Learn & Earn

Lessons will be available to reserve online beginning mid-November. We cannot accept walk-ups. On the day of your lesson, plan on arriving at Snowbasin Resort an hour before your scheduled time to give yourself enough time to check in. The youth lessons begin at 9:30, and adult lessons begin at 10:00am. All lessons end at 3:00pm.

There is plenty of free parking at Snowbasin Resort. Upon arriving, you will be guided to the closest available parking spot. Head to the convenient shuttle that picks up at the entrance/exit of each parking lot at the “Shuttle Stop” sign. The shuttle will drop you off at Earl’s Plaza.

After getting off the shuttle, you will see two buildings, Earl’s Lodge and the Grizzly Center. The building on the right (when you are looking at the mountain) is the Grizzly Center, where the retail shop, rental shop and Learning Center are located. Please check in at the outdoor podium in front of the Learning Center no less than 15 minutes prior to your lesson start time. For Year 1 learners, your pass will be turned on for the day of your lesson only.  It will automatically become your season pass after the completion of your third lesson. Year 2 and 3 learners' passes will be active on the first day of operations.

You will meet your instructor in the Meadow outside the front doors of the Learning Center. You will be in your lesson until 3:00pm. Adult lessons will have a break for lunch, which can be purchased in any of our three lodges. Youth lessons include lunch, which will be served in the Learning Center around 12:00pm. Year 1 lessons will usually start in the Meadow area and then move on to the Grizzly Magic Carpet and the Wildflower Magic Carpet.

Layered clothing
Layering clothing allows you to remain comfortable all day as you learn to ski. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear (shirt and leggings) which wicks moisture (sweat) away from the skin, keeping you dry and warm. Avoid a cotton base layer, as cotton soaks up moisture and holds it. On top of your thermal base layer, you may want a fleece layer for insulation. Finally, a waterproof exterior layer (shell pants and jacket) will ensure staying dry and comfortable all day. If you often get cold or it is a particularly chilly day, adding fleece or a thermal layer is a good idea. You can always take a layer off!

Goggles
Eye protection is necessary while on the mountain due to direct sun and reflective glare, flat light, wind and snow that your eyes should not be subject to. Goggles are better than sunglasses for snow sports as they protect from the wind and will help keep you warmer. They make goggles that go over eyeglasses and fit a variety of face shapes and sizes. Stop into the Grizzly Center retail shop and ask for help finding the perfect pair for you.

Helmet
Helmets are required. The Grizzly Center rental shop rents helmets for just $15 a day.

Socks
Wear one pair of thin or medium-thickness socks. Wearing multiple pairs of thin socks or big thick socks will wrinkle and be very uncomfortable in your boots. The socks should fit well, with no extra material hanging off your foot. Ski or snowboard socks are preferred. Make sure your socks are dry before you put on your boots.

Gloves
Waterproof and warm gloves are necessary for a fun day on the slopes. Select gloves or mittens that are made for freezing temps and are water resistant. Gloves offer more dexterity while mittens are generally warmer.

Sunscreen
Even if you rarely burn or if it is not a sunny day, sunscreen while skiing is a must. The high mountain altitude mixed with the reflection of the sun's rays off the white snow is a recipe for disaster. Bring sunscreen and lip protection to reapply throughout the day, and wear goggles to protect your eyes. The retail shop, located in the Grizzly Center, carries a wide variety of everything you will need for a great day on the slope. Stop by and let our friendly staff outfit you head to toe!

Professional instruction is the fastest way to get real enjoyment out of the sport. Your instructor will teach you everything you need to know to start your lifelong passion for skiing or snowboarding. You will learn basic information about your equipment, including how to put it on and take it off, how to carry it and how to walk in it. You will learn how to ride a lift up the hill, how to turn left and right and how to stop. You will also learn about trail signs, the Responsibility Code and Snowbasin’s mountain safety protocols. Avoid the confusion and frustration of trying to teach yourself or having an unqualified friend or family member attempt to teach you, and have a great first experience!

For the average person, it usually takes three lessons to feel comfortable and be able to control your speed on intermediate terrain. Your first lesson helps you learn to keep your balance and get familiar with sliding while staying on your feet. The first lesson is mostly spent in the Meadow next to the Grizzly Center, and on the Grizzly Carpet at the top of the Littlecat Lift. A second lesson makes the transition to intermediate terrain and the third lesson gets you comfortable and confident on intermediate terrain. After these lessons, you will be hooked on your new lifelong sport! Practice your new skills on your own and return for another lesson once you are ready to progress to the next step.