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. 

Lessons

What to Bring

  • Face Coverings: 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). Face coverings will not be required during the outdoor portion of the ski and ride school experience. Face coverings will also not be required in outdoor spaces such lift lines, chairlifts and gondolas.
  • 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.


Kid Ski School

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.

Kid Ski School

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.
  • CHILD MAX 6 SKI 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

Half Day AM First Timer Snowboard Lesson Ages 13 and above

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). Face coverings will not be required during the outdoor portion of the ski and ride school experience. Face coverings will also not be required in outdoor spaces such lift lines, chairlifts and gondolas.

 

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.

 

Do I have to wear a face covering while I’m skiing and snowboarding? 

While face coverings are not required during the physical acts of skiing and snowboarding if the guest is maintaining proper physical distance. 

Are you allowing neck gaiters/buffs?

Face covering should follow CDC guidelines, with two or more layers of fabric that completely cover your nose and mouth and they should not have vents, valves or holes.  

What about my child age 2 and under – do they need a mask?

In line with local and CDC guidelines, we are asking that children aged 3 and older wear face coverings. 

What are you doing to ensure physical distancing is possible?

We will work to allow for physical distancing throughout our operations to help ensure a safe experience. First and foremost we will manage the number of people on our mountains through a reservation system. Additionally, we have adapted our approach to loading lifts and gondolas and are manage the number of people coming in and out of our facilities. 

What happens if there is a case of COVID-19 confirmed at your resort?

We will continue to work with local health officials to minimize the impact and spread of COVID-19 in our resort communities, prioritizing the health and safety of our employees and guests. If there is a case at our resort, or among an employee, we will follow all guidance provided by local health officials. If a guest or employee feels sick, we ask that they remain home.