Rentals & Lessons
Skill Level Ability Guide
Match yourself to the right lesson or program with the Mt Washington Ability Guide.
Ability Guide
Your Amazing Day Starts Here
Use our easy-to-follow guide to rate your or your child’s ability level for lessons, seasonal programs, and drop-in programs. Once you have completed each milestone and checked each point in the level, you can move on to the next one.
Skiing — Tots (Ages 2–6)
DISCOVER
Discover Skiing
First-Time Experience:
- First time skiing
- Shows a balanced stance in a straight run
- Consistently able to independently snowplow stop
Program Overview:
Welcome to the sport of skiing and snowboarding! Our group lesson packages for beginners include an Easy Acres lift ticket, rental equipment (skis/board, boots, poles, helmets), and either a 2.5-hour half-day lesson with a snack break or a full-day with 5 hours of instruction and two snack breaks. Add lunch for a complete day of supervised fun on the slopes!
BEARS
Bears — Beginner Skier
Skis Green Terrain in Easy Acres:
- Can snowplow turn left and right
- Maintains control in Easy Acres terrain
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
MARMOTS
Marmots — Novice Skier
Skis Green and Blue Terrain off the Hawk Chair:
- Maintains control on green runs & blue runs
- Starting to adventure into varied easy terrain
- Stands up by themselves
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
COYOTES
Coyotes — Intermediate Skier
Skis Blue Terrain off the Hawk & Eagle Chair:
- Balanced over turning ski
- Wide stance parallel turns on all green runs
- Maintains turn shape and speed control on blue runs
Optional: Introduction to small park features
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
EAGLES
Eagles — Advanced Skier
Skis Black/Double Black Terrain off the Sunrise & Eagle Chair:
- Shows a variety of turn sizes with a pole plant
- Confident in varied terrain and skis wide stance parallel
- Displays edging skills on blue runs
- Explores the beginner terrain park
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
WOLVES
Wolves — Expert Skier (New Level for Mighty Tots Seasonal Program Only)
Skis Black/Double Black Terrain on the Boomerang & Eagle Chair:
- Can skillfully link turns in varied terrain
- Can pole plant effectively
- Can carve with both skis through the bottom of the turn on Eagle Chair terrain
- Enjoys the challenge of boxes and jumps in the terrain park
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Snowboarding — Tots (Ages 2–6)
DISCOVER
Discover Snowboarding
First-Time Experience:
- First time snowboarding
- Sideslips on toe or heel edge
Program Overview:
Welcome to the sport of skiing and snowboarding! Our group lesson packages for beginners include an Easy Acres lift ticket, rental equipment (skis/board, boots, poles, helmets), and either a 2.5-hour half-day lesson with a snack break or a full-day with 5 hours of instruction and two snack breaks. Add lunch for a complete day of supervised fun on the slopes!
GROMS
Groms — Beginner Rider
Rides Green Terrain in the Easy Acres Area:
- Sideslips on toe or heel edge with direction
- Stands up by themselves
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
SLIDERS
Sliders — Novice Rider
Rides Green and Blue Terrain on the Hawk Chair:
- Can link turns on a green run
- Sideslip one edge on blue runs
Optional: Introduction to small park feature
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
SHREDDERS
Shredders — Intermediate Rider
Rides Blue Terrain on the Hawk and Eagle Chair:
- Directional sideslips on both toe and heel edge on blue runs
- Controlled linked turns on gentle blue runs
- Exploring varied blue terrain
Optional: Gaining confidence in beginner park
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
FREERIDERS
Freeriders — Advanced Rider
Rides Black Terrain on the Sunrise & Eagle Chair:
- Link turns on black runs, with carving skills
- Confident turns on varying terrain
- Riding switch on blue runs
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Skiing — Ages 7+
DISCOVER
Discover Skiing
First-Time Experience:
- First time skiing
- Can consistently snowplow stop
Program Overview:
Welcome to the sport of skiing and snowboarding! Our group lesson packages for beginners include an Easy Acres lift ticket, rental equipment (skis/board, boots, poles, helmets), and either a 2.5-hour half-day lesson with a snack break or a full-day with 5 hours of instruction and two snack breaks. Add lunch for a complete day of supervised fun on the slopes!
Level 1
Level 1 — Beginner Skier
Skis Green Terrain in Easy Acres:
- Can consistently snowplow stop
- Shows a balanced stance in a straight run
- Can turn left and right
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 2
Level 2 — Novice Skier
Skis Green and Some Gentle Blue Terrain off the Hawk Chair:
- Shows control on green and blue terrain on Hawk Chair
- Familiar with riding Hawk Chair
- Starting to ski parallel on green terrain
- Starting to adventure into varied easy terrain
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 3
Level 3 — Intermediate Skier
Skis Blue Terrain on the Eagle Chair:
- Parallel turns on blue runs
- Balanced over-turning ski
- Showing coordination of movements for edging and pressure control
- Exploring varied terrain, turns with traverse
Optional: Introduction to small park features
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 4
Level 4 — Advanced Skier
Skis Blue/Black Terrain on the Sunrise & Eagle Chair:
- Strong parallel turns with a pole plant on blue/black groomed runs
- Skis at a moderate pace on varied terrain, still cautious
- Linking turns, with traverse in the bumps
Optional: working towards Instructor Certification
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 5
Level 5 — Expert Skier
Skis Black/Double Black Terrain on Eagle, Sunrise & Boomerang Chair:
- Skis parallel confidently on black/double black diamond runs
- Working on short turns in black/double black ungroomed terrain
- Can ski at a faster pace on all runs and in all conditions
- Experimenting with different turn shapes in all terrain
Optional: working towards Instructor Certification
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Snowboarding — Ages 7+
DISCOVER
Discover Snowboarding
First-Time Experience:
- First time snowboarding
- Learning to control speed and direction
Program Overview:
Welcome to the sport of skiing and snowboarding! Our group lesson packages for beginners include an Easy Acres lift ticket, rental equipment (skis/board, boots, poles, helmets), and either a 2.5-hour half-day lesson with a snack break or a full-day with 5 hours of instruction and two snack breaks. Add lunch for a complete day of supervised fun on the slopes!
Level 1
Level 1 — Beginner Rider
Rides Green Terrain in Easy Acres:
- Can control speed and direction on both heel and toe edges
- Learning to link turns and developing smoother turns on easy green runs
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 2
Level 2 — Novice Rider
Rides Green and Blue Terrain off the Hawk Chair:
- Can confidently link turns on green runs and working toward gentle blue runs
- Shows comfort and mobility on board with body positions
- Starting to explore some basic freestyle maneuvers (mini-ollies, 360s on snow, switch turns)
Optional: Introduction to small park or freestyle features
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 3
Level 3 — Intermediate Rider
Rides Blue Terrain on the Hawk and Whiskey Jack Chair:
- Comfortable turning on blue runs and refine carving skills on green terrain
- Beginning to explore ungroomed terrain and riding switch
- Learning to create small airs with ollies, nollies, and natural feature pops
Optional: ride straight over small terrain park features
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 4
Level 4 — Advanced Rider
Rides Blue/Black Terrain on the Sunrise & Eagle Chair:
- Comfortable turning on black groomed terrain and blue varied terrain
- Starting to carve on blue terrain
- Riding switch on green runs with ease and control and exploring switch on blue runs
Optional: comfortable in small terrain park and starting to explore the large terrain park
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Level 5
Level 5 — Expert Rider
Rides Black/Double Black Terrain on Eagle, Sunrise & Boomerang Chair:
- Creating variation in riding, while managing speed on black terrain
- Comfortable on ungroomed double black runs
- Able to land balanced on small drops
Optional: Multiple maneuvers performed consistently in large terrain park
Program Overview:
Group lessons are a great way to learn with others of similar ability. Classes are kept small and instructors are trained to deal with varying abilities so that the learning environment is kept fun and active. Half-day group lessons are 2.5 hours in length and include a snack. Full-day lessons include 5 hours of instruction and 2 snack breaks. Add lunch for a fully supervised day of fun on the slopes!
Awareness & Safety
Ensuring the safety of our guests during skiing and riding at Mount Washington is our top priority. We aim to create an environment that promotes a secure and healthy recreational area.
Maps & Guides
Navigate Mount Washington safely and confidently, or download our app with a built-in map, location services, run tracking and more. Downloads are available for both Android and iOS.
8 Easy Steps
8 Easy Steps for a Great Day
Tips and Help
Ready to Book Your Lesson
Please NoteReservations are strongly encouraged. Please go online to mountwashington.ca to book, or call (250) 338-1386 ext. 384 to speak with a lesson specialist. Class sizes are limited to ensure fun and safety.
Call
Speak with our team.
Good to Know Before You Arrive
Know Before You Go
Prepare to make the most of your time with us on the snow.
- Allow a minimum of 1.25 hours between your arrival in the resort (or departing your condo) and the lesson start time — e.g., for a 9 a.m. lesson, plan to arrive by 8 a.m.
- If you already have equipment, please proceed directly to the outdoor lesson meeting areas. If you require a pass, please visit the Ticket Windows outside the Alpine Lodge.
- You are responsible for supervising your child (4+ years) prior to meeting the instructor on the snow, 10 minutes before the scheduled lesson start time.
- All lessons start promptly at the scheduled start time regardless of weather conditions or reduced lift operations. There are no refunds for missed lessons.
- Consider checking in the night before! On nights the resort is open for night skiing, you’re welcome to visit us in the Experience Centre until 8 pm.
- You are responsible for meeting your child in the assigned meeting place outside Mountain Kids. Mount Washington is responsible for supervising your child during scheduled lesson times only — Tots will not be released on their own, and you may be charged for additional care.
Knowing your reservation number will speed up the check-in process — please have this handy upon arrival. Thanks for choosing the Mount Washington Snow School! We look forward to welcoming you on the snow soon.
Lesson Cancellation Policy
- All lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled more than 48 hours in advance. Please call the Snow School at 250-338-1386 ext. 384 or email [email protected].
- There are no refunds or changes allowed within 48 hours of the lesson time, unless due to a medical issue or illness.
- 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.
- For camps and seasonal programs, there are no refunds or changes allowed after day 1, unless due to a medical issue or illness.
Get In Touch
Connect With Our Team
Please contact [email protected] to learn more about our gift cards and how to purchase. Gift cards never expire and can be used in both winter and summer for lift tickets, alpine & Nordic rentals, snow tubing, dining, après, Snow School lessons, camps and even gear from Outdoor Elements retail.
Questions, or looking for more?
Connect With Us
If you have any questions, please contact us using the information below:
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, P.O. Box 3069, STN Main, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 5N3
1-250-338-1386 · Toll-Free: 1-888-231-1499 · [email protected]