Take your first turns and beyond with our new two-day Learn to Ski and Ride package—the ultimate value for beginners looking to build confidence and skills on the slopes. Designed for ages 13+ and available midweek (non-holiday), this package combines two structured days of professional instruction with all the gear and access you need to succeed.
Day 1: All-Day Level 1 Lesson
Kickstart your learning journey with a full day of expert instruction tailored to first-timers. Your day includes two two-hour lessons (morning and afternoon) with a lunch break in between, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the mountain. You’ll also enjoy a limited all-day lift ticket and rental gear, so everything is covered.
Day 2: Half-Day Level 2 Lesson
Continue progressing your skills with a morning Level 2 beginner lesson. You’ll gain more confidence in your turns and techniques as our instructors guide you to the next step of your skiing or snowboarding experience. The package also includes your lift ticket and rental gear for the day.
Start your adventure any Monday through Thursday, and enjoy the journey from never-ever to beginner with this thoughtfully designed two-day package—all for just $289. Build skills, have fun, and make memories on the slopes!
Make it your winter goal to learn how to ski or snowboard this season. Get coaching from the best instructors. Our team can take you from "never ever" to making turns on the slopes in no time.
Sign up for our “First Timer Package” and get a half day ski or snowboard lesson, full day, limted lift ticket and all day equipment rental. Our first timer lesson packages are only for ages 13+.
Ages 13+ | Only $99!
This special offer is only available Monday-Thursday, non-holiday. If you want to visit on a weekend or holiday, no problem! You can book a full priced lesson.
Morning: 10:15 am to 12:15 pm Afternoon 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
*Offer is only available Monday-Friday, non-holiday. If you want to visit on a weekend or holiday, no problem! You can book a full priced beginner lesson here.
Ages 4-6 | Starting at $289
Maximum class size of 3 participants per coach.
Morning: 10:15 am to 12:15 pm Afternoon 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Best Value!
Limited access, all day lift ticket (White Pine lift and Flume carpet only)
All day ski or snowboard rentals.
Group Lesson Info
Guests renting equipment should arrive at least one hour prior to the lesson start time.
Lessons will sell out most weekends and holidays. To ensure availability, reservations are strongly encouraged.
Online reservations are available until two days prior to your lesson date. Within two days, guests are encouraged to call (530) 426-9000, option 3 to check on availability.
Day-of, walk-up lessons are available based on instructor availability.
View Cancellation Policy
Lift ticket or season pass is required to participate in any lesson.
With the right preparation and a couple helpful pointers, you’ll have a lot of fun learning to ski or ride at Sugar Bowl Resort. Check out these insider tips to make your first day on the slopes a success.
With the right preparation and a couple helpful pointers, you’ll have a lot of fun learning to ski or ride at Sugar Bowl Resort.
1. Go with a Pro & Book a Lesson
Friends are great for carpooling but they almost always fall short as ski instructors. Book a lesson with one of our certified ski & ride instructors and we’ll get you started in the right direction. The progress you can make with an hour of ski instruction can replace days or weeks of figuring it out on your own.
As I’m sure you learned all too well during the pandemic, we send our kids to professional teachers in school for a reason…they are trained to teach. Same goes for our PSIA certified Ski Instructors.
We also offer a First Timer Package that you can sign up for (age 13+). Starting at just $149 you can get a half day ski or snowboard lesson, full day lift ticket and all day equipment rental.
The Skier Responsibility Code is a crash course in ski area etiquette. but it’s a good idea to get a basic idea of the do’s and don’ts before you hit the slopes. The list includes common sense items such as always stay in control & be able to stop, but also some items you might not consider, like stopping in a safe spot where you can be seen. When possible, I like to stop behind a sign or tree for an added level of protection.
When you’re just getting started, look for the zones with the most green circles. (Hint: both parking areas have access to beginner terrain.) Get an idea of which chairlifts you want to ride that day to access the terrain you want to ski or ride. If you take a few minutes to get your bearings before your first day, you’ll feel much more confident when you arrive. Here’s a link to our trail map. Have questions while at the mountain, just ask someone in a blue Sugar Bowl uniform. Our team is passionate about skiing and snowboarding and loves to share that passion with others.
Sure, your friend might have a free set of skis you can borrow, but if they are better suited for a ski museum or a foot taller than you, the “savings” are doing you no favors.
One of our friendly base area rental shops can help get you and/or your family dialed in for your first day on the slopes. A professional technician will make sure your skis or boards are properly adjusted to match your skill level. You can rest assured that our state-of-the-art rental fleet is waxed, tuned, and ready to rock. Rentals are only available for skiers and riders taking a lesson at Sugar Bowl. Be sure to book at least a day in advance!
A great day in the mountains starts with comfortable outdoor clothing. The basics are: waterproof jacket and pants, insulating/moisture-wicking base layers, helmet, googles, gloves, and ski socks. Remember to avoid cotton wherever possible, because it gets cold when wet. For a step-by-step guide, check out this helpful blog.
Pocket essentials: we like to have a travel size sunscreen, lip balm, microfiber goggle cloth, and tissues. Forgot something? We can help at one of our on-mountain stores.
If it’s your first day, it’s safe to say that you’ll be learning a lot of new skills (and testing out a couple new muscles too!) Taking a lunch break at one of our on-mountain dining locations is an opportunity to rest, relax, hydrate, and enjoy the view of the surrounding Sierra. You’ll be ready for another round of skiing or riding after a little down-time.
On a budget? Keep a spare Cliff Bar in your pocket. Kids learning to ski too? Pack two for them! Parking lot car picnics are allowed and encouraged.
Many of our guests travel to Sugar Bowl from sea level and will hop on the lifts that lead straight to our highest peak at 8,383’. While this altitude change is typically manageable, you may notice a mild headache and some extra huffing and puffing going up the stairs. Stay hydrated, take it slow, and keep an extra Advil in your pocket just in case.
Don’t go just yet! After your big first day on the slopes, plan to enjoy the legendary après culture Sugar Bowl has to offer. Join us for great food and party vibes at the Belt Room. Looking for a laidback soak in the sun? Try the picnic tables outside of Judah Lodge. Whatever you’re up for, our skiing and riding culture at Sugar Bowl is a lot of fun, and we’re excited to show you what it’s all about.
We’ve got your lesson, lift ticket, and rentals - all in one package. Are you ready to meet your instructor?
A Learn to Ski & Ride Package is the best way to get started. One of our certified ski & ride instructors will get you started in the right direction. The progress you can make with an hour of ski instruction can replace days or weeks of figuring it out on your own.
Call (530) 426-9000, option 3 to speak with a Snowsports Reservations Specialist today.
Tips for a Successful Day
Reserve your lesson prior to arrival.
Lessons do sell-out especially on weekends & holidays
Arrive at least one hour prior to your lesson time
This will ensure you get your rental equipment in plenty of time and don't have to rush around
Wear appropriate clothing including: (Items below are not included in the package)
Warm Jacket & Waterproof Pants
Waterproof Gloves
Sunglasses or Goggles
Warm Hat or Beanie
Good Socks (not cotton, wool is best)
Wear a Helmet (Rentals Available)
Dress in Layers (this helps so you can add more layers for warmth or remove clothing if you are getting too warm)
All lesson participants must have a lift access product (lift ticket or season pass) to join a lesson. Lessons will sell out most weekends and holidays, so to ensure availability, reservations are strongly encouraged. Online reservations are available until two days prior to your lesson date. Within two days, guests are encouraged to call (530) 426-9000. & must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival. Most private lessons can be booked online or please call us for availability at (530) 426-9000, option 3 to check on availability. Day-of, walk-up lessons are available based on instructor availability.
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