Important Information

Do you know your skill level? We can help you figure out your ski or riding level, give you tips for your first time on the mountain, get information on Vail Children's and Adult's Snowsports School, locations and much more.

Whether it's getting down the basics, exploring untracked Back Bowls, or nailing halfpipe tricks, nothing compares to the attention of one of our remarkable, friendly instructors.

Here are a few things to know before attending Vail Snowsports School:

Age Classifications
Adults (16 years +)
Teens (13 years - 15 years)
Kids (3 years - 12 years)
Small World Play School (2 months - 6 years)

Where & When
Vail Snowsports School has several locations for your convenience. Please review the locations listed below and the types of lessons they offer. Private Lessons can be booked and purchased through every location. Group Lessons can be purchased at all sales locations but have very specific meeting locations. Please review the chart below to see what location works best for you.

Adult Group Lesson Meeting Places
Vail Square: First time skiers and snowboarders meet at the base for full and half day lessons. All other
lessons meet at the Adventure Ridge building outside Eagles Nest (Bailey's Place) at the top of the Gondola.
Mid-Vail: Lessons meet outside Mid-Vail across from the Look Ma level.
Golden Peak: First time skiers meet on the plaza next to the bus stop. All other lessons meet outside
the Golden Peak building between chairs 6 & 12.

Alpine All Day (9:45am - 3:30pm)
First Time (Level 1): Vail Square and Golden Peak Base
Beginner (Levels 2-3): Eagle's Nest and Golden Peak Base
Advanced Beginner (Level 4): Eagle's Nest and Mid-Vail
Intermediate (Levels 5-7): Eagle's Nest and Mid-Vail
Advanced (Levels 8-9): Eagle's Nest and Mid-Vail (except during Christmas,
Advanced meets at Eagle's Nest only)

Alpine Workshops (12:35pm - 3:45pm)
First Time (Level 1): Vail Square and Golden Peak Base
Beginner (Levels 2-3): Eagle's Nest and Golden Peak Base
Advanced Beginner (Level 4): Eagle's Nest and Mid-Vail
Intermediate (Levels 5-7): Mid-Vail
Advanced (Levels 8-9): Mid-Vail

Snowboard All Day (9:45am - 3:30pm)
First Time (Level 1): Vail Square and Golden Peak Base
Beginner (Levels 2-3): Eagle's Nest and Golden Peak Base
Advanced Beginner (Level 4): Eagle's Nest and Golden Peak Base
Intermediate (Levels 5-6): Eagle's Nest and Golden Peak Base
Advanced (Levels 7-9): Eagle's Nest and Golden Peak Base

Snowboard Workshops (12:35pm - 3:45pm)
First Time (Level 1 Only): Vail Square and Golden Peak Base

Kids Class Meeting Places
All kids classes meet at either Vail Square or Golden Peak Base

Reservations
For Private Lessons we always recommend advanced reservations in order for us to connect you with the perfect instructor. Private Lessons can be reserved by calling 800-475-4543. Also, make sure to print out General Release Form and bring with you.

All other adult group lesson products must be purchased in person at one of our Vail Snowsports School offices. These locations are listed above. We never sell out of our group classes.

Important Lift Ticket Information
Lift tickets are not available with all lesson products but are required for all lessons. Please be aware that all lesson/lift packages provide a lift ticket at a discounted price. This lift ticket is only valid while participating in the purchased lesson.

Registering
The best time to register for group classes is the day before the lesson start date: 1:00pm - 4:30pm.

If registering the morning of, please allow a minimum of 1 hour prior to lesson start time to pick up tickets and get fitted for rental equipment.

Vail Snowsports School offices hours of operation
Adult Snowsports School - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Children's Snowsports School - 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Open - Dec. 14 and Apr. 1 - Close) and
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Dec. 15 - Mar. 31)

To rent or not to rent?
Rental shops are located in Vail Square, Golden Peak and Vail Village and feature state-of-the-art equipment at the most convenient locations. Skis, boards, poles, boots, and helmets are available to rent. You can also browse the latest gear, outerwear, casual clothing and mountain essentials. Order online. Save time. Your equipment will be waiting for you when you get here.

What to bring
Bring warm, waterproof gloves or mittens, goggles or sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, warm jacket, hat, snow pants, and a neck warmer (for colder days).