Designed for kids and adults of every age and learning stage, nearly every Colorado ski resort has a family-friendly learning program to get you started. Below are a few examples of the unique programs offered. Also, mark your calendars: January is Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, when many resorts offer great deals on lessons for beginners!
Have a skier with disabilities? Several resorts have adaptive program offerings that range from adaptive ski equipment to guides for people with visual impairments, experiences for people on the autistic spectrum and more.
Insider tip: Parking at popular ski resorts can fill up fast, especially on a powder day. Before you go, research the parking situation and seek out guidance on the best vehicle lots, shuttles, free busses and more.
Arapahoe Basin
Front Range favorite Arapahoe Basin, also known as A-Basin, offers half-day private and group lessons that can accommodate up to four skiers or snowboarders at a time, as well as group lessons. While it's known for expert terrain, the ski area has two mellow learning areas and scenic beginner terrain — so the whole family can enjoy the gorgeous views from the slopes.
Aspen, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands & Buttermilk
The mountains of Aspen Snowmass have a variety of specialized ski-school programs, with lessons spanning Green Zone (beginners), Blue Zone (intermediate) and Black Zone (expert). Try a specialty camp for everything from learning to ride bumps to women's-only ski adventures. Find Aspen Snowmass adaptive ski and snowboard info.
Beaver Creek Resort
For those looking for something a little different, Beaver Creek Resort's Nordic lessons take students into McCoy Park to learn snowshoeing, cross-country or telemark skiing. Find Beaver Creek adaptive ski and snowboard info.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breck offers a mix of group and private courses, for adults and children no matter their ability level, giving its participants plenty of one-on-one time with the instructor. Find Breckenridge adaptive ski and snowboard info.
Copper Mountain
Woodward at Copper Mountain offers a year-round indoor ski and snowboard camp with foam pits, trampolines, simulated snow and more to allow riders to test their skills before launching outdoors. Find Copper Mountain adaptive ski and snowboard info.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
At Crested Butte Mountain Resort, CB Steep Guides' knowledgeable pros lead confident skiers and snowboarders — who want to take their skills to the extreme — down Crested Butte’s well-known untamed terrain. Find Crested Butte adaptive ski and snowboard info.
Keystone Resort
Camp Keystone at Keystone Resort provides kids an interactive and fun environment in which to learn the basics of skiing, snowboarding and being snow-activity enthusiasts. Parents beware — while you're having fun on the slopes, your little ones are learning the best ski and snowboard tactics to leave you in the dust. Find Keystone adaptive ski and snowboard info.
Loveland Ski Area
Loveland Explorers is a six-week program at Loveland Ski Area held in conjunction with the Loveland Ski Club, where coaches work with intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders ages 7 to 14 to develop skills throughout the season.
Monarch Mountain
On a handful of Wednesday afternoons, Monarch Mountain offers ski and snowboard clinics just for women that take skills to the next level in a fun, non-competitive environment.