First-Time Lessons
Never skied or snowboarded before? Start here — lift ticket, rentals, and a lesson in one package for tots, kids, teens, adults, and the whole family.
Learn to Ski or snowboard Free
Skiing or snowboarding is more than just an activity — it’s a full-day mountain experience. This program is for anyone who has never skied or boarded before.
Includes:
- 2-hour beginner lesson (2.5 hours for kids)
- Full-day Easy Acres lift ticket*
- Equipment rentals
Adults Only
3 Sessions
Ages 13+
- December 11–20, 2026
- February 15, 2027
- March 29 – April 2, 2027
Children
3 Sessions
Ages 4–6 (Ski) / 5–6 (Snowboard) & 7–12
- December 19 & 20, 2026
- February 15, 2027 (ages 7–12 only)
- March 26–29, 2027
Includes a hot chocolate.
Women’s Only
March 7
All Ages 13+
Women’s Learn to Ski Free
Advance booking required. A $25 administration fee applies at booking; on completion of the lesson it can be used as a credit toward a future lesson product with the Snow School for the same winter.
*Ticket provided by instructor at the lesson.
Gratuities Tipping your instructor is never expected, but always appreciated. If your instructor made your day, a gratuity is a lovely way to say thanks.
Tot & Child First-Time Lessons
Tots (4–6 ski / 5–6 snowboard) and children (7–12).
Add-onsRentals $35Child Lift Ticket (7–12) $35Tot Lift Ticket FreeAdd to any child or tot Snow School lesson or camp. Excludes seasonal programs.
Discover Skiing & Snowboarding — first time only
Welcome to the sport of skiing and snowboarding! Our Group Lesson Packages for beginners are available as a half-day or full-day option, with everything your little one needs to get started.
Includes:
- Easy Acres lift ticket
- Rental equipment (skis/board, boots, poles, helmets)
- Half-day: 2.5-hour lesson with a snack break
- Full-day: 5 hours of instruction, 2 snack breaks, and a supervised lunch
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tot Half Day 4–6 ski / 5–6 snowboard | Daily, 9:30am or 1pm | $89 |
| Tot Full Day 5–6 only | Daily, 9:30am–3:30pm | $152 |
| Child Half Day 7–12 | Daily, 9:30am or 1pm | $99 |
| Child Full Day 7–12 | Daily, 9:30am–3:30pm | $162 |
Night Discover Skiing & Snowboarding
Learn to ski or snowboard at night! Our lowest-priced way for children to try the sport, under the lights on Easy Acres.
Includes:
- Night Easy Acres lift ticket
- Night rental equipment (skis/snowboard, boots, poles, and helmet)
- 2-hour beginner lesson
No snack break.
Save 40%
Join us Thursday nights!
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Child Night Lesson 7–12 | 4pm, during night operations | $54 |
Learn to Turn
Mount Washington’s Learn to Turn package is designed to help children get out on the slopes faster and with more confidence. We’ve combined our Discover Skiing/Snowboarding package with two additional half-day group lessons, rentals, and two all-mountain lift passes.
Includes:
- Discover Skiing/Snowboarding package
- Two additional half-day group lessons
- Rentals
- Two all-mountain lift passes
Save up to 50%
Compared to paying separately!
| Category | Ages | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tot | 4–6 ski / 5–6 snowboard | $284 |
| Child | 7–12 | $339 |
Not eligible for bonus offers — see Rookie Year below for the best discount on a season pass and seasonal rental.
Rookie Year — season-long program
A ground-breaking all-inclusive program designed specifically for tots and children who are first-time skiers and snowboarders.
Includes:
- Season pass
- Seasonal rentals for skiing or snowboarding
- 5 afternoon half-day group lessons with a snack
Season Pass
Included with every Rookie Year!
| Category | Ages | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tot | 4–6 ski / 5–6 snowboard | $479 |
| Child | 7–12 | $679 |
| Add-on: additional 5 lessons | — | $479 |
Youth & Adult First-Time Lessons 13+
Youth (13–18) and Adult (19+) lessons are grouped together, excluding seasonal programs and holiday camps.
Add-onsRentals $50Lift Ticket $50High-Performance Rental $64Add to any lesson. Not applicable for seasonal programs; high-performance rentals are picked up from the Demo Centre.
Discover Skiing & Snowboarding — first time only
Take your first turns with confidence! This beginner-friendly group lesson is perfect for anyone who has never skied or snowboarded before. The all-inclusive package covers everything you need, plus a fun and supportive lesson with one of our experienced instructors.
Includes:
- Easy Acres lift ticket
- Rental equipment (skis or snowboard, boots, poles for skiers, and a helmet)
- 2-hour lesson with an experienced instructor
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Youth 13–18, first time only | Daily, 10am or 1pm | $134 |
| Adult 19+, first time only | Daily, 10am or 1pm | $134 |
Night Discover Skiing & Snowboarding
Learn to ski or snowboard at night! Our lowest-priced beginner package, under the lights on Easy Acres.
Includes:
- Night Easy Acres lift ticket
- Night rentals
- 2-hour beginner lesson
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Night Lesson 13–18 | 4pm, during night operations | $59 |
| Adult Night Lesson 19+ | 4pm, during night operations | $59 |
Never Ever Days
The ultimate beginners’ package for anyone ages 5+ who has ever considered trying skiing or snowboarding.
Includes:
- Night equipment rental
- Night Easy Acres lift ticket
- A 2-hour beginner lesson
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Never Ever Days Ages 5+, bookings required | Fridays from Jan 1, 4–6pm | TBA |
Book online via Canadian Ski Council: GoSkiingGoSnowboarding.ca
Learn to Turn
Mount Washington’s Learn to Turn package is designed to help you get out on the slopes faster and with more confidence. We’ve combined our Discover Skiing/Snowboarding package with an additional 2 group lessons, rentals, and two all-mountain lift passes.
Includes:
- Discover Skiing/Snowboarding package
- Two additional group lessons
- Rentals
- Two all-mountain lift passes
Save up to 50%
Compared to paying separately!
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Youth 13–18 | Daily, 10am or 1pm | $369 |
| Adult 19+ | Daily, 10am or 1pm | $369 |
Bonus Offers Complete all 3 Learn to Turn lessons and unlock a $119 Alpine Season Pass plus 50% off select gear packages — that’s over $400 in savings. Own your gear and ride any day with a season pass.
Bonus offer eligibility
- Must be 13 years or older as of December 31st, 2026
- Must have completed all 3 Learn to Turn lessons
- Must be your first season on snow, regardless of discipline
- Bonus offers are non-transferable
- Offer is only available on full equipment packages
- Not eligible if you have had an alpine season pass in previous years
- Applicable on select gear packages only; inquire with our team for details
- If you’re switching disciplines (skiing to snowboarding or vice versa), we’re happy to offer the discounted lesson package, but this makes you ineligible for the bonus offers
Family Lessons 7+
Get the whole family on snow together, for up to 6 people. Children must be 7 or older — younger kids should book a separate Tot Discover lesson.
Family Discover Skiing & Snowboarding
Welcome to the sport of skiing and snowboarding! This group lesson is designed for families who have never skied or snowboarded before.
Includes:
- Easy Acres lift ticket
- Rental equipment
- 2-hour beginner lesson for up to 6 people
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Family Discover Skiing & Snowboarding | Daily, 10am or 1pm | $464 |
| Family Discover Skiing & Snowboarding Night | 4pm, during night operations | $199 |
Family Learn to Turn
A 3-lesson beginner package just for your family.
Includes:
- Discover Skiing/Snowboarding package
- Two more half-day lessons
- Rentals
- All-mountain lift passes for up to 6 people
50% Off
Compared to paying separately!
| Category | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Family Learn to Turn | Daily, 10am or 1pm | $1,159 |
Your Amazing Day Starts Here!
8 easy steps to hit the slopes successfully with style
- Dress to be outsideMount Washington does not rent winter jackets, pants, gloves, or goggles. Please bring your own or visit Outdoor Elements to purchase.
- Arrive & walk to main lodgeLook for respective Nordic and Alpine Lodge signs. Allow extra time with children. Parking can be difficult on busy days. Approx 15 mins.
- Check in at Snowsports buildingThe alpine snowsports entrance is the first door of the parking lot. Proceed downstairs, through the chunnel, and onto the rentals floor. Approx 15 mins.
- Pick up lift ticket & rentals formBring your entire family to the till. Have your reservation number handy. Tickets and rentals are all in one place. Approx 5 mins.
- Try on bootsA good fit will help your on-snow experience. Stand up, walk around, and make sure you’ve got the right size. Approx 10 mins.
- Get fitted for skis/boardsOur rental techs will adjust your rental equipment to best fit your weight and ability level. Approx 10 mins.
- Store bags + washroom breakLockers are available for $1. Last chance for the washroom before heading out. Approx 10 mins.
- Walk to lesson meeting areaMeet your instructor outside the signed meeting zone approximately 10 mins. before the lesson begins.
Please allow at least 75 minutes for this arrival process.
You are responsible for supervising your child (4+ years) until they meet the instructor on the snow. Mount Washington supervises children during scheduled lesson times only — Tots will not be released on their own, and you may be charged for additional care. All lessons start promptly at the scheduled time regardless of weather or reduced lift operations, with no refunds for missed lessons.
Lesson Cancellation Policy
Private & Group Lessons / Daycare
- All lessons/Daycare must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- Lessons/Daycare can be cancelled or rescheduled more than 48 hours in advance.
- There are no refunds or changes allowed within 48 hours of the lesson time, unless due to medical issues or illness.
- No refunds will be issued due to weather conditions.
- Guests who are late for their lesson will not be able to join. Guests collecting rentals must arrive at the rental counter at least 30 minutes before their lesson start time. We recommend arriving 1 hr & 30 mins before your scheduled lesson time to allow for rental and ticket collection.
Lesson Packages
Applies to Group 5-Packs, Private 5-Packs and Learn To Turn. You may cancel and refund a lesson package up until 48 hours prior to the first lesson redeemed.
- If no lessons have been redeemed, you may cancel the package and receive a full refund prior to 48 hours before the first lesson booking.
- No full or partial refund of the package is available after the first lesson redemption.
- Lessons not redeemed during the purchased season due to availability restrictions are not eligible for a refund.
- Refund requests must be made before our closing date of that season. Unused lessons will not transfer to future seasons.
- Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled more than 48 hours in advance.
- No refunds will be issued due to weather conditions.
- Guests who are late for their lesson will not be able to join. We will do our best to rebook for later that day, if possible. We recommend arriving 1 hr & 15 mins before your scheduled lesson time to allow for rental and ticket collection.
Multi-Day Programs, Camps & Seasonal Programs
- All lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled more than 48 hours in advance.
- No refunds, cancellations, or changes will be permitted within 48 hours of the program start date.
- No refunds will be issued due to weather conditions.
- Guests who are late for their lesson will not be able to join until lunch time. Parents or guardians will be responsible for supervising until they are able to meet the instructor. We recommend arriving 1 hr & 15 mins before your scheduled lesson time to allow for rental and ticket collection.
- Refunds may be considered only for verified medical reasons. A valid doctor’s note must be provided stating that the registered participant is unable to attend 50% or more of the program. Requests without appropriate documentation will not be approved.
Need to cancel or reschedule?Contact the Snow School by phone at 250-338-1386 ext. 384 or email [email protected].
For Educational, Community and Corporate group bookings, please see our separate cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Snow School lessons are available?
Mount Washington Snow School offers lessons for skiing and snowboarding, including programs for children, teens, and adults. Lessons may be available as private sessions, group lessons, multi-week programs, and seasonal camps.
What age can children start lessons?
Children can typically begin snow school programs at a young age, with age-specific lesson options available. Programs are designed to match a child’s age, skill level, and confidence on snow. Private lessons start as young as 2 years old while daily group lessons start at 4 years old. Seasonal programs start at 3 years old.
Do I need to have my own equipment?
No. Guests can rent skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and other equipment through the resort’s rental department.
What should I bring to my lesson?
Please arrive dressed for winter conditions. The following items cannot be rented:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Gloves or mittens
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Long socks; one pair of fresh socks helps keep your feet warm and blister-free
- Warm layers
Are helmets required?
Helmets are mandatory for all educational group lessons and for anyone under 12 years old, and are strongly recommended for every lesson. A complimentary helmet is available with every lesson, valid for the lesson duration only.
What if I’ve never skied or snowboarded before?
No experience is necessary. Beginner lessons are designed to teach the fundamentals, including equipment use, balance, stopping, turning, and mountain safety.
How are lesson groups organized?
Group lessons are generally organized by age and ability level to ensure participants learn with others of similar skills and experience.
What happens if weather conditions are poor?
Lessons operate in all winter weather conditions. In cases of extreme weather or operational changes, guests will be notified of any cancellations or schedule adjustments.
Can I request a specific instructor?
Requests for private lessons may be accommodated based on instructor availability, but cannot always be guaranteed. Please ask at the time of booking or prior to your private lesson. You cannot request an instructor for a group lesson.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation and refund policies vary by program. Guests should review the terms and conditions at the time of booking, view our cancellation policy, or contact Snow School directly for details.
How do I book a lesson?
Lessons can be booked online through Mount Washington’s website or by contacting Guest Services. Early booking is strongly recommended during weekends, holidays, and peak season periods.
Are private lessons available?
Yes. Private lessons provide personalized coaching and allow guests to progress at their own pace. Private sessions can often accommodate individuals, families, or small groups.
Will I be riding the chairlift during my lesson?
Beginners usually start in designated learning areas. Your instructor will determine when you’re ready to progress to chairlifts based on your skill level and confidence.
How do I know what level lesson to book?
You can reference our ability guide to match your skills to a lesson level!
What should I learn first, skiing or snowboarding?
There’s no right answer; it really comes down to personal preference! Skiing is often a little easier to learn at first, while snowboarding can take a bit more time to get comfortable with. Both are fun and rewarding, so we recommend trying whichever sounds most appealing to you!
What’s the best way to get into skiing or snowboarding for a beginner?
For children ages 12 & under, we recommend purchasing the Rookie Year pass, as it’s a special deal for children who have never skied or snowboarded before. It provides a season’s pass, seasonal rentals, and 5 afternoon lessons.
For youths & adults age 13+, we recommend purchasing the Learn to Turn program. Once you complete the three lessons in the program, you are eligible to purchase a heavily discounted season pass and gear package to continue your mountain adventures!
Can I pick up my rentals early or check in for my lesson early?
You can pick up your rentals and check in for your lesson from 3pm the day prior, allowing you to skip the check-in line the morning of your lesson!