Choose the right private lesson option for you and learn to ski, snowboard, or ski bike at Mt. Sima.
We offer private lessons from 10am-4pm on Saturday & Sunday, and 1pm-4pm on Thursdays & Fridays
If it looks like the weather will be cold, please keep an eye on our website or call the Snowline at (867) 667-7547, updated each morning at 7:30 am.
Lessons will run unless we are closed due to weather. Please see our Cold Weather Policy for more information.
Helmets are mandatory to participate in all Snow School programs.
Ability Chart
Check your ability level to help you enroll in the right Mt. Sima Snow School program.
Ski Ability Chart
LEVEL 1 – FIRST TIME SKIER/BEGINNER
Who: I have never skied or; I have tried skiing but I am not yet able to stop with confidence on a gentle slope.
What: I want to start with the basics – learn to glide on snow, and control speed and direction.
Where: Session will begin on snow near the lodge and will progress to the Bunny Hill.
LEVEL 2: NOVICE
Who: I can stop with confidence on a gentle slope (Lower Bunny Hill).
What: I want to work on turning and control to progress to the chairlift and more varied terrain.
Where: Session will begin on the handle tow/Bunny Hill and may progress up the chairlift (Hailey’s or Pokey).
LEVEL 3: COMFORTABLE NOVICE
Who: I can control my speed and turn on easy green runs (Upper Bunny Hill). I may or may not have ridden a chairlift before. Steeper sections on green runs are challenging (Hailey’s, Pokey).
What: I want to ride the chairlift and work on conquering the green runs.
Where: Session will take place up the chairlift, on groomed green runs (Hailey’s or Pokey).
LEVEL 4: INTERMEDIATE
Who: I can ski in control on green runs and may have begun to explore blue runs.
What: I want to explore blue run terrain and improve my skills on steeper slopes and varied terrain.
Where: Session will take place on a mix of green and groomed blue runs (Hailey’s, Pokey, Dan’s Descent, Gold Rush).
LEVEL 5: ADVANCED
Who: I can ski in control on all blue runs.
Steep blue sections (Upper Dan’s Descent) or ungroomed snow may be challenging.
What: I want to refine my skills to master steep blue terrain and start to explore black and/or ungroomed terrain.
Where: Session will take place mainly on blue terrain (groomed or ungroomed) and may venture into black runs or gladed areas (Chilkoot, Friends Zone, Dream Weaver).
LEVEL 6: EXPERT
Who: I can ski everything that Mt. Sima has to offer with control and confidence.
What: I want specialized instruction to improve my skiing ability to tackle specific terrain and conditions (e.g., carving, moguls, trees, ungroomed/crud).
Where: Anywhere and everywhere. Terrain selection will depend on the goals of the lesson.
Snowboard Ability Chart
LEVEL 1 – FIRST TIME SNOWBOARDER/BEGINNER
Who: I have never snowboarded before or; I have tried snowboarding a few times but I want to learn the fundamentals.
What: I want to start with the basics – learn to slide on snow, and control speed and direction
Where: Session will begin on snow near the lodge and will progress to the Bunny Hill.
LEVEL 2: NOVICE
Who: I can slide on the snow with both feet attached and prefer one edge (either heel or toe side).
What: I want to develop skills to ride both edges (heel side/toe side) and to steer the board downhill.
Where: Session will begin on the handle tow/Bunny Hill and may progress up the chairlift (Hailey’s or Pokey).
LEVEL 3: COMFORTABLE NOVICE
Who: I can comfortably ride my heel edge and toe edge separately.
What: I want to learn to link heel side and toe side turns and learn to turn with confidence.
Where: Session will take place on the Bunny hill and groomed green runs (Hailey’s or Pokey).
LEVEL 4: INTERMEDIATE
Who: I can link turns in control on green runs and may have begun to explore blue runs.
What: I want to explore blue run terrain and learn the fundamentals of board performance.
Where: Session will take place on a mix of green and groomed blue runs (Hailey’s, Pokey, Dan’s Descent, Gold Rush).
LEVEL 5: ADVANCED
Who: I can snowboard in control on all blue runs. Steep blue sections (Upper Dan’s Descent) or ungroomed snow may be challenging.
What: I want to refine my skills to master steep blue terrain and start to explore black and/or ungroomed terrain (possibly learn to ride Terrain Park).
Where: Session will take place mainly on blue terrain (groomed or ungroomed) and may venture into black runs or gladed areas (Chilkoot, Friends Zone, Dream Weaver).
LEVEL 6: EXPERT
Who: I can snowboard everything that Mt. Sima has to offer with control and confidence.
What: I want specialized instruction to improve my snowboarding ability to tackle specific terrain and conditions (e.g., trees, trees, ungroomed/crud, moguls, park).
Where: Anywhere and everywhere. Terrain selection will depend on the goals of the lesson.
Private Lessons
Our private lessons offer a unique one-on-one learning experience with a certified instructor! Private lessons are great for beginner or advanced skiers and snowboarders! Learning with one of our knowledgeable instructors can help you build your confidence or improve your technique in a safe and fun environment.
Lesson time | Age | 1 person | Additional person |
---|---|---|---|
1 hour private lesson | Mini (age 4-5)* | $65 | $50 |
Child (age 6-12) | $70 | $50 | |
Youth/Adult (age 13+) | $80 | $50 | |
2 hour private lesson | Child (age 6-12) | $110 | $75 |
Youth/Adult (age 13+) | $125 | $75 |
• Price is per person and does not include lift tickets or rentals
• Mini private lessons may include games in the snow and will be from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the stamina of the child
Discovery Packages
Unsure if skiing or snowboarding is for you? Not ready to invest in a season pass and/or equipment? Try our Discovery Packages! Our Discovery Packages offer a reduced rate to people who are relatively new to skiing or snowboarding, or new to Mount Sima. This is a great way to learn to ski or ride and discover the mountain with one of our certified instructors.
Our Discovery Packages include:
- Private lesson
- Lift ticket
- Equipment rental (boots, skis/snowboard and helmet)
Age | Half-day Package – 1hr lesson | Full-day Package – 2hr lesson | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 person | Additional person | 1 person | Additional person | |
Mini (age 4-5)* | $75 | $65 | $115 | $105 |
Child (age 6-12) | $85 | $75 | $135 | $125 |
Youth/Adult (age 13+) | $95 | $85 | $180 | $170 |
*Mini Discovery Package may include games in the snow and can be shortened depending on the stamina of the child.
- Each Individual may purchase a maximum of 5 packages per person per season
- Dec 1st – Feb 12th Half day is from 11am to 1:30pm or from 1:30pm to 4pm
- Feb 16th – April Half day is from 10am to 1pm or from 1pm to 4pm
To book a discovery package lesson contact snowschool@mountsima.com.
Discover Sno-Go Package
Discover Sno-Go Package* | Full-Day | Half-Day |
---|---|---|
$115 | $65 | $55 |
*Discover Sno-Go Package includes: a half-day ski bike rental, half-day lift ticket, and 1-hour lesson.
What is a SNO-GO Ski Bike?
A SNO-GO ski bike offers a fun and innovative way to hit the slopes—no prior experience needed! This meticulously designed, bike-inspired device features three articulating skis, a chairlift-friendly loading hook, and a remarkably easy learning curve. Whether you’re new to winter sports, have limited mobility, or are a downhill mountain biker seeking a winter thrill, the SNO-GO promises to reshape how you experience the season. Most riders master the basics in under an hour and can join friends skiing or snowboarding across the mountain.
How Quickly Can You Learn?
The SNO-GO’s learning curve is so gentle that 80% of users are confidently navigating intermediate slopes by the end of their first day. With a simple mantra—lean, don’t steer—most beginners can link turns and tackle a beginner slope after just a few attempts.
Do You Need a Lesson?
While the SNO-GO is intuitive, we require a 1-hour introductory lesson for first-timers. The device is endorsed by the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. Lessons, offered at Premier Partner resorts, are priced at $95. Book yours with a snow school instructor for the best start to your SNO-GO adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall do you need to be to ride a SNO-GO ski bike?
A: Riders must be at least 5 feet tall.
Q: How do you ride the chairlift with a SNO-GO ski bike?
A: The SNO-GO’s chairlift hook makes loading a breeze. Check out this quick video tutorial to see how it works!
Q: How do you stop?
A: It’s as easy as leaning on the handlebars. The SNO-GO’s exclusive 3-ski design responds to your body’s movements, giving you seamless control over your turns and stops.
Q: What shoes should you wear?
A: Snowboard boots with rubber soles work best, but any rugged winter boots or snowboard boots with EVA soles will do the trick.
Q: Is a helmet required?
A: Yes, helmets are mandatory and included with rentals.
Ready to redefine your winter? Hop on a SNO-GO and hit the slopes today!
Private Park Snowboard Lessons
Have you always wanted to ride the rails in Pokey Park but are not sure where to start? Our certified Park Instructors can teach you the basics and help you start shredding!
To book a private snowboard park lesson contact snowschool@mountsima.com.
Lesson | Age | Per person | Add rental |
---|---|---|---|
1 hour private lesson | Child (age 6-12) | $70 | $50 |
Youth/Adult (age 13+) | $80 | $50 | |
2 hour private lesson | Child (age 6-12) | $105 | $75 |
Youth/Adult (age 13+) | $120 | $75 |
Questions
How early should I arrive for my lesson?
If you require rentals and a lift ticket, we recommend arriving 45 min to1 hour before the start of your lesson to allow time to find parking, pick up your rentals and ticket.
**Please note, the rental shop opens at 10:30am (Dec to mid-Feb), and at 9:30am (Feb 16th to April) .**
If you have a pass and gear, we recommending arriving 20 minutes before your lesson to enable time to find parking and put on your gear.
Where do I go when I arrive at Mount Sima?
If you have already paid for your lesson, you can meet your Instructor at the base of the Bunny Hill by the Snow School Sign. Instructors will be wearing a bright Orange Sima jacket.
If you require rentals, you will check in for rentals after you check in at the Snow School desk.
The Snow School desk has relocated and will be based inside the rental shop.
If you have not paid for your lesson, please go to the Snow School desk, located in the main lodge right near the Rental shop.
Where do I meet my instructor?
After checking in at the Snow School desk, you will meet your instructor by the “Snow School” sign close to the bottom of the bunny hill. Ski and Snowboard instructors will be wearing orange Sima jackets.
What should I wear?
**All students are required to wear a helmet**
The secret to winter fun is dressing properly for the weather. To ensure you (or your child) has a great time on the slopes, it is essential to be warm, dry and comfortable on the snow.
Layering your clothing is the best strategy for staying warm on the slopes. Generally, layering is divided into three areas:
- Inner layer = Wicking layer (polypropylene underwear – top and bottoms): “wicks,” or moves, moisture away from your skin and dries quickly
- Mid layer = Insulating layer (wool, fleece, sweater): keeps heat in and cold out
- Outer layer = Weather Protection – Repels water from snow and blocks the wind while letting perspiration evaporate (both jacket and pants). Choose a garment that is made of waterproof, breathable material. There are several synthetic materials on the market and available at outdoor sports stores. When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant.
We also recommend wearing waterproff mitts/gloves, and goggles (necessary for windy snowy days)
**You can rent skis/board, boots and helmets from the rental shop at Mt Sima**
When do I pay for my lesson?
All lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking. Lessons can be paid for over the phone with a credit card or in-person at Mt Sima during operating hours.
Will I receive a refund if I don't show up for my lesson?
Refunds will not be issued for no-shows. Refunds are only offered under extenuating circumstances. Please stay home if you are not feeling well and we will reschedule your lesson. Click here for information on our Cancellation Policy
What are you COVID-19 policies for Snow School?
For information on Mt Sima’s COVID-19 policies please see: Mt Sima COVID-19 policy