Learn to Ski & Snowboard
Learn to Ski and Snowboard is a national initiative that encourages kids and adults to learn how to ski and / or snowboard or improve their skills by taking lessons from a professional instructor.
Humans were never meant to hibernate
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month was started in 2008 when resort associations in just a couple of states decided to launch their state-wide programs. The NYS governor, along with 15 others proclaimed January as the time to learn how to ski or snowboard and in some states, learning programs for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are part of the initiative. Now, Learn to Ski and Snowboard is a national initiative that partners with national, regional and state associations that are part of the ski and snowboard industry, the industry trade media and individual resorts or companies that service the industry. Today, more than 300 ski and snowboard areas throughout the U.S. offer free and reasonably priced lesson programs through January or the entire ski season as part of this initiative to get more Americans on the slopes. Our goal is to get more American families on the slopes, enjoying a healthy winter lifestyle.
Share the Sport
We love to ski and snowboard and we want to share our love of the sport and encourage others, no matter if you’re five or eighty-five, to come out and hit the slopes with us. If you haven’t gone skiing or snowboarding for a couple of seasons, here is your chance to take an affordable refresher lesson and get yourself back into enjoying the winter outdoors. Skiing and snowboarding are sports to enjoy for a lifetime.
Lesson Programs by Ski Area

Belleayre Mt.
Belleayre Snowsports School
Find that perfect snowsports lesson. Learn to enjoy skiing and riding as much as we do! Whether you are a first-time skier or snowboarder, or a more advanced freestyler, mogul skier, or you just like to cruise the trails, our Snowsports staff will offer you a fantastic experience. The Belleayre staff cares about our patrons, families, friends, and individuals alike and we want to help each person achieve their personal goals. Our friendly staff of professionals can be your friends and coaches. We will listen to your wants and needs and develop a personalized plan to help you reach a higher level of proficiency! At Belleayre, we offer programs for all ages and all abilities of multiple disciplines including alpine skiers, snowboarders, and telemark skiers! Browse through our programming and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask us and we’ll help you out.
Phone: 845-254-5600
Lesson Info for Belleayre Mt. (opens in a new tab)
Bristol Mountain
Bristol Mountain Learn To Ski Programs
Bristol Mountain offers a variety of lesson programs for kids and adults. Find out more at their page below.
Phone: 585-374-6000
Lesson Info for Bristol Mountain (opens in a new tab)
Buffalo Ski Center
Buffalo Ski Center Adventure Program
Buffalo Ski Center Offers Members a variety of lesson programs for kids and adults. Find out more at the link below.
Phone: (716) 941-5654
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Catamount Ski Area
Fine tune your skiing and snowboarding at Catamount!
Whether you are a first-timer or someone looking to increase your current skill level, we have the experience you need. Check out the programs and sessions we offer from our PSIA/AASI member Snow Sports school below. Our First Timer package offers the best value package in snow country. Jump into Private lessons that actually MEET the guests expectations and the kiddos will enter the gateway to loving winter sports forever.
Phone: 518-325-3200
Lesson Info for Catamount Ski Area (opens in a new tab)
Dry Hill Ski Area
Learn to love winter at the hill!
Are you a newcomer to the slopes? Maybe an intermediate hoping to master the mountain? Or an all-terrain skier looking to perfect your technique? No matter your ability, the Dry Hill Snowsports School offers private lessons for all ages to help you reach your skiing and riding goals. Our instructors are industry experts, passionate about what they do, and committed to developing your skills, building your confidence, and challenging you with new terrain, all while having fun and at a comfortable pace.Reservations are required for all lessons.
Phone: 315-782-8584
Lesson Info for Dry Hill Ski Area (opens in a new tab)
Gore Mt.
Gore Mountain Lessons & Programs
Group lessons for first-timers to lower intermediate are available for children ages 4-12 and adults/teens ages 13 & up. Groups are created based on ability level and age. Most lesson packages include a Lower Mountain Ticket for access to our beginner-friendly terrain and optional gear rental package. New to skiing/snowboarding? Check out our Beginner’s Guide! Private lessons offer a more customized experience with personalized one-on-one coaching with one of our talented instructors. Private lessons are a good option for those who work better with one-on-one learning.
Phone: 518-251-2411
Lesson Info for Gore Mt. (opens in a new tab)
Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Learning to Ski is Easy at Greek Peak!
At Greek Peak Mountain Resort, our ski lessons are designed to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of our guests. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skier, we have the perfect lesson option to help you reach your skiing goals. Book your lessons today and start your skiing journey with us! A lift ticket waiver form is also required for the ski season.
Phone: 800-955-2SKI
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Holiday Mountain
Holiday Mountain Lesson Programs
Check the link below for their group, private and lesson packages
Phone: 845-796-3161
Lesson Info for Holiday Mountain (opens in a new tab)
Holiday Valley Resort
YETI Educational Program
Holiday Valley offers a variety of lesson programs including Private Lessons, Group Lesson, Mountain Adventures (6-11 year olds), Cubs Lessons (4-5) and Adult Lessons.New This Year:New This Year: The Yeti Educational Program! This unique 8-week (Saturday AM sessions, Jan - March) course is designed to teach aspiring young skiers the fundamentals of ski instruction. Open to students aged 13 to 15, the program prepares participants for a position as a Yeti on our Snowsport team for the following season.
Phone: 716-699-2345
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Holimont
Holimont Skiing & Snowboarding Programs
Enhance your skills or learn something completely new with one of our friendly snowsports instructors. Our weekend clinics are just the thing to keep you motivated and on the path of progression. Own the confidence and freedom to carve up any slope your heart desires.From first-time skiers to competitive racing, the snow sports school at HoliMont is one of the best. Have one of our awesome instructors spend the day skiing with your kids and see how fast they progress.
Phone: 716-699-2320
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Hunt Hollow Ski Club
Hunt Hollow Private Lessons
Available for those desiring a more personal touch and individualized instruction. Reservations are Highly Recommended.
Phone: 585-374-5428
Lesson Info for Hunt Hollow Ski Club (opens in a new tab)
Hunter Mt.
Set your child up for a lifetime of fun and adventure
Reach personal peaks with an adult group lesson! Our world-class instructors will focus on what you need to have FUN while reaching your goals.Watch your child's confidence soar as they learn new techniques from our world-class instructors, trained specifically to work with children.
Phone: 518-263-4223
Lesson Info for Hunter Mt. (opens in a new tab)Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort
Lessons at Kissing Bridge
Level-up or discover your ‘new thing’ with our array of ski and snowboard lessons for all skill-levels at Kissing Bridge. Our seasoned instructors are here to help you unlock your full potential (or learn for the first time) all winter long.
Phone: 716-592-4963
Lesson Info for Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort (opens in a new tab)
Labrador Mountain
Labrador Mountain Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Learn about Song and Labrador Mountains Lesson Programs at the link below.
Phone: 607-842-6204
Lesson Info for Labrador Mountain (opens in a new tab)
Lapland Lake Cross Country Ski Center
Cross Country Skiing Lessons in the Adirondacks
There’s no better place to learn the sport of cross country skiing than here at Lapland Lake in the Adirondacks! Our Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) certified Ski School offers quality instruction to everyone from the very first-timer to racers seeking to refine technique.
Phone: 518-863-4974
Lesson Info for Lapland Lake Cross Country Ski Center (opens in a new tab)
Maple Ski Ridge
Maple Ski Ridge Lessons
Here at Maple Ski Ridge, we offer lessons for a wide range of abilities and preferences.Whether you are looking for a 1-1 private lesson or a multi-week lesson format,we are the ski ridge for you!
Phone: 518-381-4700
Lesson Info for Maple Ski Ridge (opens in a new tab)
McCauley Mt.
McCauley Mountain Snowsports School Lessons & Programs
Here at McCauley Snow Sport School, we spend as much time having fun and teaching a love for skiing as we do techniques. We consider our Adventure programs our most important program because this is where we introduce this great sport. We want to develop great skiers and racers for their next Adventures.Adventure programs build the basics, starting with safety. Then fundamental capabilities are established, so children can develop dynamic skiing skills and an expanding awareness of the mountain environment. Social interaction, fun, and togetherness happen as natural part of the learning environment.
Phone: 315-369-3144
Lesson Info for McCauley Mt. (opens in a new tab)
Mount Peter
Mount Peter Ski/Snowboard Lessons
Mount Peter has turned thousands of beginning skiers and snowboarders into life-long enthusiasts. We’re famous for our Free Beginner Lessons on weekends and holidays and we’ve even helped launch a few competitive careers. Free Beginner Lessons are located at the base of the mountain.Over the decades, our Mountain School has established a reputation as a highly regarded instructional destination by providing an outstanding level of teaching. Lessons are led by instructors certified by the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors), and our Mountain School Director is a certified member of the PSIA Development Team.
Phone: 845-986-4940
Lesson Info for Mount Peter (opens in a new tab)Mt. Van Hoevenberg XC
Discover Cross Country at Mt. Van Hoevenberg
We define fun at Mt Van Hoevenberg with our lessons and instruction tailored to everyone’s success. Our Discover programs promote an interactive, student centered teaching approach that helps you reach your full potential. From classic to skate, first-timers to seasoned gliders, let our professional ski instructors guide you through your progression. We’ll develop confidence, refines skills, and takes your cross country ski experience to the next level.During the lesson, our instructors will provide guidance on selecting and properly fitting boots and skis. Skiing fundamentals, including how to start, stop, navigate uphill and downhill, and even how to safely handle falls.We provide lessons for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers in both classic and skate disciplines with group and private lessons available.
Phone: 518-523-2811
Lesson Info for Mt. Van Hoevenberg XC (opens in a new tab)
Oak Mountain
Oak Mountain Lesson Programs
Whether you are a first-timer or in need of a refresher, Oak Mountain’s Ski & Snowboard School will help you understand why our instructors love this sport. We will help you build confidence and skills to have the best day on snow! From our beginner hill, terrain park, blue cruisers, black diamonds and glade trails; you are sure to experience it all.Not sure what to expect?First timersLearn about your equipment, balancing, how to get up from a fall, how to turn and stop
Phone: 518-548-3606
Lesson Info for Oak Mountain (opens in a new tab)
Peek n Peak Resort
Peek 'n Peak Resort Snow Sports School
Peek’n Peak has been transforming guests into Winter Sports Enthusiasts for decades! Generations of skiers and snowboarders have grown up on the slopes of The Peak, including several professionals and Olympians. Our professional ski and snowboard instructors strive to give you a fun and safe learning environment to help you learn new skills faster and enjoy your time on the slopes. Whether it is your first time on the snow, or you have been sliding for years, our ski and snowboard pros can help you take your abilities to the next level.Many of our ski and snowboard pros have attained national certification through the Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA, AASI), validating their professional knowledge and teaching abilities.After mastering the beginner area, you’ll graduate to the slopes. Peek’n Peak’s unique geography allows skiers and snowboarders to master techniques on less intimidating elevations. Shorter runs provide skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to ride slopes dozens of times.
Phone: 716-355-4141 x7350
Lesson Info for Peek n Peak Resort (opens in a new tab)
Plattekill Mountain
Plattekill Mountain Lesson Programs
We offer private lessons! Plattekill Mountain takes pride in offering quality, personalized private instruction for every ability level. We want our students to see REAL RESULTS from their lesson, and our goal is to turn participants into LIFELONG skiers and riders. In order to do that, we offer several variations of private instruction from one-on-one to private small group lessons.Whether it’s your first time skiing or snowboarding… or you’re looking to fine tune your skills, we’ve got the right instruction for you!
Phone: 607-326-3500
Lesson Info for Plattekill Mountain (opens in a new tab)
Royal Mt.
Royal Mountain Snowsports School
At Royal Mountain, we pride ourselves on offering quality instruction to the snowsports customer. We train and mentor our staff to help them provide the best possible lesson for all ages and skill levels. Our instructors are trained in the educational standards developed by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI).PSIA/AASI are nonprofit educational associations made up of over 32,000 Snowsports Professionals dedicated to promoting skiing and snowboarding through student-centered instruction.
Phone: 518-835-6445
Lesson Info for Royal Mt. (opens in a new tab)
Skaneateles Ski Club
Skaneateles Ski Club Lesson Info
We offer both group and private lessons to both members and non-members to foster a love of the sport and teach the fundamentals.
Snow Ridge Resort
Snow Ridge Ski and Ride School
Let our instructors help you and your family learn a life long sport. Already know how to ski or board? Our instructors can help you get to the next level! With PSIA and AASI certified instructors on staff, we have some of the best snow sport teachers in the area to help you with your skiing and riding.
Phone: 315-348-8456
Lesson Info for Snow Ridge Resort (opens in a new tab)
Song Mountain
Song Mountain Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Learn about Song and Labrador Mountains Lesson Programs at the link below.
Swain Resort
Lesson programs for all ages & abilities
Swain Ski School offers learners at every age the ability to start a new snowsport hobby or perfect their skills on the mountain. We are a PSIA certified ski school and our dedicated staff of instructors will partner with you every step of the way to ensure you feel confident with your equipment and are ready to attack the hill!Lesson packages are a great way to get introduced to snowsports. Group lessons are also available if you don’t need a full package. Or get the biggest bang for your buck with our private one-on-one instruction.Get started with our professionally trained instructors and learn the basic fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding so you can feel confident in your new sport. We will teach you the tips and tricks so you can learn to love winter!
Phone: 607-545-6511
Lesson Info for Swain Resort (opens in a new tab)
Thunder Ridge
Thunder Ridge Snowsports School
The Thunder Ridge Snowsports School has been a member school of the Professional Ski Instructors of America for more than 40 years with over 200 trained ski and snowboard instructors. We boast the highest percentage of PSIA certified instructors in the northeast. We teach all levels, from beginner to expert from tiny tots to senior citizens. Our snowsports school offers Daily Group Lessons, Private Lessons, Family Private Lessons and a Six Week Program for beginner to advanced skiers. No matter what your ability, we’ll make it a Thunderous and memorable day for you and your family.
Phone: 845-878-4100
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Titus Mt.
Titus Mountain Learn to Ski Programs
Titus Mountain offers a variety of programs including group and private lessons. Find out more at the link below.
Phone: 518-483-3740
Lesson Info for Titus Mt. (opens in a new tab)West Mountain
Learn to Ski or Snowboard at West Mountain
Learn to Ski and Ride at West Mountain. West offers daily group and private lesson instruction to children and adults of all abilities. Our passionate instructors, led by West Mountain's Snowsports On-hill Director Mike Dorman, are trained and ready to help everyone be better skiers and riders. West’s Ski & Ride School is a certified member school of the Professional Ski Instructors of America.
Phone: 518-636-3699
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Whiteface Mt.
Whiteface Mountain Learn To Ski / Snowboard Programs
Are you a newcomer to the slopes? The Whiteface Snowsports School offers lessons for ages 13+ to help you reach your skiing and riding goals. Whiteface Snowsports School is a nationally recognized PSIA-AASI Member School. We have certified instructors offering higher performance and higher guest satisfaction.Our instructors are industry experts, passionate about what they do, and committed to developing your skills, building your confidence and challenging you with new terrain, all while having fun and at a comfortable pace.
Phone: 518-946-2223
Lesson Info for Whiteface Mt. (opens in a new tab)
Willard Mt.
LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD - Beginner age 8 to Adult
Phone: 518-692-7337
Lesson Info for Willard Mt. (opens in a new tab)
Windham Mountain Club
Reach new heights on and off the slopes.
Windham Mountain Club’s Ski and Ride School offers a variety of tailored experiences for guests of all skill-levels, from first-day beginners to those with elite aspirations.Explore private, one-to-one on-snow lessons or the electrifying energy of group dynamics and season-long programs.
Phone: 800-754-9463
Lesson Info for Windham Mountain Club (opens in a new tab)
Woods Valley
Woods Valley Learn To Ski Information
Private Lessons - One hour lesson for $65. One-on-one lesson with an instructor. You will be provided a lift ticket during the lesson. Experience personalized learning with our private lessons geared to your goals. Elevate your skills, boost your confidence, and experience the transformative power of one-on-one instruction.Semi-Private Lessons : $105 for 2. One hour lesson for you and a friend. Add up to 4 additional participants at $50 pp.5 Pack of Private Lessons : $300 for 5 one hour private lessons. For the avid learner consider our 5 private lesson pack. The same great expert guidance at an unbeatable discount. You will be provided a lift ticket during the lesson. Whether you’re a beginner looking to kickstart your passion or a seasoned pro aiming for perfection, our experienced instructors tailor each lesson to your unique needs and goals. Join us and embark on a path to excellence today. Learn to Ski or Ride Packages: $75 group lesson (90min). Never skied or snow boarded but can’t wait to try? This package is for you! Join fellow “never-evers” for a group lesson on our Learning Zone. Expert instruction, 4 hour Learning Zone ticket, and 4 hour rental equipment included. Add a helmet for just $12. (MUST BE 8 y.o. or older) AVAILABLE 10:30am WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS. Reservations required. 315.827.4721 x4
Phone: 315-827-4721 x4
Lesson Info for Woods Valley (opens in a new tab)Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I learn to ski in New York?
34 SKI NY ski areas offer lesson programs for kids and adults. This page lists them by region: 11 in the Adirondacks, 8 in Western New York, 7 in Central New York, 5 in the Catskills and 3 in the Hudson Valley. Each listing links to the area’s lesson details and phone number.
What is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month?
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month is a national initiative, held each January, that encourages kids and adults to take lessons from professional instructors. It began in 2008, when New York’s governor and 15 others proclaimed January as the month to learn. Today more than 300 U.S. ski areas offer free or low-cost lessons during January or all season.
Are there beginner ski packages in New York?
Yes. Many New York ski areas sell beginner packages that bundle a lesson, a lift ticket for beginner terrain and rental equipment. Gore Mountain’s lesson packages include a Lower Mountain Ticket and optional rentals, and Catamount offers a First Timer package. Check each area’s lesson page for current prices.
How old do kids need to be for ski lessons?
Many New York ski schools start group lessons at age 4. At Gore Mountain, for example, group lessons are offered for children ages 4 to 12 and for teens and adults 13 and older. Age ranges vary, so check the lesson listing for the area you plan to visit.
Can adults take ski lessons in New York?
Yes. New York ski schools teach adults at every level, from first-timers to returning skiers who want a refresher after a few seasons away. A lesson also covers how to load and ride the chairlift, which makes a first day back easier and safer.
OUR MISSION
Ski Areas of New York, Inc. is dedicated to the continued growth of the New York snow sports industry by working on behalf of its membership to promote fair legislation, develop marketing programs, create educational opportunities and enhance the public awareness of snow sports throughout the State and region.
Before hitting the slopes view
“Your Responsibility Code”
and visit our Safety Page.