Know Before You Go

Older children snowboarding with an instructor
what to know before you go

Prepare for your lesson

Arriving prepared for your lesson is key to maximizing your day on the slopes with your instructor. Below you can find information on where to go, what to expect, and what to bring.

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Where to Go

Step 1
Check-In

The first stop for all Child Group Lessons occurs at the Children’s Group Lessons building in the Northstar Village, located next to the Ice Skating Rink and Season Pass office.

Village and Mountain Maps

Check-in times vary by age and program. If you arrive late and cannot complete check-in prior to the check-in end time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.

Ages 7-14 Group
 Starts at 8:45am, must be completed by 9:15am
Ages 5-6 Max6
 Starts at 9:00am, must be completed by 9:30am
Ages 3-4 Max6
 Starts at 9:15am, must be completed by 9:45am

If you are a guest lodging at The Ritz-Carlton and have signed up for a Child group ski or snowboard lesson, you will need to proceed to the Village at Northstar to arrive at the Children's Ski & Snowboard School by the times listed above. Please check with your concierge for Highlands Gondola operating hours.

 

Step 2
Drop-Off & Rental Equipment

For your convenience, we take care of your child's rental equipment and fitting at the lesson drop-off location.

  • 3–4 year olds will be dropped off right after check-in, at the Children’s Group Lesson location. Any rental fitting will take place at this location.
  • All 5–14 year olds will be dropped off at The Beach, which is located near the back of the Big Springs Gondola, along Gondola Way. Your child must have their lesson ticket and season pass or lift ticket prior to proceeding to The Beach. Any rental fitting will take place at this location.

Village and Mountain Maps

 

After the Lesson
Pick-Up

Children participating in lessons that run until the end of the day are all picked up at the Northstar Village Overlook, located directly above the Children’s Group Lesson building. The Overlook can be accessed via a short outdoor stairway or an indoor elevator. Pick-up times are based on lesson age group and program.  

  • 3-4 year olds: 3:00pm
  • 5-6 year olds: 3:20pm
  • 7-14 year olds: 3:40pm

Children enrolled in the AM 3-4 year old group lesson will be provided with a pick-up location during drop-off at the Children’s Group Lesson location. Pick-up time is 12:30pm.

 
Young children skiing with an instructor

What to Expect

  • Children’s group lessons are sorted by discipline, age, and ability level. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on the group’s ability level.
  • World-class instructors will help all children learn and build skills in a safe and fun environment. 
  • Lunch is included as part of all full day children’s group lessons. Children eat lunch with their class in an indoor setting. Lunch times will vary and are determined at the start of the day.
  • Snacks and water are provided during the day. If sending your child with snacks and/or lunch, label with a first & last name. No nuts please!
  • Please ensure your child has started the day with breakfast and that a bathroom break has been provided prior to drop-off. Bathroom breaks will be built into the day.
  • Rental equipment reserved as part of the group lesson package will include a helmet, but not goggles.
  • All children are required to be potty trained to participate in children’s group lessons.

Where to Go

Adult Ski & Snowboard School is located in the Northstar Village, in between The Villager Candle Shop and Inclined Burger. This location is near the back of the Big Springs Gondola along Gondola Way.

Village and Mountain Maps

Step 1
Check-In
  • Check-in first at the Adult Ski & Snowboard School in the Northstar Village to pick up your tickets and/or rental equipment.
  • If picking up a ticket and rental equipment, check-in between and no later than:
    • 8:15am – 8:30am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM Lessons
    • 12:00pm – 12:30pm for Half Day PM Lessons
  • If picking up a lesson ticket only, please do so between:
    • 8:00am – 9:30am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM Lessons
    • 8:00am – 1:00pm for Half Day PM Lessons
Step 2
Gondola to Mid-Mountain
  • You must have your equipment and lift ticket with you prior to boarding the Big Springs Gondola
  • Note: You do not need to ski or snowboard to reach this location.
  • To reach Mid-Mountain, ride the Big Springs Gondola, unload at the top, and exit to the right.
  • The lesson area is just past The Lodge at Big Springs. 
Step 3
Meet Your Instructor
  • Meet your instructor at the Ski & Snowboard School Arch (skiers) or Burton Snowboard Tent (snowboarders).
  • Meet at 9:45am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM Lessons.
  • Meet at 1:15pm for Half Day PM Lessons.

Pro Tips
  • Renting Ski equipment? Prior Day check-in is available from 2:30pm – 4:00pm the afternoon before scheduled ski lesson start date. Snowboarders who reserved equipment as part of their lesson package will be fitted on the day of their lesson.
  • If you are a guest lodging at The Ritz-Carlton and have signed up for an Adult Group Ski or Snowboard Lesson, you will need to proceed to the Village at Northstar to arrive at the Adult Ski & Snowboard School by the times listed above. Please check with your concierge for Highlands Gondola operating hours.
 
Adults skiing with an instructor

What to Expect

  • All group lessons will be sorted by discipline and ability level. The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on group goals.
  • World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques.
  • Full Day AM + PM lessons will take a lunch break from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.  Lunch is not included as part of Adult Group lessons.
  • Lessons finish at Mid-Mountain at 12:30pm for the Half Day AM and at 4:00pm for Half Day PM and Full Day AM + PM.

Where to Go

Your Private Lesson location where you will meet your instructor was selected upon booking and is listed in your confirmation email.

Village and Mountain Maps

Location Description
Northstar Village
 At the base of the Big Springs Gondola by the Private Lesson office
Ritz-Carlton True North Shop
 Ritz-Carlton Guests only
Main floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Mid-Mountain
 Ride the Big Springs Gondola and unload at Mid-Mountain. Exit right; the lesson area is just past The Lodge at Big Springs by the Ski & Snowboard School archway.*

*You must have your equipment and lift ticket prior to boarding the Big Springs Gondola but do not need to ski or snowboard to reach this location.

 

Meeting Your Instructor
  • Check in approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled lesson start time at your lesson location.
  • Arrive ready to ski or snowboard with your lift ticket/season pass and full ski/snowboard equipment.

PRO TIP: Renting ski equipment? Prior Day check-in is available from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. the afternoon before scheduled ski lesson start date. Snowboarders who reserved equipment as part of their lesson package will be fitted on the day of their lesson.

 
Adults snowboarding with an instructor

What to Expect

  • The instructor will determine a plan for the day based on individual or group goals.
  • World-class instructors will help all participants have fun exploring more of the mountain by practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • Full day lessons will include a break for lunch.   Lunch is not included as part of a private lesson.

What You Need

Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, so review the following items to ensure you are fully equipped for your ski or snowboard lesson.

Resort Guest Purchasing a Lift Ticket at Steven's Pass
Lift Access

All guests must have a pass or a lift ticket to participate in a lesson. Best pricing is available online, in advance.

Lift Tickets

Passes

Employees with retail skiis in Northstar, CA.
Gear
Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment and boots if already owned. If renting, please arrive an hour prior to your lesson start time to ensure enough time for pick up.
Book Rentals
Close Up of Boy Smiling in Ski Helmet with Goggles
Helmets
A winter sport helmet is required for all lesson participants aged 14 and under, and 18 and under in designated children’s lessons. We strongly encourage helmet use for all ages. Helmets can be rented with your rental order or independently.
Family skiing in Kirkwood, CA.
Clothing & Accessories
Waterproof snow pants and gloves or mittens are required to keep you warm and dry. Goggles are also required to protect your eyes from the cold air and block UV light.
 

What We Recommend

Get Altitude Ready:
  • If you aren’t used to being above sea level, it’s ideal to arrive a day or so early to give your body time to settle in. Regardless of when you arrive, be sure to hydrate in the days leading up to your trip and continue once you are at altitude. Hydration is key to avoiding unpleasant side effects of altitude. Once you’re here, don’t push too hard on day one, and if you feel any discomfort, move lower down the mountain and take a break.
Clothing:
  • Base Layers: These fall under snow gear to provide an extra level of insulation while keeping your skin dry from sweat. Recommended to be a tighter fit for comfort and to wear both top and bottom.
  • Eye Protection: Goggles are the preferred eye protection to protect eyes from UV light, wind, and weather. Goggles help enhance vision, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience on the mountain.
  • Neck Gaiter: This is normally a tube of fabric worn around your neck and face to protect you from sun the sun and cold conditions.
  • Snow Socks: Should go to just under the knee. Generally labelled to keep your feet warm and should be breathable.
  • Layers and/or Jacket: Based on comfort level, it is recommended to have one fleece layer and/or a snow jacket on top of your base layers.
  • Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin with high attention to the nose, lips, and neck.
  • Children: It is recommended to choose clothing in which children can slip in and out of independently for bathroom breaks.