Choosing the best fit for your child foremost depends on your family’s schedule availability and transportation means as well as your child’s age and skill or experience level.

Next, decide if your child would do best in a group setting or would learn better with more one-on-one instruction (which would mean private/semi-private lessons should be considered).

This guide to lesson and learn-to-ski options for Winter 2022-23 at the four Ski the NW Rockies resorts—49 Degrees North, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, and Silver Mountain Resort—serves as a quick overview to what’s available that will best meet your family’s needs. Even if you already have a “home mountain” because you’re a season pass guest or know that you’ll just visit the same mountain as your friends or family do, this guide will be useful.

If you want to enroll children in a multi-week group lesson, register online ASAP, as these fill quickly. If a session is full, get on the program wait-list—there are always cancellations by the time January comes.

For single-lesson programs, advanced registration online is recommended; however, some ski schools allow walk-ins for day-of registration, no later than 30 minutes prior to lesson start time.

Age Level

Each mountain structures their instructional program a bit differently, with minimum age requirements and age-range groupings. Families with children in different age groups will want to choose a mountain destination accordingly so every child who needs lessons can be included.

Another important detail for parents to keep in mind is the required time commitment. For example, is the lesson only a morning or afternoon session, or is it all day and includes a supervised lunch break? What are the specific drop-off and pick-up times? Will instructors help young children put on their gear?

If you’re not sure about lessons, because of cost or time, consider this: enrolling kids in lessons is a great way for parents to have “free ski time” on the mountain. You can find powder stashes in the trees and shred black diamonds all you want, knowing your children are being taken care of and progressing their skills. And then when you’re all together on the slopes, your kids can show off what they learned.

• Age 2+: 49 Degrees North’s Li’l Club Lesson & Day Care (ages 2-6). Most all ski schools can provide private and semi-private lessons for children age 2+.
• Ages 4-7: Mt. Spokane’s popular multi-week group ski lessons during weekends are the Mini Mites (ages 4-6, morning and full-day options) and Mighty Mites (ages 5-7, full-day). The little rippers can also join Mt. Spokane’s Club Shred (ages 4-10) and winter break camps. Lookout Pass has its Mini Moose program for this age group (Sundays only). For the EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 programs, minimum age is 7; however, 49 Degrees North allows kids ages 6 and older to participate.
• Ages 6-13: There are a lot of multi-week group programs and single-lesson packages for this age group. At Silver Mountain, the Silver Kids program (ages 7-12) only offers lessons for level I-II skiers. Lookout Pass has weekly ski and snowboard group sessions for all abilities and levels. At Mt. Spokane, skiers/snowboarders can enroll in Kids Club (ages 7-15). 49 Degrees North has an Adventurers program (ages 6-13) for multi-week sessions, while the single-lesson options are Trailblazers (ages 6-12) and Above & Beyond (ages 12+, beginners only). 
• Ages 9-17: Mt. Spokane has two instructional programs for advanced skiers/snowboarders, Park Club (Saturdays) and Mountain Adventure Club (Sundays)—only during February 2023. 49 Degrees North hosts a one-day Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills “day camp” for skiers and snowboarders (ages 10-15) in December.

Parent-Child Lessons at 49 Degrees North

Mommy/Daddy & Me is a 1-hour lesson for one parent and one child (ages 2-13, beginner). Program goal is for parents to learn teaching tools to help their child further develop ski or snowboard skills.

First Time on Skis or Snowboard

• EZ Ski 1-2-3 (ski/ride): This is a popular program offered at all four resorts includes three days with 2-hour group lessons, rental gear, and lift ticket and allows for progressive skill building. (Does not have to be booked for consecutive days.) Minimum age restrictions vary. At Silver Mountain, only for ages 13+ and not available on Saturdays or holiday periods.
• Never-Ever/First-Timer: One-day lesson packages, ages 6/7+, typically include a 2-hour group lesson, rental equipment, and bunny-hill lift ticket—ideal for those wanting to try skiing or snowboarding with minimal financial and time commitment. (49 Degrees North calls its program “Learn 2 Package.”) Reservations recommended, but walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis the day-of (registration cut-off is typically 30 minutes prior to lesson start time).

Snowboard Group Lessons

Each mountain offers EZ Ride 1-2-3 and first-time/never-ever lessons for children, teens, and adults, plus some unique programs tailored to snowboarders (reservations required).

• Mt. Spokane: Holiday camps; Kids Club, ages 7-15 (Saturdays only, January-March); Club Shred, ages 4-10 (Friday nights, Jan.-March); Park Club, ages 9-17, for advanced/Level 4+ skiers and snowboarders who want to improve Terrain Park skills (Saturdays in February); Mountain Adventure Club, ages 9-17, for advanced snowboarders/skiers who want to explore and improve skills on treed and side-country terrain (Sundays in February).
• Lookout Pass: Free Ski School for snowboarders ages 7-17; Lookout Pass full or half-day group lessons for ages 7-12.
• 49 Degrees North: Multi-week group lessons, ages 6-13 (private lessons available for younger kids), include Discovery Club; Above & Beyond half-day group lesson for beginners (ages 12-adult)—advanced registration recommended but walk-ins can register day-of at least 30 minutes prior to lesson start time; and a one-day Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills “day camp” (ages 10-15, Dec. 23) for snowboarders and skiers.
• Silver Mountain: Flexible 5, semi-private group lessons (ages 7 and up).

Free Ski School at Lookout Pass

A popular program that fills quickly is the longtime “Free Ski School,” staffed by volunteer instructors and organized separately from Lookout Pass’ Snowsports School. Registration opens in late Oct./early Nov. and lessons begin in January 2023.

Beginner and intermediate/advanced skill level sessions are offered for skiers (ages 6-17) and snowboarders (ages 7-17). Participants must attend a session during the first three weeks of the program, which is free. Doesn’t include equipment or a lift ticket, although a lift ticket isn’t necessary during the lessons.

Month By Month Schedule

Registration already opened for some local ski schools back in October, and multi-week sessions fill quickly. For some families, a certain month can be the best time for lessons because of commitments to other activities and non-alpine sports.

• December: EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 and first-timer group lessons, as well as private/semi-private lessons, start now and run throughout the season.Youth specific programs include Mt. SpokaneHoliday Camps (3 days) during winter break, ages 4-15, and 49 Degrees North’s Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills (ages 10-15) afternoon “day camp” on Dec. 23.
• January: Learn to Ski/Snowboard Month! Busy weekends at ski mountains, with newbies of all ages snowplowing down the bunny hills. Multi-week sessions kick off for the 4-15 age group at all the mountains (same lesson start/end time schedule, for four  consecutive Saturdays or Sundays). Silver Mountain’s Flexible 5 program begins Jan. 9, 2023 (must register before this date), and continues through the season.
• February: Multi-week session #2 at all mountains. At Mt. Spokane, two programs commence for older advanced/experienced rippers, ages 9-17—Park Club and Mountain Adventure Club.
• March: Mt. Spokane offers a session #3 for Kids Club & Mini/Mighty Mites (only 3-weeks this month). Still available at all mountains will be EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3, first-timer, and private/semi-private lessons. //

Adaptive Programs

For any children with unique physical or developmental needs, adaptive private lessons are available at 49 Degrees North. At Mt. Spokane, Spokane Parks and Rec’s Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) hosts a ski and snowboard lesson program.

Season Pass Bonus

Ski the NW Rockies mountains offer reduced cost for a season pass, good for the remainder of the current season, after completion of an EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 program (available to all ages). Mt. Spokane offers a free season pass after completing two camps/multi-week programs.

At Silver Mountain, Flexible 5 program participants earn a “graduation gift” of a season pass good for the remaining ski season, and then 50 percent off a season pass for the following winter season (must reserve package by January 9, 2023).Flexible 5 lessons are offered only Sunday-Wednesday (one lesson per day max), holiday weekends excluded.

Keep this season-pass perk in mind when choosing a mountain for your children’s lessons—it’s an affordable gateway to becoming annual season passholders.

5th Graders Ski or Ride for Free

The 5^th Grade Ski or Ride Passport allows any 5th grader from any state to ski or snowboard three free days at each of the participating resorts: 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Wash.; Lookout Pass on the Idaho/Montana stateline, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho; and Loup Loup near Twisp, Wash.

Ski Idaho runs a similar program that allows 5^th and 6^th graders to ski or snowboard three days for free at each of the 17 participating Idaho resorts.

To participate in the 5^th grade passport program, parents need to submit an application with a one-time $20 processing fee at 5thgradeskipassport.com and then wait for the passport to be emailed to them. A parent or guardian must be present with a participating 5^th grader at the resort ticket office with either a printed copy of the passport or the electronic version on their phone to receive a lift ticket.

There are some blackout dates and dos and don’ts, so be sure to read the rules and regulations online in advance. 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 (OTO)

Find more stories for outdoor families, about skiing/snowboarding and teaching kids to ski, the annual Family Winter Sports Guide, and more Ski NW Rockies stories in the OTO archives.

The post Guide to Ski & Snowboard Lessons: Inland NW appeared first on Out There Venture.

It doesn’t matter how fancy your ski equipment is or how old those jackets and ski pants are. I started snowboarding as a teenager in the early ‘90s with a cheap hand-me-down board, Sorel boots, wool hunting pants, and a retro thrift store jacket.

With a little planning and a thrifty mindset, it’s easy to ski more and spend less. These tried-and-true tips put a winter of on-the-mountain fun within reach of most family budgets.

1. Season Passes: If you want to ski or snowboard more than a couple of times a winter, a season pass is the way to go and can save hundreds of dollars. For the best deal, get your pass in the spring or during the fall season pass sale windows (usually by the middle of November or earlier). Several resorts also offer discounts for purchasing multiple passes. 
2. Lift Ticket Deals: Many resorts often offer special lift ticket discount promotions throughout the season. Check the ski resort websites for details or call and ask about promotions.
3. Learn to Ski/Ride Programs for Kids & Adults: Our local resorts make it easy and affordable for kids and adults to learn to ski or snowboard for the first time. The EZ Ski Ride 1-2-3 program for total beginners is an all-inclusive package that come with three days of skiing or snowboarding with everything included: lift tickets, lessons, and gear rentals.
4. 5^th Graders Ski for Free: The Ski the NW Rockies 5^th Grade Passport program allow 5^th graders to ski for free three times at each participating resort, including Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North in Chewelah, Silver Mountain in Kellogg, and Lookout Pass on the Idaho/Montana border. Ski Idaho offers a similar program at all Idaho resorts for both 5^th and 6^th graders.
5. Toyota Free Ski Fridays: All of our local resorts host a free ski day sponsored by Toyota on one Friday each season. On those days, the driver of any Toyota vehicle gets a free lift ticket when they arrive at the mountain. Find all the dates and details at Skinwrockies.com/toyota-free-ski-days.
6. Hit the Ski Swaps: You can save a ton of money outfitting your family with skis, snowboards, boots, poles, and all the winter gear at annual ski swaps. You can sell your old gear at the swap too.
7. Buy Quality Used Gear at Rambleraven Gear Trader: Rambleraven started out as an outdoor gear consignment store where you can now find a wide range of quality used ski and snowboard equipment and winter gear like jackets, ski pants, gloves and more. Located on the Division Street hill in north Spokane, Rambleraven also carries new ski and snowboard equipment in case you don’t find the right used gear. Additionally, you can bring adult and kids’ gear into the shop for consignment to turn your old ski stuff into cash. Save gas and check the shop’s website where all of its new and used gear are listed and available for online purchase with shop pick up or convenient shipping.
8. Borrow What You Need: If you know other skiing or snowboarding families, check with them to see if they have any gear their kids have outgrown that might be collecting dust in their garage. When our son first started out skiing, we had friends loan and even give us quality old gear.
9. Rent Equipment: Several ski shops in the Inland Northwest lease or rent all sizes of ski and snowboard equipment, from children to adult sizes, which is a great option if you only plan to go a few times. You can also rent equipment on-site at a resort (best to call ahead for a rental reservation).
10. Lease Kids’ Ski Packages from Spokane Alpine Haus: If you or your kids plan to spend more time on the mountain, Spokane Alpine Haus on the South Hill has a popular Jr. Ski/Snowboard Season Lease program. An awesome opportunity because each season your child will get fitted for a new set of boots and skis that is the right size for their growing bodies. This saves time and money, and eliminates shopping around to buy new or used gear each year. At the end of the ski/snowboard season, simply return the leased gear (in clean condition) to the shop. Spokane Alpine Haus also carries a wide range of brand-new ski equipment and ski and snowboard gear for kids and adults. Reserve your child’s leased ski gear early for best selection.

Find more stories for outdoor families, about skiing/snowboarding and teaching kids to ski, the annual Family Winter Sports Guide, and more Ski NW Rockies stories in the OTO archives.

The post 10 Ways To Save Money & Ski More appeared first on Out There Venture.

Here, fellow Inland NW parents and young skiers share the runs they recommend for brand-new skiers and riders and those advancing skills — with suggestions covering a range of ability levels.

“Best” is a relative term, so use these ideas to help you decide where to go the next time you’re at one of these mountains.

What to know about trail ratings

A ski run’s difficulty level is relative to all the runs on that particular mountain. Meaning, not all blue squares and black diamonds are equally challenging across mountains. A designated “black” at one mountain can seem more like an intermediate compared to another mountain.

Additionally, an intermediate run can seem like a black diamond for a more advanced beginner skier/rider. And remember, any run can be more challenging on any day based on current weather and snow conditions. (Note: Experienced skiers/riders typically refer to a run difficulty by the respective color rather than the skill level; e.g., “Rock Slide is an easy black.”)

For the Ski the Northwest Rockies association, member businesses include Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area and Silver Mountain Resort (both in north Idaho off Interstate 90), and 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort and the non-profit Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, both located in eastern Washington.

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

• Rockslide: black / Illuminator (chair #2) –This was the first black diamond that my kids went down at our home mountain—and it’s the mountain’s easiest black, according to my family. I’ve also led some of my friends’ young kids down Rockslide as their first black diamond experience, and everyone agrees that it’s more fun than scary and easier than they thought it would be.
• Secret Squirrel: blue / Northwood (chair #6) – A “long run with a good slope angle and fall line,” says my 12-year-old son, Landon. However, on the rare occasion when this run isn’t groomed, it would be more challenging; yet on those days it’s a good teaching run to learn how to navigate ungroomed terrain. The run is accessible off Yellow Brick Road (green cat track) starting from the summit, via Vista Cruiser (chair 1), with a return to the summit via Northwood chair.
• Jim’s Gem: green / Northwood – A more challenging run for advanced-beginners, this backside green circle (two runs past the turn-off for Secret Squirrel) is best for those with endurance who want to experience a longer run. A good choice for someone who has mastered all the beginner runs on the mountain’s front side. (Remember, a skier/rider has to return to the front side via Northwest Passage—a long journey back to the lodge for tired legs.)
• Ridge Run: blue / Hidden Treasure (chair #4) – “A longer run with variable pitches for those who want to go a little steeper but not for long,” says my husband, Judd, who has been ski patrolling at Mt. Spokane for nearly 25 years.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

• Huckleberry Ridge: green / Peak 1 Quad – “For families relatively new or brand new to skiing, my daughters recommend Huckleberry,” says Lookout season passholder AnnaMarie White. Daughter Olivia says this run “helps (kids) to build confidence because it’s not too steep—it seems like it goes on forever.” From the mountain’s North side, ride Timber Wolf (chair 3) back to the summit to access Huckleberry.
• Tamarack: blue / Timber Wolf (chair 2), Montana Side – “Long run with a little slope to it for kids” who are still learning “and wide enough to work on turning,” says Alex Conrow, dad of one of this issue’s featured “Little Rippers.”
• Rainbow Ridge: blue / Timber Wolf (chair 2) – Similar to Tamarack, and fun for experienced skiers as well, says Conrow, because you can quickly get going fast.

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort

• Gold Chute: green / Pay Day chair – “This is a unique and magical experience designed for beginner skiers. This easy, gentle run is hidden in the trees off our Pay Day lift and features animal signs to mark the way,” says 49 Ski School Director Alison Pasino.
• Huckleberry Ridge: green / Sunrise Basin, Peak 1 Quad chair – “This gentle, family-friendly run has versatile green terrain for beginners to intermediates. Fun natural jumps along the side. Great for kids looking to ride both of 49’s quad lifts and explore the mountain,” Pasino says.

Silver Mountain Resort

• Easy Street: green / Magic Carpet: Silver’s bunny hill has a giant, covered conveyor called ‘Magic Carpet’ in the middle, with ski/boarding on one side and tubing on the other and is a family favorite says Mandy Labahn, who works and snowboards at Silver and is “Little Ripper” Zoey’s mom.
• Claim Jumper & Dawdler: green / chair 5 – Below the Magic Carpet, Claim Jumper leads to the bottom of chair 5. “[This chairlift] runs slow just for the kids and beginners learning to use a lift,” says Labahn. Stay straight on Claim Jumper and the trail turns into Dawdler, the easiest of the easy, she says.
• Sunrise: blue / chair 2 – Long run, from top to bottom, with great views. “If it’s a sunny day, I want to stay on chair 2,” says Courtney Yarber, who, along with her husband and daughters, ages 9 and 12, are season passholders.
• Silver Bell (blue) to Alpenway (green): chair 2 – While you could follow Silver Bell all the way to the base of 2, Yarber likes to turn onto Alpenway (skier’s right), go under the chair, then turn skier’s left at the junction with Sunrise—go left and enjoy an easy route to chair 2’s base.

Find more stories for outdoor families, about skiing/snowboarding and teaching kids to ski, the annual Family Winter Sports Guide, and more Ski NW Rockies stories in the OTO archives.

The post Best Ski Runs for Kids: NW Rockies appeared first on Out There Venture.