Snowsports School

The reputable Bear Creek Snowsports School is a team of over 250 enthusiastic, well-trained instructors who teach beginner through expert skiers and snowboarders. The school offers group and private lessons through several outstanding programs.

Click on one of the following links to learn more:

Group Lessons
Private Lessons
First Time on Skis
Burton® Learn to Ride
Kodiak Kid's Program
Kodiak Cub's Program
Alpine Women's Program
Alpine Master's Program
Freestyle Coaching

BEGINNER'S GUIDE

What Should I Wear?
In order to make your first skiing or snowboarding experience a success, follow these tips for what to wear:

• Dress in layers because weather conditions tend to change throughout the day.
• Wear waterproof or water resistant clothing whenever possible.
• Wear only one pair of warm socks. They should come up to at least your shins so that they extend to the top of your ski and snowboard boots.
• Bring gloves or mittens.
• Bear Creek recommends that all skiers and snowboarders wear helmets (which are available for rent at the mountain.) However, if you do not, be sure to bring a warm hat.
• Wear sunscreen and don't forget eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses.
• Bring a change of dry clothes for the ride home.

Our mountain sports shop, Pinnacle Sports, carries all of the items listed above.

What Should I Do When I Arrive?
We realize that your first visit to a new ski area can be a bit overwhelming. This guide should assist you with any questions you may have, but please feel free to ask any staff member if you have additional concerns.

1. Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center offers plenty of free parking. There is a loading/unloading area in front of the rental shop and ticket windows, as well as complimentary shuttle service on weekends and holidays.
   
2. Your first stop should be at the Ticket Windows, located at the front of the lower parking lot on the Plaza. Here you can purchase your lift tickets, snowtubing tickets, rentals and group lessons. When you receive your tickets, please immediately attach them to your jacket or outerwear. (If you arrive with a Group, the group leader should proceed inside the ski lobby to the Group Sales office to pick up your tickets.)
   
3. If you are renting equipment, you can proceed across the Plaza to the Rental Shop. Please remember that all ski and snowboard rentals require a major credit card as a deposit, and minors must have the signature of a parent or guardian.
   
4. If you are enrolled in a Group Lesson, you can proceed to the Ski and Snowboard School Meeting Place located at the base of the mountain. Lessons are offered daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6:30pm. There is no need to check in with the Ski School office, simply show up at the meeting place a few minutes before your lesson time.
   
5. When you're ready for a break, you can relax in our mountainside lodge featuring large stone fireplaces, the Mountain Eatery cafeteria and our full-service restaurant, The Grille at Bear Creek.

What Will be Covered in My Lesson?
Bear Creek recommends that all first time skiers and snowboarders take a lesson. After all, what better way is there to learn then with an experienced instructor?

Our First Time on Skis and Learn to Ride packages include your lift ticket, rental equipment and beginner lesson.

If you are an advanced skier or snowboarder, we will tailor the lesson to meet your needs.

How Does the Rental System Work?
Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center offers top of the line rental equipment, including Burton® Snowboards, Rossignol® Skis and Dynastar Skis.

You will receive your boots first. The rental technician will use your street shoe size to assure that you get the proper fit. Your boots should feel snug around your foot, but not tight. Once buckled, you should be able to wiggle your toes, but your heel should not move when you pull up. If your boots feel too loose or too tight, please let the technician know and you will be provided with a different size.

Next, you will receive your skis or your snowboard.

SKIS
Our skis are expertly tuned and waxed. On the top of your skis you will see the bindings, which hold your boots onto the skis. Your bindings will be set based on your weight, height, age, and ability level. Next you will be issued ski poles, which are used for balance. You should choose the poles that put your elbow at a 90 degree angle.

To put on your skis, place the ledge on the front of your boot under the front part of the binding (called the toe piece), line up your heel with the back of the binding and press down. To remove your skis, simply press down on the lever located at the back of your bindings with the tip of your ski pole.

SNOWBOARDS
Bear Creek rents only Burton® Snowboards, the industry leader. Our technicians will choose the right snowboard for you based on your weight, height and ability level. They will also use this information to set the position of your bindings, which hold your boots onto your board. Bear Creek uses only strap-in bindings, which contain two straps and a high backplate that secure your feet to the snowboard. These bindings offer a lot of control and are generally very comfortable.