Know Before You Go

Older children snowboarding with an instructor
what to know before you go

Prepare for your lesson

Arriving prepared for your lesson is key to maximizing your day on the slopes with your instructor. Below you can find information on where to go, what to expect, and what to bring.

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Where to Go

Step 1
Know Your Lesson Location

Heavenly has three different locations where lessons meet; California Lodge and Gondola (California) and Boulder Lodge (Nevada). The lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email. Details about parking and maps of the two base areas can be found below for reference.

Getting Here & Parking

Resort Maps

Note that if you arrive to lesson-check-in late, or the wrong location, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.

 

Step 2
Lesson Check-In

If your child is taking a Children’s Group Lesson that includes rentals, they will be fitted for their equipment after they check-in for their lesson. Your child should be dressed in layers for warmth including waterproof pants, waterproof jacket and waterproof gloves. Googles or sunglasses are also required and sunscreen is suggested.

  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
  • Please check-in at your lesson’s meeting location at least 30 minutes before the start time to allow time for guest experience support as needed and meeting your instructor. Check-in 60 minutes early if you are picking up ski/snowboard rental equipment.
  • An adult must be present at check-in and is required to stay with their child until an instructor has been assigned.
California Lodge
 Check-in at California Base Lodge
Gondola
 Check-in at the base of the Gondola
Boulder Lodge
 Check-in at Boulder Base Lodge

 

After the Lesson
Pick-Up

Pick up locations are same as where you check-in at start of the lesson.(The base of California Lodge or Boulder Lodge, or the bottom of the Gondola)

  • Full-Day Lessons end at 3:45pm
  • 3-4 year old Half-Day Lessons end at 12:30pm (AM lessons) and 3:45pm (PM lessons)
 
Older children skiing with an instructor

What to Expect

  • All children's group lessons will be sorted by ability.
  • The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs and group goals.
  • Participants will have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • Full Day lessons will include a break for lunch (included in your lesson purchase).
  • The instructor will provide a summary of the lesson and your child's progress at pick-up.
  • Please ensure your child has access to the restroom prior to the lesson to maximize their lesson time.

Where to Go

Step 1
Know Your Lesson Location

Heavenly has three different locations where lessons meet; California Lodge and Gondola (California) and Boulder Lodge (Nevada). The lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email. Details about parking and maps of the two base areas can be found below for reference.

Getting Here & Parking

Resort Maps

Note that if you arrive to lesson-check-in late, or the wrong location, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.

 

Step 2
Equipment

All lesson participants are required to have their ski/snowboard equipment in hand prior to Lesson Check-In.

  • If you are renting equipment and will need to pick it up on the morning of your lesson, please arrive at least an hour before the start of your lesson.
  • On weekends and holidays it is recommended that guests taking adult lessons at the Gondola location allow an hour for getting fitted for rental equipment and another 30 minutes to ride the Gondola.

PRO TIP: At all Ski & Ride School locations, when possible it is recommended that guests taking adult group lessons get fitted for their equipment the afternoon before the lesson.

 

Step 3
Lesson Check-In

The exact location for Adult Group Lessons depends on the location chosen when booking and the lesson type, either First Time Lessons or Mountain Adventure. 

All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. If you purchased a lift ticket or pass outside of your lesson bundle, please collect it before proceeding to your lesson meeting place.

Location First Time Lessons Mountain Adventure
California Lodge
 Check-in and meet instructor at the base
Arrive 30 minutes before lesson start time		 Check-in at the base and meet instructor at the top of the Gunbarrel Express chairlift
Allow for a 10-minute chairlift ride.
Gondola
 Check-in at the bottom of the gondola and meet instructor at the top of the gondola.
Arrive to gondola 45 minutes before lesson start time.		 Check-in at the bottom of the gondola and meet instructor at the top of the gondola.
Allow for a 30-minute gondola ride.
Boulder Lodge
 Check-in and meet instructor at the base
Arrive 30 minutes before lesson start time		 N/A
 
Adults snowboarding with an instructor

What to Expect

  • All adult group lessons will be sorted by ability.
  • The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual needs and group goals.
  • Instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new skills at their own pace.

Where to Go

Step 1
Know Your Lesson Location

Heavenly has three different locations where lessons meet; California Lodge and Gondola (California) and Boulder Lodge (Nevada). The lesson location, as selected at the time of booking, will be listed on your confirmation email. Details about parking and maps of the two base areas can be found below for reference.

Getting Here & Parking

Resort Maps

Note that if you arrive to lesson-check-in late, or the wrong location, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.

 

Step 2
Equipment

All lesson participants are required to have their ski/snowboard equipment in hand prior to Lesson Check-In.

  • If you are renting equipment and will need to pick it up on the morning of your lesson, please arrive at least an hour before the start of your lesson.
  • On weekends and holidays it is recommended that guests taking adult lessons at the Gondola location allow an hour for getting fitted for rental equipment and another 30 minutes to ride the Gondola.

PRO TIP: At all Ski & Ride School locations, when possible it is recommended that guests taking private lessons get fitted for their equipment the afternoon before the lesson.

 

Step 3
Lesson Check-In

The exact location for Private Lessons depends on the location chosen when booking. 

All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. If you purchased a lift ticket or pass outside of your lesson bundle, please collect it before proceeding to your lesson meeting place.

Location Check-In Information
California Lodge
 Check-in and meet instructor at the base
Arrive 30 minutes before lesson start time
Gondola
 Check-in at the bottom of the gondola and meet instructor at the top of the gondola.
Arrive to gondola 45 minutes before lesson start time.
Boulder Lodge
 Check-in and meet instructor at the base
Arrive 30 minutes before lesson start time
 
Older children skiing with an instructor

What to Expect

  • All private lessons are tailored to participants' specific needs and goals.
  • When private lessons include participants with multiple ability levels, the instructor will work with the group to come up with the best plan to accommodate all.
  • Instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new skills at their own pace.
  • Full Day Private Lessons include a 30 minute lunch break. Lunch is not included in the price of the private lesson.

What You Need

Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, so review the following items to ensure you are fully equipped for your ski or snowboard lesson.

Resort Guest Purchasing a Lift Ticket at Steven's Pass
Lift Access

All guests must have a pass or a lift ticket to participate in a lesson. Best pricing is available online, in advance.

Lift Tickets

Passes

Employees with retail skiis in Northstar, CA.
Gear
Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment and boots if already owned. If renting, please arrive an hour prior to your lesson start time to ensure enough time for pick up.
Book Rentals
Close Up of Boy Smiling in Ski Helmet with Goggles
Helmets

A winter sport helmet is required for all lesson participants aged 14 and under, and 18 and under in designated children’s lessons. We strongly encourage helmet use for all ages. Helmets can be included along with a rental order or rented separately.

Family skiing in Kirkwood, CA.
Clothing & Accessories
Waterproof snow pants and gloves or mittens are required to keep you warm and dry. Goggles are also required to protect your eyes from the cold air and block UV light.
 

What We Recommend

Get Altitude Ready:
  • If you aren’t used to being above sea level, it’s ideal to arrive a day or so early to give your body time to settle in. Regardless of when you arrive, be sure to hydrate in the days leading up to your trip and continue once you are at altitude. Hydration is key to avoiding unpleasant side effects of altitude. Once you’re here, don’t push too hard on day one, and if you feel any discomfort, move lower down the mountain and take a break.
Clothing:
  • Base Layers: These fall under snow gear to provide an extra level of insulation while keeping your skin dry from sweat. Recommended to be a tighter fit for comfort and to wear both top and bottom.
  • Neck Gaiter: This is normally a tube of fabric worn around your neck and face to protect you from sun the sun and cold conditions.
  • Snow Socks: Should go to just under the knee. Generally labelled to keep your feet warm and should be breathable.
  • Layers and/or Jacket: Based on comfort level, it is recommended to have one fleece layer and/or a snow jacket on top of your base layers. Layering allows you to adjust your temperature as needed.
  • Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin with high attention to the nose, lips, and neck.
  • Children: It is recommended to choose clothing in which children can slip in and out of independently for bathroom breaks.