100x100
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.

Magic Carpet Green Run Guarantee Icon - grey - 100x100
Ride The Magic Carpets

Build your foundational skills with your instructor. Hone your balance, practice starting and stopping, and learn how to safely ride the magic carpet. A magic carpet is like a moving sidewalk at the airport, at the resort it will carry you up a gentle slope.

Learning Zone Green Run Guarantee Icon - grey - 100x100
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.

Chair Lift Green Run Guarantee Icon - grey - 100x100
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.

Mountain View Green Run Guarantee Icon - grey - 100x100
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.

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 in a wedge 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 in a wedge on gentle terrain to linking wedge 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.

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 in a wedge 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 in a wedge on gentle terrain to linking wedge 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.

Ski & Snowboard School 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 Snowboard School pages.

 

When will season long programs be available for enrollment?  
Season long programs will be available for registration by mid-September. 

 

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, 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.

 

Do lessons Include rentals and lift tickets? 
No, lessons do not include lift tickets or rentals. These items must be purchased separately, and all lessons require a valid lift ticket. 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. For complete details on what to bring and where to go, read more here.  

 

What if I have special needs or requests, e.g. Drug or Food Allergies? 
While we do our best to accommodate dietary needs and offer different options whenever possible, severe allergy concerns or specific circumstances would be best discussed with the school staff directly prior to visiting. 

 

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 school lessons.

 

Will face coverings be required in Ski and Snowboard School this season?
No. Face coverings are not required to ski and snowboard, or in gondolas or indoor spaces at this time, unless required by local public health or CDC designation. This includes restaurants, lodging properties, restrooms, retail and rental locations, and base areas. Check local guidance for face covering requirements on buses and shuttles.

 

What is the cancellation and refund policy for Ski & Snowboard School lessons? 
Changes or cancellations can be made in advance of your lesson date by contacting the Ski & Snowboard School conducting your lesson. A cancellation Fee will be assessed for a guest when they cancel either a Group or Private Lesson (1- and 2-hour Lessons, half day and full day) as follows:

  • Any Ski & Snowboard School Product that is cancelled prior to 48 hours of the lesson's start time will be issued a full refund.
  • Any Ski & Snowboard School Product that is cancelled within 48 hours of the lesson’s start time will be charged the Cancellation Fee.
  • For Ski & Snowboard School Products that contain one lesson day, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the lesson.
  • For Ski & Snowboard 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.

 
Lessons are never cancelled due to weather while the resort is operational. For more detailed information on refunds and cancellations, please refer to the Terms of Sale