If you’re starting to plan your family’s winter trip to the mountains, you’ll probably want to start booking those ski and snowboard lessons for your little ones too. While snow tubing is sure to keep the kids entertained, there are only so many times you can go down the same hill without getting bored. Consider booking your stay at one of these ski resorts, so you can enjoy your own mountain adventures while the kiddos learn how to tackle the slopes.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on November 17, 2021.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Located in the mountains of West Virginia, Snowshoe is worthy of a family vacation or weekend trip. First-time skiers and snowboarders have multiple options to choose from when it comes to lessons. Terrain-based learning takes skiers and snowboarders through a sculpted terrain, designed with them in mind; private lessons give you and your children one-on-one attention; and group ski and snowboard lessons are available for ages 4-12 and ages 13 and up. Snowshoe also offers Pre Ski School, where little guests play with crafts and toys, hear stories, and then play in the snow—sans skis. 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, West Virginia; Kids’ lessons begin at $189
Timberline Four Seasons Resort
Timberline provides age-appropriate programs across the mountain for children, both in group and private settings. With half and full day lessons for ages 4-9, both classes include coaching with instructors specially trained to work with younger kids and help them build confidence and love around the sport. 254 Four Seasons Dr., Davis, West Virginia; Kids’ lessons begin at $100
Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center
Enroll your kid in the Snowsports School at Canaan Valley Resort. The Mountain Adventure program allows children to ski and snowboard together as you go off and enjoy the slopes yourself. Mountain Adventure’s groups are arranged by ability level and remain small to ensure the children receive one-on-one attention from the trainers. To ski, children must be between the ages of 5 and 12, and to snowboard, they must be between 9 and 12. The lessons include daily lift tickets, equipment rental, helmet rental, snacks and lunch. 230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, West Virginia; Kids’ lessons begin at $40
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
According to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, the best time to teach your child how to ski or snowboard is between the ages of 4 and 7. The resort’s Tiny Tots Lessons focuses on teaching children to focus on “going” rather than “stopping” as they ski or snowboard in shaped snow that naturally controls their speeds and directions, making it easier to start, turn, and stop. The Tiny Tots package includes up to two hours of learning on the snow and a lift ticket. 777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion, Pennsylvania; Tiny Tots Lessons begin at $152
Wisp Resort
Wisp Kids is designed for children ages 5-12, with full-day and half-day group programs. Your kids will make new friends as they learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding. Both programs include lift tickets, equipment and helmets. The full-day program includes lunch plus extended-day ski rentals and lift access. 296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, Maryland; Kids’ lessons begin at $249
Wintergreen Resort
Dubbed “The Treehouse,” Wintergreen Resort’s kids’ ski programs are for children ages 6 and up, with half-day programs. Children are placed in groups based on age and ability level, and time is split between being on the snow and then on breaks for lunch, snacks, and hot chocolate. Route 664, Wintergreen, Virginia; Kids’ lessons begin at $109
Massanutten Resort
Massanutten’s Mountain Cruisers program is aimed for kids aged 4-12, from beginner to advanced levels of skiing and snowboarding. The package includes an eight-hour slope-use ticket, equipment and helmet rental, lunch, and supervised instruction. Depending on the skill level, children will work on sliding, stopping, turning, skiing parallel, skiing on expert terrain, and snowboarding on intermediate or expert terrain. 4620 Massanutten Dr., Massanutten, Virginia; Kids’ lessons begin at $85
Roundtop Mountain Resort
At Roundtop Mountain Resort, ski lessons are set for children ages 3-12, and snowboarding lessons are for children ages 5-12. The two-hour skiing and snowboarding lessons are organized by age group, with private lessons available. Both packages provide lift tickets, a class lesson, and use of rental ski or snowboard equipment. 925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, Pennsylvania; Kids’ lessons begin at $110
Whitetail Resort
Whitetail Learning Programs were recognized as the best children’s programs in the country by the National Ski Areas Association during the 2010-2011 winter season. The resort’s Kids’ Mountain Camp is for skiers ages 4-12 and snowboarders ages 5-12. The length of time for the snow portion of the lessons are based on the attention span and physical abilities of the child, ensuring that they’ll receive top-notch instruction fit for their capabilities. 13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; Kids’ lessons begin at $110
Liberty Mountain Resort
The Children’s Learning Center at Liberty offers a multitude of programs for children of all age groups, including camps and private lessons. If you plan on making skiing trips a regular event for your family, we suggest booking the Ski with Me package, a special private lesson for you and your child, ages 3 and older. You’ll receive tips from the instructor on how to help your kid’s skills develop over time. You must have a decent knowledge of how to ski or snowboard yourself before the lesson. 78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania; Lessons begin at $94
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