Ski School FAQ – Mt. Ashland Ski Area

Group Lessons are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No advanced reservations available. To sign up, please visit the Ticket Desk in the main ski lodge on the day you would like to take a lesson.

This is a list of questions that our guests ask us frequently about lessons. If you need more information, please reach out to us at skischool@mtashland.com or (541) 494-4556.

Youth Lessons

What days of the week will you offer youth group lessons?

Currently, we are able to offer our Snow Scooter (ages 4-6) and Ridge Runner (ages 7-12) lessons on weekends and holidays.

What is the youngest age you will take in your lessons?

Our lessons are available for children 4 and above. However, we do ask that your child is potty trained if you plan on signing them up for ski school.

Where do I drop off & pick up my child for their lesson? What time is drop off & pick up?

For Snow Scooters (group lessons for ages 4-6), drop off & pick up is at the Snow Scooter check-in, located downstairs in the main lodge. If you have a Snow Scooter and a person in a different lesson program in your party, please drop off your Snow Scooter first.

For Ridge Runners (group lessons for ages 7-12), drop off & pick up is at the Learning Center, located outside the main lodge next to the beginner slope.

If your child is in a Private lesson, their drop off & pick up location will be at the Learning Center outside of the main lodge regardless of age.

Please arrive at the pick up location 15 minutes prior to the end of your child’s lesson. If you have multiple children to pick up in different locations, let one of our ski school staff know.

Will my child ride the chairlift in their lesson?

We will only ever instruct at a level that will be safe and fun for all students. As such, we will never guarantee that your child will be able to ride on a chairlift in a group lesson even if they have done so in the past.

Additionally, most smaller riders will need individual supervision when riding the chairlift for safety reasons. If you would like to submit a private lesson request, please click here.

Can I ride with my child during their lesson?

We strongly recommend that parents/guardians observe from a distance or have fun elsewhere on the mountain to avoid disrupting class. Parents or guardians will not be permitted to join the class without prior approval from Ski School management.

I have questions about the Student Youth Program.

For information on our school programs, please click here.

Ski School Tickets & Rentals

Are you offering lesson packages? What if I already have my own lift ticket/equipment?

Our lessons do not include tickets or rentals. If you are needing rentals or a lift ticket in addition to your group lesson, you may add either or both to your purchase of a lesson at a 20% discount. Private lessons are not eligible for the ticket or rental discount.

Lesson participants will be responsible for bringing their own food, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What is included in your rental package?

Our snowboard rental package includes a snowboard, bindings, boots, and a helmet.

Our ski rental package includes skis, bindings, boots, poles, and a helmet. We do not recommend poles for beginner skiers or children.

We do not rent out goggles, waterproof jackets or pants, or gloves. We do have very limited clothing available for purchase at our retail store, or you may bring your own from home.

Do I need a lift ticket?

Yes, all lesson participants are required to have a lift ticket even if they do not utilize our lifts. Riders ages 6 & under and 70+ ride at no cost, and may pick up their free ticket at the ticket counter.

What should I bring to my lesson?

Weather conditions will vary throughout the day, and remember that you will be spending the day outside! We recommend dressing in moisture-wicking layers & waterproof outerwear, bringing goggles or sunglasses, and bringing sunscreen. A refillable water bottle and snacks are also highly encouraged.

Reservations & Cancellations, and Contacting Ski School

How do I contact Mt. Ashland Ski School?

The best and fastest way to contact us is by email at SkiSchool@mtashland.com. You may also leave us a voicemail at (541) 494-4556. We will return your messages in the order they were received, but please expect a return to your message within 24 business hours. Our business hours will be Thursday-Monday, 8AM-4PM.

What is the Ski School cancellation policy? How do I make changes to my lesson reservation?

Cancellations or changes may be made by email to SkiSchool@mtashland.com, or by leaving us a voicemail at (541) 494-4556. All cancellations and changes must be made at least 48 hours prior to your lesson start time. Cancellations or changes made within the 48 hour window may be subject to a cancellation/late change fee equal to 50% of the cost of your lesson.

Our lessons will not be canceled due to inclement weather so long as the resort is open and operating. No time will be added to your lesson if you are late. In the event of a mountain/road closure, we will contact you to reschedule as soon as our staff is able.

Who should I contact if I have a medical condition, food/drug allergy, or other special circumstance?

While we will always do our best to accommodate everyone, any special circumstances should be discussed with our ski school staff prior to your visit. You may send us an email at SkiSchool@mtashland.com or leave us a voicemail at (541) 494-4556. The sooner we know, the better we are able to accommodate.

Everything Else

Should I tip my instructor? How much should I tip?

Cash gratuities are accepted and are an appropriate way to make your instructor feel valued and appreciated! A gratuity equaling 15%-25% of the cost of your lesson is appropriate.

What will the weather be like when I'm there?

For weather information, please check the Mt. Ashland Weather page or the National Weather Service Webpage. You are welcome to use either forecast.

For road conditions, you may use TripCheck.com.

Can skiers and snowboarders be in the same lesson?

Because they are two different sports skiers and snowboarders are never in the same class, although they may be in the same learning areas in general proximity.

What time should I show up for my lesson?

Early is on time! If you are needing rentals it is recommended that you arrive at the ticket office to check in at least 60 minutes before your lesson start time to allow yourself time to get through the rental line. If you already have your own equipment, 30 minutes should suffice.

Please allow time for winter driving conditions and busy weekends/holidays.