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Ski & Snowboard Lessons - Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort

Lesson

Flagstaff

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Small Group Sizes

Beginner Friendly

Instant Book

Duration: 2 hours

Description

Ski & Snowboard Lessons in Flagstaff, AZ - Arizona Snowbowl Ski & Ride School

Arizona Snowbowl is where Arizonans learn to ski and snowboard. With the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest, a FREE introductory lesson for first-timers, and a full lineup of group, children's, and private options, the Ski & Ride School is one of the most accessible and well-rounded lesson programs in the region — all on a mountain that regularly sees over 260 inches (660 cm) of natural snowfall per season.

Whether you've never clipped into a binding or you're looking to finally break out of the wedge, lessons here are taught on wide-open, gentle beginner terrain served by two chairlifts and two surface conveyor lifts — purpose-built for learning. Groups are formed by ability and age, instruction is available for skiers and snowboarders from age 3 up, and private lessons offer total flexibility from a single hour to a full day of guided one-on-one coaching.

The Ski & Ride School offers four distinct programs:

FREE Snow Experience Lesson — A 2-hour group lesson for first-time adult skiers and snowboarders (ages 13+), included with a lift ticket purchase. No experience necessary.
2-Hour Group Lesson — For skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels (ages 4+), grouped by ability to help riders at every stage progress faster.
Children's Lessons — Age-specific group lessons for kids ages 4–12, broken into SkiWee & Mini Rider (ages 4–6) and Mountain Kids (ages 7–12) programs.
Private Lessons — Personalized one-on-one or small group instruction for ages 3 and up, available in 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, and 6-hour sessions.

Also offered is the Snowburners program — a 6-week children's lesson series for ages 4–12, running January through February with sessions available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Registration opens each fall for the following season.

Advance booking is required. Lessons sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Lesson Duration

FREE Snow Experience Lesson: 2 hours on-snow instruction
2-Hour Group Lesson: 2 hours on-snow instruction
Children's Lessons (SkiWee, Mini Rider, Mountain Kids): 2 hours on-snow instruction
Private Lessons: 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, or 6 hours on-snow instruction

Total time on-mountain: If renting equipment, plan to arrive 1–2 hours before your lesson start time to allow for rental fitting, restroom, and getting geared up. Check in at the Ski School check-in area at the base of Hart Prairie Lodge no later than 15 minutes before your lesson start time. Lessons start on time — if you miss your scheduled lesson by 15 minutes or more, you may be redirected to a later session based on availability.

Location / Where to Meet

Ski School Check-In — Base of Hart Prairie Lodge 9300 N Snowbowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86002

Check in at the Ski School check-in area at the base of the Hart Prairie Lift. If you need to pick up rental equipment first, the Hart Prairie Rental Shop is located on the south side of the same lodge, near the drop-off roundabout.

Parking: Free on-site parking in Hart Prairie Lots 1–4. The Hart Prairie base area is the correct base area for all lesson participants. Do not park along Snowbowl Road.

Free Shuttle from Flagstaff: The Mountain Express Shuttle runs free service from Downtown Flagstaff and the Flagstaff High School Park-n-Ride directly to Hart Prairie Lodge every 20 minutes from 7:30 AM–5:30 PM on scheduled days (daily during holiday weeks; weekends January–March).

Restrooms: Available at Hart Prairie Lodge.

Ages

FREE Snow Experience Lesson: Ages 13 and up
2-Hour Group Lesson: Ages 4 and up (adults and teens)
SkiWee & Mini Rider (Children's Group Lesson): Ages 4–6
Mountain Kids (Children's Group Lesson): Ages 7–12
Private Lessons: Ages 3 and up (1-hour private); ages 4 and up (all other private lesson durations)
Snowburners (6-Week Program): Ages 4–12

Parents must be present for check-in and pick-up of children's lessons. Parents are asked to remain on Snowbowl property for the duration of their child's lesson in case of emergency or illness. Sick or contagious children will not be admitted.

What's Included

On-snow instruction from certified Ski & Ride School instructors
Groups formed by ability level and age for appropriate pacing
Use of beginner terrain and lifts during the lesson period

Private Lessons only:

Dedicated one-on-one or small group coaching (up to 5 guests total on 2-, 3-, and 6-hour sessions; 1-hour sessions are 1 guest only)
Instructor assists with activating your Snowbowl RFID card and coordinating rental pickup upon check-in

Not Included

Lift ticket or season pass — required for all lessons; reserve lift tickets here.
Rental equipment — not included in lesson pricing; reserve rentals here.
Gratuity — never expected, but if your instructor made the day special, 10–20% is always appreciated

What to Bring / Wear

Waterproof ski jacket and snow pants — no cotton; dress in moisture-wicking layers
Warm base layer (wool or synthetic fleece)
Waterproof gloves or mittens
Warm hat or balaclava — temperatures at 9,200–11,500 ft (2,804–3,505 m) are significantly colder than in Flagstaff
Thick ski or snowboard socks (not cotton)
Goggles or UV-rated sunglasses — UV exposure is stronger at elevation; snow reflects rays
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) — apply even on cloudy days
Helmet — strongly recommended, especially for children; available to rent ($12) or purchase at Hart Prairie Lodge
Confirmation email — have it ready on your phone at check-in
Certification card / Snowbowl RFID card if you already have one
Water and snacks — altitude increases dehydration; drink non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort

FAQs

Do I need any prior experience to take a lesson?

No experience is needed for the FREE Snow Experience Lesson or for the SkiWee, Mini Rider, and Mountain Kids programs — these are all designed for first-timers. Group lessons and private lessons also accommodate all ability levels, from complete beginners to intermediate riders working on specific skills. Groups are formed by ability level when you arrive.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes — advance booking is required and strongly recommended. Lessons are popular and sell out quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays. A $5 day-of surcharge applies if a spot is still available on the day of your visit. Private lessons must be booked online at least 48 hours in advance. The FREE Snow Experience Lesson requires a reservation and has a cancellation policy (see below).

Is a lift ticket included in the lesson price?

No — a lift ticket or season pass is required for all lessons and must be purchased separately. The exception is that the FREE Snow Experience Lesson is offered at no additional charge when you purchase a lift ticket.

Is rental equipment included?

No. Rentals must be added at the time of booking online - check out rentals here. If you're renting equipment, arrive 1–2 hours before your lesson start time to allow for fitting.

What is the FREE Snow Experience Lesson?

This is a free 2-hour beginner ski or snowboard lesson available to first-time skiers and snowboarders ages 13 and up. It's offered with the purchase of any lift ticket and is a great way to learn the basics before venturing out on your own. It does not replace a full lesson package — if you want continued instruction, a 2-hour group lesson or private lesson is the next step.

What are the children's lesson programs at Arizona Snowbowl?

Two age-specific group lesson programs are available for kids ages 4–12:

SkiWee & Mini Rider (ages 4–6): Introductory lessons on skis or snowboard in a fun, supportive environment tailored to young beginners.
Mountain Kids (ages 7–12): More structured skill-building for older kids, grouped by ability level.

Both run 2 hours and are available on weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

What is Snowburners?

Snowburners is a 6-week group lesson program for children ages 4–12, running January through February. Participants meet once a week on their choice of Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. It's a great option for kids who want consistent progression throughout the season. Registration opens each fall for the upcoming season.

Are private lessons available?

Yes. Private lessons are available for ages 3 and up in four durations:

1-hour (ages 3+, 1 guest maximum)
2-hour (ages 4+, up to 5 guests total)
3-hour (ages 4+, up to 5 guests total)
6-hour (ages 4+, up to 5 guests total)

Additional guests can be added to 2-, 3-, and 6-hour sessions for an additional per-person fee. Private lessons must be booked online at least 48 hours in advance.

What happens if I'm late to my lesson?

Lessons start on time. If you miss your scheduled lesson by 15 minutes or more, you may be asked to join a later session based on availability. If you are late to a private lesson, the lesson may be forfeited without a refund. Plan to arrive at the check-in area at least 15 minutes before your lesson time, and 1–2 hours early if you also need to rent equipment.

What terrain do the lessons take place on?

All group and beginner lessons take place on the Hart Prairie base area, which is home to the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest — wide, gentle slopes served by two chairlifts and two surface conveyor lifts. Private lessons for more advanced participants may progress to other terrain on the mountain at the instructor's discretion.

What is the weather policy for lessons?

Lessons operate in all weather conditions unless there is a severe safety event. Refunds and credits are not issued due to weather, road conditions, or lift closures. Lesson purchases can be exchanged for a resort credit up to 11:59 PM the night before your visit date.

Cancellation Policy

Group Lessons and Children's Lessons: Purchases are refundable in full within 48 hours of the original purchase, provided the visit date has not yet arrived. After that window, lessons may be exchanged for a resort credit equal to the original purchase price up until 11:59 PM the night before your visit. No refunds or credits are issued on the day of use.

FREE Snow Experience Lesson: Cancellations must be made by 11:59 PM the day before the lesson date. Failure to attend or cancel will result in a $10 no-show fee per guest.

Private Lessons: Must be cancelled or rescheduled by emailing the resort by 11:59 PM the night before your lesson. Private lessons are non-refundable and non-creditable on or after the date they are valid. Private lessons must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

All credits expire April 30 of the active season.