Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Fire Up a New Passion
There’s nothing more fun than cruising down a run with style to spare. Whether it's your family's first day on the slopes or you're looking to take your skills to new heights, you’ll be turning heads before you know it with a lesson from our top-notch ski and snowboard instructors – some of the best in the nation.
We offer first-timer, beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons in both group and private formats for ages 3 and up. For your convenience, Mammoth Ski & Snowboard Schools are located at each base lodge – Main, Canyon, and Eagle.
MAIN LODGE
4 Miles up From The Village
Main Lodge Ski & Snowboard School offers group and private lessons for first-timers, beginners, and intermediate/advanced skiers and riders ages 3 and up.
Operational dates are subject to change, weather and conditions permitting.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EVERY LESSON 100% GUARANTEED
As one of the leading ski and snowboard schools in the nation, it is our mission to provide you with an outstanding learning experience. If you're not satisfied with your lesson, please speak to a Ski & Snowboard School representative within 72 hours and we will offer you another lesson of equal value free of charge.
Find out how to classify yourself to your instructor, and get your lessons started on the right foot. Knowing your level will help set the tone for your lesson, and kick your progression into high gear.
| Levels | Current Ability | Adult (13+) Lesson Recommendation | Kids (5–7, 8–14) Lesson Recommendation | Kids (3–4) Lesson Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Timer | Never Skied/Snowboarded before. | • Private • 2-Hour First-Timer Group Lesson at 1:00 PM • 4-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 2-Hour First-Timer Group Lesson at 1:00PM • 5-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 2-Hour Group Lesson at 10:00 AM • 2-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 1:00 • Lesson + Child Care Combo |
| Carpet Riders | Can balance, slide and/or change direction on a gentle slope. | • Private • 4-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 5-Hour Ski or Snowboard Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 2-Hour Group Lesson at 10:00 AM • 2-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 1:00 • Lesson + Child Care Combo |
| Green | Can confidently change direction and control speed on green terrain. | • Private • 4-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 5-Hour Ski or Snowboard Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 2-Hour Group Lesson at 10:00 AM • 2-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 1:00 • Lesson + Child Care Combo |
| Blue | Can confidently link turns on blue terrain using turn shape to control speed. | • Private • 2-Hour Intermediate Ski Clinic at 10:00 AM (Main or Canyon Only) | • Private • 5-Hour Ski or Snowboard Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 2-Hour Group Lesson at 10:00 AM • 2-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 1:00 • Lesson + Child Care Combo |
| Black | Can confidently ski/ride black terrain using a variety of turn sizes and turn shape to control speed. | • Private • 2-Hour Advanced Ski Clinic at 10:00 AM (Main or Canyon Only) | • Private • 5-Hour Ski or Snowboard Lesson at 10:00 AM | • Private • 2-Hour Group Lesson at 10:00 AM • 2-Hour Beginner Group Lesson at 1:00 • Lesson + Child Care Combo |
For your convenience, Mammoth provides a Ski & Snowboard School at each base lodge – Main, Canyon and Eagle. For our younger skiers and riders, we have a special area within Ski School called Mammoth Kids at each base lodge.
Always check to see which location you reserved your lesson at before arriving and please arrive 5–10 minutes prior to your lesson start time with all of your equipment. This will allow us time to assess your ability level and ensure that you are placed in an appropriately.
Main Lodge
4 Miles Past The Village
All lessons meet on-snow at the bottom of Discovery Chair (Chair 11).
Canyon Lodge
Accessible Via The Village Gondola
Adult Lessons meet on-snow by the bottom of Canyon Express (Chair 16). 3 & 4 year olds meet inside Mammoth Kids on the second floor of Canyon Lodge. 5 to 14 year olds meet on-snow between Canyon Lodge and the bottom of Chair 8.
Eagle Lodge
Closest to Town by Juniper Springs Resort
All lessons meet on snow at the bottom of Eagle Express (Chair 15). Lesson meeting locations may change slightly based on conditions. Please look for wind flags that correspond to your lesson type, and don’t hesitate to ask an instructor or mountain host.
Do I need to book in advance?
Highly recommended. Popular instructors and lesson times book up fast. We recommend booking online or calling 800.MAMMOTH as soon as your plans are made, reserving tickets and rentals at the same time.
We recommend allowing at least an hour to get through the rental process and dress your children so they are prepared for their lesson. Rental shops open at 8:00 AM daily throughout the season, or you can pick up rental reservations between 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM the day prior. Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes prior to your lesson start time with all of your equipment. This will allow us time to assess your ability level and ensure that you are placed in an appropriately. Remember everything takes longer when it snows.
Helmets and eye protection (sunglasses or goggles) are required for all children ages 3–14 enrolled in Mammoth Ski and Snowboard School programs. Helmet rentals are available. For additional helmet safety information, visit NSAA's Lids on Kids website.
Lessons start promptly at the designated time. We recommend arriving at the rental shop at least 1 hour before lesson time in order for your children to be set up with equipment.
All kids need to be at least 3 years old, and must be potty trained – no diapers.
Kids ages 13–14 may feel more comfortable learning in adult or child-focused settings, depending on the individual. Parents may elect either Adult or Kid Group Lessons for this age range. Helmets and protective eyewear are required for anyone 14 and under, even while in adult group lessons. Adult Group Lessons have unaccompanied lunch time, and guests are not required to be signed out at the end of the lesson.
Required for All Ages
- Lesson ticket
- Lift Ticket or Pass
- Skis & Ski Boots or Snowboard & Boots
- A Great Attitude and Willingness to Learn!
Required for All Children 14 and Under
- Helmet
- Goggles or sunglasses (goggles highly recommended for stormy days)
- Gloves/mittens
Recommended
- Sunscreen
- Neck gaiter for cold or stormy days (strongly recommended)
- Cold-weather clothing (strongly recommended)
- Water-resistant pants & jackets
- Snacks
Highly recommended. Rentals are bookable online in advance and may be picked up from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM the day prior, or starting at 8:00 AM the day of your reservation. Rentals must be picked up at the rental location indicated in your reservation.
Because Mammoth is located at a high elevation, weather conditions can vary in a short period of time and the sun can be harmful to your skin and body if you're not prepared. Layering is the best way to maximize your comfort if/when the weather shifts.
Avoid cotton fabrics, as they retain moisture from snow and perspiration. Start with a moisture-wicking inner layer (such as wool or silk) and add an insulating middle piece (such as a fleece, sweater or vest). Top off with a wind and water-resistant shell layer to protect you from the elements.
You may include up to 5 people in your 3 & 7-hour private lessons. 1-hour lessons have a maximum of two students. In the interest of safety, lessons are geared toward the lowest skill level, so it is advisable to arrange your lesson group with similar skill sets, and not combine adults and young children.
Can I have multiple ability levels and age groups in the same private lesson?
This is not generally recommended. If you choose to do so, the instructor will choose the terrain that is best suited to the needs of the least experienced guest. When booking your private lesson, the more you can tell us about the experience you're looking for, the better we will be able to pair you with the best instructor for your needs.
Can both skiers and snowboarders attend the same private lesson?
This is not generally recommended as it is very difficult for an instructor to teach snowboarding while wearing skis and vice versa. We can do our best to accommodate a private lesson for both disciplines so long as everyone is at an intermediate level or higher. Please contact us to let us know if you will have both skiers and snowboarders so that we can match your group with an appropriate instructor.
Can I split the private lesson time between multiple people?
Yes, your time with your private lesson instructor can be divided any way you like. For example, if you purchase a 3-hour private lesson, your instructor could spend an hour with your 7-year-old beginner and 2 with your 10-year-old intermediate.
WHAT IS THE MAMMOTH LESSON GUARANTEE?
As one of the leading ski and snowboard schools in the nation, it is our mission to provide you with an outstanding learning experience. If you're not completely satisfied with your lesson, please speak with a Ski & Snowboard School representative within 72 hours and we will offer you another lesson of equal value free of charge.
Any tips to help me with the high altitude?
High altitude means less atmosphere to filter the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to hitting the slopes, then re-apply every 2–3 hours. Drink 10–16 ounces of fluid before hitting the slopes, and continue replenishing throughout the day. Focus on water and carbohydrate-replacing drinks. Modify caffeine and alcohol intake. Don’t forget to give yourself enough time and energy to last throughout the day. Visit our Safety & Conduct page for more information.
How are lunches managed for children's group lessons?
Our 5–7 & 8–14 year old group lessons include lunch, although locations and times do vary. For more information, please check in with your child's instructor at the start of the lesson. If your child has a food allergy or a specific diet, please pack a lunch for them.
WHAT IF THE LESSON GUEST IS SICK?
Stay home. Call 800.MAMMOTH or visit a ticket counter to reschedule.
DO I NEED A LIFT TICKET?
Yes, you must have a lift ticket to participate in any ski or snowboard lesson. Children 4 & under ski free, but must have a ticket or pass.
For all cancellations, please call 800.MAMMOTH or submit an online cancellation request.