Ability Guide - Mount Washington Alpine Resort
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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.

Ability Level Guide SKIING TOTS (AGES 2-6)

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 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!

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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!

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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!

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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 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!

Ability Level Guide SNOWBOARDING TOTS (AGES 2-6)

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 BEGINNER RIDER

RIDES GREEN TERRAIN IN 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!

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SLIDERS NOVICE RIDER

RIDES GREEN AND BLUE TERRAIN ON THE HAWK CHAIR:

  • Can linked 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 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 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!

Ability Level Guide SKIING (AGES 7+)

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!

LEVEL1 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!

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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 INTERMEDIATE SKIER

SKIS BLUE TERRAIN ON THE EAGLE CHAIR:

  • Parallel turns 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 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 EXPERT SKIER

SKIS BLACK/DOUBLE BLACK TERRAIN ON EAGLE, SUNRISE AND 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!

Ability Level Guide SNOWBOARDING (AGES 7+)

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 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!

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LEVEL 2 NOVICE RIDER

SKIS 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 INTERMEDIATE RIDER

RIDES BLUE TERRAIN ON 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 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 with 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 EXPERT RIDER

RIDES BLACK/DOUBLE BLACK TERRAIN ON EAGLE, SUNRISE AND 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!

Safety & Awareness

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.
Awareness & Safety
Maps & Guides

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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.

Maps & Guides

8 Easy Steps

YOUR AMAZING DAY STARTS HERE

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Tips and Help

YOUR AMAZING DAY STARTS HERE

Reserve Now

Reservations 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

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 (i.e. for a 9 am lesson, plan to arrive by 8 am).
  • 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 of the Alpine Lodge.
  • You are responsible for supervising your child (4+ years) prior to meeting the instructor on the snow 10 minutes prior to the scheduled lesson start time.
  • Please be aware that 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 that the resort is open for night skiing, you are welcome to visit us in the Experience Centre until 8 pm.
  • You are responsible for supervising your child (4yr +) prior to meeting the instructor on the snow 10 minutes prior to the scheduled lesson start time.
  • Please be aware that all lessons start promptly at the scheduled start time regardless of weather conditions or reduced lift operations. There are no refunds for missed lessons.
  • 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. If possible, please also have this handy upon arrival. Thanks for choosing to visit us at the Mount Washington Snow School! We look forward to welcoming you on the snow you 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 cancellations@mountwashington.ca.
  • 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 lessons will not be able to join. We will do our best to rebook for later that day.

 

Season Pass Auto-Renewal! This offering is the ideal way to automatically get the best rate on your season pass. It’s easy and convenient and will ensure you do not miss a sale deadline. Note: any other add-on products (Locker, Bus Season Rental, Refundable Option, etc.) selected will automatically auto-renew, if you want to change any add-ons, you will need to cancel auto-renew and repurchase.

** Unsure if you selected to Auto-Renew your Passes when you bought last year? Don't double-purchase! Check with our Guest Service agents first before purchasing. Call our team to check on your status at 1-250-338-1386

IF YOU DID OPT-IN FOR AUTO-RENEW:

View your account: https://mountwashington.ltibooking.com/

If you opted into the auto-renewal feature when purchasing a 2024/25 season pass, you will be charged for your 2025/26 season pass around March 24, 2025 - please check your emails. Unless you have aged up to a new tier of season pass and need to repurchase. Auto-renew is the best way for pass holders to be automatically guaranteed the lowest prices and maximum benefits!

  • No cost to apply; choose this add-on option through the online purchase process of your season pass, and you are signed up to auto-renew in the following season.
  • You will receive an email when the following year's season pass rates are announced, and you have the option to continue with the auto-renewal or opt-out. We will email you an additional email that we will charge your card on file.
  • The slope liability agreement that you electronically signed will be valid for up to 3 years if you continue to auto-renew. After 3 years, we will prompt you to re-sign the agreement electronically.
  • If a season pass holder is moving age brackets (ie. a youth turns 19), they will need to be moved into the next age bracket and charged the pass price accordingly. Auto-renew will be cancelled, and you will need to repurchase for the new age bracket. Auto-renew can be selected again to continue getting the lowest price each season (until the next big milestone birthday!)


Auto-Renewal FAQs - give us a call if you have questions +1 (855) 938-2006

Q1: I'm not sure if I signed up for auto-renewal last year when I purchased my 24/25 season pass; how can I check? Can I still cancel auto-renew?
A1: Please sign in to your account at: https://mountwashington.ltibooking.com/ to review details about your purchase. If you would like to cancel the auto-renew charge, please do so in your account before March 23, 2025
 
Q2: How can I change my payment information for the auto-renew transaction?
A2: Guests who need to update payment details for their credit card on file for auto-renew will need to contact our online store partner, Catalate, to securely provide new details over the phone at +1 (855) 938-2006. Requests can also be emailed to support@ltibooking.com, but your private details should only be shared over the phone. 
 
Q3: How do I go about selecting the auto-renewal option? And is it just valid for the 25/26 season into the 26/27 season, or will it continue to auto-renew year-after-year?
A3: If the auto-renewal option is chosen as an add-on in the checkout path, your season pass will be renewed without the action needed for years to come. If you do not want to auto-renew at any time, we need it in writing, and we can withdraw you from the program. This is the only way to be automatically guaranteed the lowest price!
 
Q4: How can I change details for my auto-renew transaction?
A4: Short answer, you can't. Your Season Pass renewal will include all the same optional add-on experiences you selected for the prior season, such as Lockers, Seasonal Bus Passes or Refundable Insurance, ensuring you receive the best available add-on rates. If you need to change any of your optional add-ons, you will need to cancel the auto-renew and repurchase.

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