Your Lesson at Wildcat

About Ski & Ride School

Whether you prefer steep slopes, technical terrain, or gentle groomed runs - our instructors will help you sharpen your skills.

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Lesson Ability Levels

All lessons are grouped based on ability level and age. If your child is at a higher ability level than their age group, please talk to their instructor to ensure that they get placed appropriately.

 

 
First Timer

First Time Skiing or Snowboarding: Learning outcomes range from getting familiar with equipment and learning how to stop on green terrain.
 
Beginner

1+ Day of Skiing or Snowboarding: Learning outcomes range from getting more comfortable with speed and linking turns. Beginner lessons also focus on control, confidence, and foundational skills to explore green and easy blue terrain.
 
Intermediate

Comfortable with Blue Runs: Learning outcomes range from making more dynamic turns in blue terrain to adopting more advanced skiing and snowboarding techniques. Intermediate lessons may explore easy black terrain.
 
Advanced

Comfortable with Black Runs: Learning outcomes range from making a variety of turn sizes on all blue and easy black terrain, to making skidded and carved turns on all terrain (trees, moguls, ungroomed, and groomed). Advanced lessons focus on skill enhancement for better performance and efficiency.
Snowcat Grooms Ski Run at Wildcat Mountain

Our History

The Wildcat ski and ride school has a long and storied history.  They have helped people learn to love skiing and riding.  The instructors have shown people the skills needed to tame the wild terrain it's famous for.  

We love the learning terrain at Wildcat.  The snowcat trail is great for developing skills with an instructor.  The Polecat trail is the best green trail in the east.  Amazing views and over 2 miles long.

Guest - Wildcat Ski & Ride School

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Adults skiing with an instructor
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

 

When will season long programs be available for enrollment?
Seasonal programs for the 2024-2025 season will be available for new participant registration starting the last week of August. Please note that early registration for some seasonal programs has been 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. These items must be purchased separately, and all lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. 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?
All lesson participants must have a valid season pass or lift ticket and ski or snowboard equipment. All minors must have a parent/guardian present at pick-up and drop-off. For complete details on what to bring and when to arrive, checkout our Know Before You Go page.

Weather conditions will vary and remember you will spend the day outside! We recommend dressing in layers, including warm clothes, googles/sunglasses and sunscreen. Though they may be available in the resort's retail shop, the Ski and Ride School does not have these items available to borrow or rent.  

 

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.

 

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.