Because learning to ski and snowboard well is a life-long progression, and no matter how good you or your kids are, there’s always something to learn from an expert and things to improve on. Kids and adults of any age and ability level can benefit from taking lessons.

Here are some different options from local Ski the NW Rockies association resorts—remember to reserve and schedule your lessons in advance.

First-Time Multi-day Group Lessons

One of the most popular programs for adults or kids (7 and older) who have never skied or snowboarded before is the EZ 1-2-3 package. Available at all four Ski of the NW Rockies association resorts (49 Degrees North, Silver Mountain, Mt. Spokane, and Lookout Pass), the program includes three days of rentals, lift tickets, and lessons.

Adult & Kids Camps

Several local resorts offer skill-building camps that also have a social element. Examples include Mt. Spokane’s Ladies Day Clinics and Park Club for skiers and snowboarders ages 9-17 who want to work on their park skills., February 11, 2022

Private Lessons

All local resorts offer private lessons, and some mountains like Silver Mountain also offer semi-private group lessons where a small group of your friends can take a lesson together.

Multi-Week Lesson Programs

Take your pick of multi-week group lesson programs for kids or adults from your favorite local resort. This is a great way get better by committing to multiple weeks of skiing or snowboarding.

Learn about additional lesson options at Ski the NW Rockies resorts.

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Last season, mother-son duo Cindy and Levi Dilg of Spokane were looking for a winter time activity to keep them moving and having fun outside once they put their mountain bikes away for the season. They decided the time was right for them to learn to ski and snowboard, and Cindy signed them up for the EZ 1-2-3 lesson program at 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, in Chewelah, Wash., as a Christmas present.

Cindy, age 38, chose to learn to snowboard, while her then 12-year-old son Levi picked skiing. “I wanted to snowboard because the ski boots were really uncomfortable,” admits Cindy.

Levi, on the other hand, chose skiing because he thought it looked easier. He figured out skiing and picked it up really quick, says Cindy. “By the third lesson, the light switched on and he was going down the blue trails. Now he wants to learn to snowboard, too.”

The EZ 1-2-3 package, available at all four Ski the NW Rockies association resorts (49, Silver, Mt. Spokane, and Lookout), is a great deal for all ages who have never skied or snowboarded before and want to learn and have fun doing it. This comprehensive package includes three days of rentals, lift tickets, and professional lessons.

“I really liked the package deal. You not only get the lessons, but you get rental gear and can ease into the sport without having to jump in and buy all the stuff right away,” explains Cindy.

Cindy and Levi each faced their own challenges during the first few lessons, but the payoff, getting to ski and snowboard together all winter, was huge.

“I was pretty nervous the first day,” admits Levi. “I saw a couple of videos of people on skis falling, and it looked like it hurt.” Cindy struggled at first to build the confidence to go faster and trust herself to go straight down the mountain instead of just back and forth.

“Each day in the class as we advanced the instructor would give you more pointers and tips to get better,” explains Cindy. The skills she learned made her more confident that she could stop safely, which allowed her to go faster down the mountain.

By that third lesson, says Cindy, they had both learned so much and Levi was skiing the cat tracks and going down steeper slopes with his cousin. They continued to ski and ride all winter long, and each time Levi got faster. “Before the end of the season we even went down a black diamond trail,” says Cindy.

Learning at the same time turned out to be ideal for the two of them. Cindy says it was great to spend that time together that they don’t always get with their busy lives. The rides up to and back home from the mountain together gave them a chance to chat, and then they could ski and snowboard together after the lessons.

But because they each chose different sports, it also allowed Levi to learn on his own with the instructor and other students and not have his mom hovering over him, explains Cindy.

And, she adds, it was great to watch Levi progress. “At first he was slower than me, and then he got more confident and was faster than me.”

Once their three lessons were over, Cindy and Levi kept going up to ski and snowboard at 49 Degrees North and other mountains, including Lookout and Mt. Spokane.

After learning to ski last season, Levi plans to follow his mom’s lead and learn to snowboard this winter. Cindy says they can’t wait for the snow to fly and to spend another winter up on the mountain enjoying nature together.

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5th Grade Ski/Ride FREE Passport

This popular program helps get 5th graders out on the slopes for free. The passport provides three free days at each of the participating ski areas with a parent/guardian present (49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, and Loup Loup Ski Bowl).

To participate, parents need to submit an application with a $20 processing fee at 5thgradeskipassport.com and check their email for the passport. Print the passport or pull it up on your phone at the ticket office to receive a lift ticket. Please note blackout dates for each resort listed on the passport website, which include but may not be limited to Saturdays and holidays.

Some of the participating ski resorts also offer discount rental gear and lessons as part of the 5th grade passport program. More info: Skinwrockies.com

EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3

The EZ Ski or Ride 1-2-3 programs makes learning to ski or snowboard for the first time affordable and easy. And both kids and parents can sign up! All four Ski the NW Rockies association resorts (49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, and Silver Mountain) are offering a three-visit package to first-timers at an incredible price that includes three lift tickets, three rentals (boots, poles, skis or snowboard), and three lessons.

Three Simple Steps: Pick one of the three ski areas, call the ticket office at the resort and purchase your EZ SKI 1-2-3 package, and then follow their instructions to schedule the lessons. More info: Skinwrockies.com/ez-ski-ride-123

Lookout Pass Free Ski School

Over the past 81 seasons, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation area on the Idaho/Montana state line has been offering its Free Ski School. Since that first year, the ski resort has introduced over 78,000 kids to the winter sports of skiing and snowboarding.

The program is available for boys and girls between age 6-17 who want to learn to ski and ages 7-17 for snowboard lessons. The lessons range from beginner to advanced, so there are lessons for all abilities and kids can move up levels as the season progresses.

While the lessons are totally free and a lift ticket is not required to ski or snowboard during the lessons, rental equipment is not provided and a season pass or day ticket is required for kids who want to continue skiing or riding after the lesson and on non-lesson days.

Rental equipment can be reserved and paid for at the Lookout rental shop, or kids can bring their own gear. Parents should also pre-purchase any season pass or lift tickets if desired. More info: Skilookout.com/famous-free-ski-school

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies Association.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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Brighton Turcotte, Age 10 (Skier/Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Silver Mountain Resort.

Mom and grandpa taught him how to ski at age 5, and dad taught snowboarding also at age 5 with additional instruction help from friend Shane Brosius. “Brighton is a much more accomplished skier than snowboarder,” says dad, Mike, who works at Silver doing gondola and lift maintenance. “He still snowboards and [got] into it more this past year.” Mike says it’s really the mountain family itself at Silver that’s responsible for how Brighton is advancing so quickly as a skier.

Favorite Runs: Moonshine, Silverbelt, Noah’s Park, Upper Terrain Park, Heaven.

Loves skiing/riding because: “I like going fast with the wind in my face. I also love shredding the pow.”

Typical day on the mountain: Doing jumps in the terrain parks, meeting up with friends at the snack shack, and warming up by the fire. “Both my parents work at Silver Mountain, so I basically roam the mountain.”

Greatest accomplishment: Making two attempts at the Pond Skim and being the youngest competitor.

Future Ambitions: Ski Shady Lady run, so he will have skied every double black diamond run at Silver; ski from summit lodge all the way down into town; learn how to do flips; and ski at other mountains (as many as possible), especially Brighton Resort in Utah “because I was named after it.”

Ski Advice: “If you fall, don’t quit, get back up. If you don’t fall, you’re not pushing yourself. Once you get better, SEND IT!”

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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Jaxson Hamm, Age 6 (Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Jaxson started learning to ski as a toddler (before age 2) and learned how to snowboard at age 6. His parents helped him learn and progress, and he has also been in group and private lessons at Mt. Spokane’s ski school where both of his parents work.

“Several other instructors take him to ski and coach him on their private time. This is where his mountain family has really helped him learn,” says his dad, Mike, who is the head trainer for Mt. Spokane’s snowboard program and a divisional staff member for the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. “Plus he has put in a lot of time himself just trying things he sees others do on a snowboard.”

Favorite Runs: Old Northwest, Lamonga.

Loves skiing/snowboarding because: “I love the freedom of being able to ride anywhere and keep up with everyone else.”

Most memorable day on the mountain: “The day I learned to ride the rainbow rail while riding with my mom last season at Mt. Spokane. I finally got to try the rainbow rail and I rode it on my first try without falling.”

Typical day on the mountain: “I get to go ride where I want. The lifties know me, and I have friends all over the hill. So I can go a lot of places and ride some lifts alone.”  

Greatest accomplishment so far: “Learning to tail grab.”

Future Ambition: “To go to as many mountains as I can. To become a snowboard bum.”

Ski Advice: “Have fun and be safe. Take a lesson and come play outside with us.”

Jaxson, front row on left, stands on his board next to his dad, Mike Hamm, wearing a turquoise instructor jacket, along with his dad’s snowboarders buddies. Back row (left to right): Ryan Desmond, Shawn Semb, and Dustin Semb; and (kneeling, bottom-right) Doug Wakefield. // Jaxson Hamm riding chair 1 at Mt. Spokane [above right photo]. // All photos courtesy of Mike Hamm.

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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Penelope Picabo & Olivia Lokkee White (Twin sisters), Age 9

Home mountain: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.

The girls started out at age three and skied with their papa at Lost Trail for two years before attending Lookout’s Free Ski School at age 5. They then followed that up with a year of private lessons at Lookout and joined the Lookout Pass Ski Team at age 7. This year, they are starting their 3rd season with the Lookout Pass Ski Race Team. “Ski racing is the best way to spend your winters,” says Olivia.

Favorite runs: Dilly Dally Alley, Idaho Face, Bonanza.

Love skiing because: As racers, they get to travel to other mountains, make new friends, learn new skills on training days, and ski fast. “It’s like we live outside during the winter!” says Penelope.

Most memorable day on the mountain: Olivia’s first run on Idaho Face, and Penelope says the first time she “went down the hill really fast without any help.”

Greatest accomplishments so far: Olivia’s 2nd-place finish against more experienced ski racers. Penelope says it was winning Lookout’s cardboard box derby race. 

Future Ambition: Ski in every state.

Ski Advice: “It’s okay to start with pizza legs but try to end the day with French fry skis! Never give up, do your best, and never be afraid. All those days at Lookout Pass will be worth your time. And most of all, speed is your friend!”

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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Winter Sneva, Age 7 (Skier)

Home Mountain: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort (dual season Pass at Silver Mountain).

Taught by mom and dad at 49 Degrees North, Winter learned to ski when she was two. Her current ski set up is pretty special: Sneva MFG 137 Jr skis made by the family business, Sneva MFG, a ski manufacturing company founded in 1994 that moved to Spokane in 2009. Sneva MFG also makes snowboards, snowskates, and wakeskis.

When not skiing this season, Winter says she’ll be “sledding on our sledding hill and making skis with Dad.”

Favorite Run: King

Loves skiing because: “I like to go fast and go off jumps.” 

Mountain routine includes: Eating French fries in the lodge. 

Most memorable day on the mountain: First time riding the chair all by herself (January 2021).

Greatest accomplishment(s) so far: Skiing Mahers Gold run.

Future Ambition: “Do a 360 off a jump.”

Ski Advice: “It’s all about fun, family, and French fries!”

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Little Ripper at 49 Degrees North: Winter Sneva appeared first on Out There Venture.

Which is why I like watching the next generation tear it up at local mountains. They motivate older skiers and riders to get (and stay) in better shape and to push ourselves.

This winter, you might catch a glimpse of one of these four little rippers sending it and swooshing past you on the mountain.

Winter Sneva, Age 7 (Skier)

Home Mountain: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort.

Penelope Picabo & Olivia Lokkee White (twin sisters), Age 9 (Skiers)

Home mountain: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.

Brighton Turcotte, Age 10 (Skier/Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Silver Mountain Resort.

Jaxson Hamm, Age 6 (Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Meet Little Rippers Of the Inland NW – 2021 appeared first on Out There Venture.

Another time, I brought thin gloves and his fingers froze. (There were tears.) I’ve made the opposite mistake too, piling on way too many layers until he could barely move and looked like the overdressed Randy in “A Christmas Story.”

These gear tips should help you do a better job of dressing your little shredders for a day in the mountains.

1. Helmet: Not optional anymore. Add a stocking cap under the helmet when it’s cold.
2. Goggles: Help protect eyes from glaring sun, wind, and blowing snow.
3. Neck Gaiter: Prevents cold from creeping down the neck and keeps faces warm.
4. Gloves / Mittens: Choose wind and waterproof/water-resistant gloves or mittens with plenty of insulation. Mittens are warmer for littler kids, while gloves let older kids adjust their gear.
5. Base Layers: Synthetic thermal underwear tops and bottoms are breathable, wick moisture, and keep their core warm.
6. Mid-layers: Fleece, puffy, sweatshirt, or long-sleeved t-shirt up top and fleece pants or sweatpants for bottoms.
7. Ski Jacket & Pants / Snowsuit: The outer layer should have insulation and be waterproof/water-resistant. A hood and pockets are ideal, and the jacket should be long enough to keep snow from creeping into their britches. A snowsuit rocks at this, but can make potty breaks challenging for younger kids.
8. Socks: Warm wool or synthetic-blend socks that fit well in ski boots. (See photo below for an example of socks available from Spokane Alpine Haus.)
9. Skis / Boots / Bindings / Poles: Ski or snowboard gear that fits well will help your little one learn faster and have more fun. You can buy used gear from swaps, but leasing gear each year as kids grow from a local ski shop, such as Spokane Alpine Haus, is ideal. A small investment gets your child quality gear that’s fitted by an expert each season.

Read more stories from OTO’s annual Family Winter Sports Guides.

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