Closed for Summer

SKI & RIDE SCHOOL RETURNS IN AUGUST 2026

Learn to Ski and Snowboard in Crested Butte

Your Best Day on the Mountain is Waiting

Child Group Lessons

Lessons are the perfect way for all ages and ability levels to build skills and confidence on the slopes while having tons of fun!
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Adult Group Lessons

Get started with a first-time lesson or join our world-class instructors to level up your skills, grow your confidence and unlock new terrain.
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Private Lessons

Personalized coaching for you or your small group. Enjoy a customized experience fully catered to your goals, interests and skill level.
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What Level Am I?

Lessons are grouped based on age and ability level. Use the table below to find the level that best describes you, and an idea of what you can expect during your lesson. Your instructor will confirm your placement at the start of your lesson.

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Current Ability
Lesson Goals
 
First Timer

I have never skied before or it has been many years since my last experience

  • Get comfortable with equipment
  • Learn to balance and move on snow with control
  • Learn how to stop safely and confidently
 
Beginner

I can balance, slide, and change directions on beginner or green terrain and can ride a beginner lift

  • Learn to turn and control speed by shaping turns
  • Build confidence changing direction and riding beginner lifts
  • Begin progressing toward parallel skiing while staying in control
 
Intermediate

I can link parallel turns and control my speed on groomed, blue terrain

  • Learn and refine parallel turns, including basic pole use
  • Explore a broader range of terrain and snow conditions
  • Engage edges to improve control, rhythm and flow
 
Advanced

I can control my speed through line choice and turn shape on groomed and ungroomed advanced terrain

  • Unlock new terrain through high-performance parallel turns
  • Confidently ski advanced groomed and ungroomed terrain while maintaining speed and turn shape
  • Ski the entire mountain with control, versatility and personal style
Current Ability
Lesson Goals
 
First Timer

I have never snowboarded before or it has been many years since my last experience

  • Get comfortable with equipment
  • Learn to balance and move on snow with control
  • Learn how to stop safely and confidently
 
Beginner

I can balance, slide, and change directions on beginner or green terrain and can ride a beginner lift

  • Build confidence steering the board, riding lifts and moving around the mountain
  • Control speed by turning, balancing, changing directions and stopping on both heelside and toeside edges
  • Consistently link turns on beginner terrain, controlling speed through turn shape and size
 
Intermediate

I can link turns and control my speed on groomed, blue terrain

  • Refine carved turns and build confidence riding switch
  • Engage edges to improve performance, rhythm, and flow through more dynamic turning
  • Explore a wider range of terrain and valuable snow conditions while maintaining control
 
Advanced

I can control my speed through line choice and turn shape on groomed and ungroomed advanced terrain

  • Carve controlled turns while varying speed and line choice on challenging groomed terrain
  • Expand switch riding & freestyle skills into more challenging ungroomed terrain
  • Tackle the mountain and extreme terrain with control, versatility, and personal style

Crested Butte Ski & Ride School FAQs

What ski and snowboard lesson offerings will you provide this year at the resort?
We are pleased to offer a range of ski and snowboard programming including group lessons, private lessons, season-long programs, and specialty programs. Specific details can be found on our Ski and Ride School pages.

 

When will season long programs be available for enrollment?  
Seasonal programs for the 2026-2027 season will be available for new participant registration starting in September. Please note that early registration for some seasonal programs is granted to previous program participants. This may result in limited spots for new participants.    

 

What is included with a ski or snowboard lesson?  
Each lesson will include professional instruction from one of our instructors. If offered, full day children's group lessons will include lunch. Participants will be responsible for bringing or purchasing their own food in private lessons, group lessons for adults, and season long and specialty lessons for children unless specified in the program details.

 

Do lessons Include rentals and lift tickets? 
As the standard, lessons do not include lift tickets or rentals. Please check lesson details to verify what is included in your lesson. Lift access (Epic Pass or lift ticket) and appropriate equipment are required to participate in all lessons. 

While purchasing a group lesson, you can add-on lift tickets and rentals at a discounted rate. You may bring your own equipment. Passes are available to purchase here. Buy in advance and online for the best rates. 

 

What should I bring to my lesson?  
Weather conditions will vary and remember you will spend the day outside! We recommend dressing in layers and wearing warm, waterproof outerwear, including gloves or mittens. Goggles or sunglasses and sunscreen are also strongly recommended. Helmets are required for all participants in child lessons / programs and are encouraged for all guests. Though they may be available in the resort's retail shop, the Ski & Ride School does not have these items available to borrow or rent.

All lesson participants are required to have a valid season pass or lift ticket, as well as ski or snowboard equipment. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at both drop-off and pick-up. Accurate and up-to-date emergency contact information is required for each minor, and listed emergency contacts must be reachable throughout the lesson in case of an emergency.

For complete details on what to bring and what to expect, download the My Epic app from the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store and then log in to your My Epic account. You can also view this information on our Know Before You Go page. Pre-arrival information will be sent via email prior to your lesson.

 

What if I have special needs or requests, e.g. Drug or Food Allergies? 
We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and offer different options when possible. When registering for child group lessons, you will have an opportunity either when booking or when checking in for the lessons to inform us of drug or food allergies. Severe allergy concerns or circumstances should be discussed with the school staff directly prior to your visit.

Parents of children with severe food allergies or dietary restrictions are strongly encouraged to send appropriate lunches and/or snacks with their children. Any food items that accompany a child to the lesson must be nut free and in a bag labelled with the child's name.

 

Does my child need to be potty trained to participate in a lesson?
Yes, all children are required to be potty trained to participate in Ski and Ride School lessons.

 

Can and should I tip my instructor?
Gratuities for instructors are not a requirement but an appropriate and appreciated gesture. To tip via a credit card, please see us in person at any Ski and Ride School sales office and be prepared to provide the name of the instructor.

 

What is the cancellation and refund policy for Ski & Ride School lessons? 
Changes or cancellations can ONLY be made in advance of your lesson date by contacting the Ski & Ride School conducting your lesson. A cancellation Fee will be assessed for a guest when they cancel either a Group or Private Lesson as follows:

  • Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled 48 hours or more prior to the lesson's start time will be issued a full refund.
  • Any Ski & Ride School Product that is cancelled within 48 hours of the lesson’s start time will be charged the Cancellation Fee.
  • For Ski & Ride School Products that contain one lesson day, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the lesson.
  • For Ski & Ride School Products that contain multiple lesson days, and a full Cancellation is required, the Cancellation Fee is 50% of the cost of the first lesson. All other days in a multiple lesson Ski & Ride School Product will be fully refunded.
  • The resort will not cancel lessons due to weather if the resort itself is operational. For more detailed information on refunds and cancellations, including the policy for Seasonal or Season-Long Programs, please refer to the Terms of Sale