




Children's Ski
Professional instruction for children ages 4–12, from first-time skiers to confident young riders.

Located on Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe, Sugar Bowl offers professional ski and snowboard lessons for kids ages 4–12 (snowboard begins at age 7), focusing on skill-building, confidence, and fun in a safe mountain environment. Full-day & half-day group lessons are available for first-timer to high intermediate levels, with class sizes limited to 3 students for ages 4-6.
Lessons often sell out on weekends and holidays. Reserve online up to two days in advance or call (530) 426-9000, option 2, for availability within two days. Walk-up lessons are available day-of, subject to instructor availability.
Bundle and Save: Package your lesson with rentals and a lift ticket for the best value.

Here’s your kid-friendly guide to Sugar Bowl, a complete list of tips and tricks to make your family time on the snow memorable. We’ll cover everything from getting the kids outfitted, to planning your snack breaks.
10 Tips for a Great Day on the Slopes with Kids

Picture this: the classic family ski vacation with snow angels and hot chocolate, where faces are buried behind goggles and neck warmers instead of smartphones and tablets. Well, to be honest, a ski getaway with kids isn’t the easiest vacation to plan, but we think it’s worth it. Here’s your kid-friendly guide to Sugar Bowl, a complete list of tips and tricks to make your family time on the snow memorable.
Whether your child is taking their first ski lesson or returning to build on existing skills, a little preparation can make for a smoother and more enjoyable day. Here are a few tips from our Snowsports School team to help your family make the most of your day at Sugar Bowl.
1. Score a FREE lift ticket for kids 5 and under.
Did you say free? Yep, at Sugar Bowl, kids 5 and under ski free. Kids 6-12 ski for as low as $49. With ticket prices so affordable, it’s going to be a breakthrough year for your kid’s skiing or riding… without breaking the bank!

2. Nail the timing: door-to-door from San Francisco to Sugar Bowl in just over 3 hours.
We all want less “are we there yet??” If you are traveling with kids to Sugar Bowl on a midwinter weekend, consider driving on i-80 during non-peak times– the night before, or extra early the morning of. A little creative scheduling pays off big time when traveling to Lake Tahoe and Sugar Bowl located on historic Donner Summit.
If you are traveling west on i80, Sugar Bowl is 20 minutes closer, at minimum, than other large resorts in Lake Tahoe.
Since you won’t spend time backed up in traffic on highway 267 or 89, you can wrap up a day of skiing at Sugar Bowl and be home for dinner.

3. Choose the best time of year to ski with kids
The best time to visit is probably going to be when kids aren’t in school. But hey, we promise not to judge if you’re letting your kids play hooky to go skiing! To avoid busier periods and ski with kids in a more relaxed environment, choose midweek/non-holidays whenever possible.

Any month of the winter season can be a great time to ski with kids. Want a preview of the typical conditions we get throughout the season?
4. Get the Kids Outfitted
Warm kids = happy kids, let’s break down all the essentials to keep little fingers and toes warm.
If you forgot something, the Village Lodge and Main Lodge are both equipped with retail shops. You’ll be able to replace that mitten that got left in the driveway, no problem. If a binding malfunctions or your kid’s foot mysteriously increases in size— it’s that fast, right?— you can head to the rental shop in Main Lodge for a spare pair of boots, board, skis, or poles.

Want a link to a handy packing checklist?
- Water / wind resistant jacket & pants
- Long underwear
- Fleece midlayer top
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5. Know where to park with kids in the car
If you want to get from car to slope with kids as fast as possible, Main Lodge is the easiest and most convenient place to park. There are three large slopeside parking lots with free parking. Pro tip: If carrying skis across the parking lot doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, use the 5-minute drop-off zone next to the Main Lodge for easy unloading. Here’s a handy parking guide.
Alternatively, show your kids the scenic route and take the Village Gondola ride across the Van Norden Meadow and the train tracks. You’ll arrive at the Village Lodge after a 10-minute ride and you can access the resort from there. Just remember, if you need to access the car again, it’s another round trip on the Gondola.

6. Choose the best terrain to ski with kids
- Take it easy: If you parked at Main Lodge, the easiest kid-friendly zone is White Pine. You’ll find short lifts, a moving carpet, and mellow terrain great for the kids to warm up on.
- Send it! If the kids are ready for more adventure, bring them to our Falconty Park located off the Nob Hill Lift. The park is full of creative snow features and is accessible to a wide range of skiers and riders.
- Let’s go explore: When the kids are ready to continue exploring the whole mountain, head to the top of the Disney lift and look for the the Disney Traverse. Skiing or riding through the giant snow rollers is always a winner.

7. Skiing with kids is great but… when you need an hour to yourself
We hear you! Lapping the bunny hill all day can be a task when the bigger mountain is calling your name. A half-day group lesson or even a one-hour private lesson can provide just enough time to get your fill. Our certified ski & board instructorslk are professionals at making sure your kids have fun on the slopes. We offer four different levels of lessons to make sure that your kid is matched up with a group appropriate for their skill level. In a kid-specific lesson, your kid will learn new ski/board skills, meet new friends, and give YOU some time to ski and relax on your own.
8. Show the kids a little Disney Magic
We may be hundreds of miles from the closest theme park, but did you know Sugar Bowl comes with it’s own Disney History? Showing your kids these three Disney connections is a surefire way to get them excited to explore the entire resort. Walt Disney was an early investor in Sugar Bowl and his legacy lives throughout the resort, especially Goofy.
- Find our new Goofy statue near the Disney lift for the best skiing selfie ever.
- Watch the 1941 cartoon “The Art of Skiing,” where Goofy goes to Sugar Bowl to learn how to ski. Look for the Village Lodge featured in the cartoon at 2:39.
- Grab a copy of our trail map and scour the trail names for Disney-related characters.

9. Keep h-anger at bay: because even the best powder day of the year won’t make a hungry kid excited to go skiing.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that hungry kids have less fun on the slopes. Plan for success and schedule some midday R&R into your ski day. Here’s our top 3 kid favorites:
- Mac & Cheese at Mid Mountain Lodge
- Filling burgers outside on the sundeck Main Lodge
- Warm pretzels with cheese on the Terrace at Village Lodge
On a budget? Make sure there’s a Clif Bar in everyone’s pocket for chairlift snack breaks.

10. Find the Goldilocks of ski destinations: not too big, not too small
Sugar Bowl is the perfect destination for your family ski vacation. You’ll enjoy the small resort feel, while having access to a big variety of terrain. You’ll find plenty of accessible kid-friendly terrain across the resort, but there are plenty of steeps & chutes just a chairlift ride away. Join us for a trip to the mountains that the whole family will enjoy.

Skiing with kids is great but sometimes you need an hour to yourself. We hear you! Lapping the bunny hill all day can be a task when the bigger mountain is calling your name. A half-day group lesson or even a one-hour private lesson can provide just enough time to get your fill.
Our certified ski & board instructors are professionals at making sure your kids have fun on the slopes. We offer four different levels of lessons to make sure that your kid is matched up with a group appropriate for their skill level. In a kid-specific lesson, your kid will learn new ski/board skills, meet new friends, and give YOU some time to ski and relax on your own.
At Sugar Bowl, we offer flexible lesson packages with both full-day and half-day options to fit your schedule and your child’s needs. Every package is designed to help young skiers and snowboarders build confidence, develop skills, and have fun on the slopes!
Group Lesson Times
- Morning: 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
- Afternoon 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Best Value!
Know Before You Go
- Guests renting equipment should arrive at least one hour prior to the lesson start time.
- Full-day lessons do not include lunch. Please make plans to pick up your child(ren) for lunch break (12:15pm - 1:00pm).
- Lessons will sell out most weekends and holidays. To ensure availability, reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Online reservations are available until two days prior to your lesson date. Within two days, guests are encouraged to call (530) 426-9000, option 2 to check on availability.
- Day-of, walk-up lessons are available based on instructor availability.
- Lift ticket or season pass is required to participate in any lesson.
- View Cancellation Policy
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Questions or Reservation Assistance:Call (530) 426-9000, option 2 to speak with a Snowsports Reservations Specialist today. |
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Children can begin ski lessons at Sugar Bowl starting at age 4. Snowboard lessons are available beginning at age 7.>
Selecting the right ability level helps ensure your child has a fun, safe, and successful lesson experience. Choose the level that best matches their current skiing ability and confidence on the mountain.
Level 1 – First Time Skier
New to skiing? Learn the basics, including stopping, turning, and riding beginner terrain.
Level 2 – Beginner
You can stop, make wedge turns, ride a chairlift, and ski green runs comfortably.
Level 3 – Low Intermediate
You can make parallel turns on green runs and are starting to explore blue terrain.
Level 4 – High Intermediate
You can confidently ski blue runs with parallel turns and are working toward more advanced terrain.
Not sure? Choose the level that best matches your current ability. Our instructors can help place you in the right group on lesson day.
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No. Lessons are available for first-time skiers through advanced young athletes. Children are grouped by age and ability level to ensure the best learning experience.>
Lift tickets may be included when purchasing a lesson package. Sugar Bowl also offers lesson, rental, and lift ticket bundles for the best value.>
Most young children learn skiing more quickly because both feet remain independently balanced. For this reason, Sugar Bowl offers ski lessons beginning at age 4 and snowboard lessons beginning at age 7.>
Sugar Bowl offers morning, afternoon plus full-day lesson options. Lesson duration varies by product and age group.>
Children should dress in waterproof outerwear, insulated gloves, goggles, a helmet, and warm layers appropriate for winter mountain conditions. Packing an easy snack in their pocket will also help keep their energy levels high during the lesson.>
Sugar Bowl’s Snowsports School is located at the Main Lodge. For our younger skiers and riders, we have a special drop-off zone within the Main Lodge arrival area. Check your confirmation email to confirm your lesson meeting spot.?Please arrive at the lesson area 5–10 minutes prior to your lesson start time with all of your equipment. This will allow us time to assess your ability level and ensure that you are placed in an appropriate class.>
Guests should arrive at least 45–60 minutes before lesson start time to allow time for parking, rentals, check-in, and meeting instructors.>
No problem. Depending on skill level, most children will start on the Flume Moving carpet, which is essentially an escalator on the snow. Instructors teach chairlift loading and unloading as part of the learning experience and will only use lifts appropriate for the child's ability level.>
Yes. Private lessons provide personalized coaching and can help children progress more quickly while receiving one-on-one instruction.>
Sugar Bowl strongly recommends helmets for all participants and may require them for certain programs and lesson types. Helmets are included with all rental packages.>
Yes. Sugar Bowl offers dedicated beginner learning terrain, professional instructors, and lesson programs designed to help first-time skiers and snowboarders build confidence quickly.>
Many children begin skiing between ages 4 and 6. At this age, children can develop balance, coordination, and confidence while learning in a fun environment.>
Every child learns at a different pace, but many young skiers gain confidence on beginner terrain after just a few lessons and continue progressing with additional instruction throughout the season.>
Professional instruction helps children learn proper technique, develop confidence, and build safe skiing habits, often allowing them to progress faster than learning independently.>
Yes. Located on Donner Summit near Truckee, Sugar Bowl is one of the closest major Lake Tahoe ski resorts to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, making it a convenient choice for day trips and family ski vacations.>
Children's ski and snowboard lessons take place at Sugar Bowl Resort on Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe, California. Lessons meet at the Main Lodge and utilize beginner and progression-focused terrain designed specifically for young skiers and riders.CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Lift Tickets and Rentals
Unless you purchased Trip Flex, all purchases are final. Due to limited capacity, there are absolutely no returns, refunds, and products may not be transferred to another person or date. Please confirm your dates prior to completing your transaction. All tickets are subject to restrictions described in the product description and/or pick-up instructions. Your credit card will be charged for the amount shown, regardless of whether or not the purchased ticket(s) is/are used. We do not guarantee driving conditions, snow conditions, weather conditions, open terrain or number of lifts operating.
Lessons and Lesson/Lift Packages
All purchases are final. Due to limited capacity, there are no returns, refunds, and products may not be transferred to another person. All lessons, rentals & lift tickets are subject to restrictions described in the product description and/or pickup instructions. Lesson dates & times may be changed with no fee 7 days prior to arrival. Lesson dates & times may be changed with a $50 fee per person with notice given 3-6 days prior to arrival. No lesson date or time changes are permitted within 2 days prior to arrival. Please confirm your dates prior to completing your transaction. No refunds will be provided. Your credit card will be charged for the amount shown, regardless of whether or not the purchased product(s) is/are used. We do not guarantee driving conditions, snow conditions, weather conditions, open terrain or number of lifts operating. Trip Flex is not eligible for lesson products due to instructor scheduling.
Resort Closure
If the resort is closed on the date of your arrival due to weather or a closure related to Covid-19, your purchase will be refunded in full. Refunds will be applied back to the card used at the time of purchase. Resort Closure Refund does not apply if the resort is open in a reduced capacity due to wind & weather. Resort Closure Refund does not apply if guests are unable to visit due to road conditions or chain controls.
CHAIRLIFT CODE OF CONDUCT
It is our goal to create an environment that will increase your and/or your child's skills and enjoyment of the sports of skiing and snowboarding. In order to participate in these activities, skiers and riders, including children, commonly ride chairlifts to access the slopes. Children may ride chairlifts with adults, instructors or coaches. In certain circumstances, children may ride lifts without adults, instructors or coaches. Please note, Sugar Bowl recommends the use of the restraining bar. While there may be restraining bars on chairlifts, lowering the bar does not guarantee the safety of the passenger. Chairlift safety starts with you. Please share the following information with your child and repeat the lessons often:
- Pay Attention at all Times
- Be Respectful & Be Smart ñ No Horseplay
- Grab Outside of Chair as it Approaches
- Sit Firmly in Chair, Facing Forward
- If Not Properly Seated, Alert Lift Operator Immediately
- Say "Bar Down" as Bar is Lowered
- Don't Adjust Gear or Lean on Bar While Riding Chair
- Say "Bar Up" as Bar is Raised
- Clear Off-Ramp Area Immediately
- Obey Posted and Verbal Chairlift Instructions
SUGAR BOWL AND YOU ARE PARTNERS IN SAFETY!
ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMNITY, AND CONSENT TO MEDICAL TREATMENT AGREEMENT
By signing this Agreement, I or my child(ren) (collectively, "I", "my" or "me") acknowledge that I will be participating in winter sports activities and/or other recreational activities, including but not limited to instruction in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, sleigh riding, snow play, sledding, and all other snow sports at Sugar Bowl and/or Royal Gorge (collectively, "the Activities"). I understand that my participation in the Activities poses inherent and other risks of INJURY and DEATH. The risks include, but are not limited to, falling, loss of control, collisions with other skiers or snowboarders, collisions with natural and man-made objects, including trees, rocks, fences, lift towers, snow making equipment, and over-snow vehicles. The risks also include variations in terrain and snow conditions, surface and subsurface snow conditions, bare spots, bumps, moguls, ice, stumps, forest growth and debris, erosion control devices, rocks, cliffs, steep terrain, avalanches, and traveling in the mountains. The risks further include those associated with participating in the Activities beyond the ski area boundary or designated trails and in the backcountry, which may pose additional hazards because such areas are not patrolled and are without avalanche control. Other risks include those associated with the use of the facilities, including mountain transportation, lifts, terrain parks, half pipes, and other park features, walking in lodges and parking lots, the possibility of becoming lost or separated from the class or instructor, and participating in lessons, races, and special events (collectively, "use of the facilities"). Despite these risks and all other risks, and TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, I AGREE TO EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL RISKS OF INJURY OR DEATH that might be associated with or arise out of my participation in the Activities or use of the facilities.
I understand that if I enter a terrain park, I must inspect the elements and terrain before skiing or riding over them to evaluate the risks and degree of difficulty before participating. Throughout the day snow conditions and terrain features will change. I am solely responsible for knowing and understanding my ability to encounter all terrain features. I am solely responsible for inspecting the features, and knowing and understanding my ability to encounter all terrain features prior to encountering them, regardless of whether an instructor or other class members may use the features.
In consideration for being permitted to participate in the Activities and to use the facilities, I AGREE TO RELEASE FROM ANY LEGAL LIABILITY AND AGREE NEVER TO SUE Sugar Bowl Corporation, the United States of America, Department of Agriculture, United States Forest Service, Royal Gorge, LLC, Truckee Donner Land Trust, special event organizers, sponsors, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and all of their successors, heirs, assigns, directors, officers, partners, investors, shareholders, members, agents, employees, owners, landowners, parent and subsidiary companies, and affiliated companies (collectively herein, "Sugar Bowl") for injury or death resulting from my participation in the Activities or use of the facilities, regardless of the cause, including the alleged NEGLIGENCE of Sugar Bowl, including claims of negligent instruction. I further AGREE TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS SUGAR BOWL for any claims, lawsuits, damages, attorney fees, costs or judgments arising out of my participation in the Activities or use of the facilities.
I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY that will apply whenever I participate in the Activities or use of the facilities at Sugar Bowl and/or Royal Gorge. I understand that this RELEASE OF LIABILITY will prevent me, my child, or our heirs from filing suit or making any claim for damages in the event of injury or death from my participation in the Activities or use of the facilities. Additionally, in the event I file or my child or any legal representative files a claim or a lawsuit arising out of my participation in the Activities or the use of the facilities, I AGREE TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Sugar Bowl for any damages, attorney's fees, or costs arising out of such a claim or a lawsuit.
By executing this agreement, I declare under penalty of perjury that I am doing so only for myself and/or for persons who have authorized me to do so on their behalf. If I execute this document on behalf of another person, I am acting as the agent for that person, and my execution of the document expressly confirms that I have permission to agree to its terms on the other person's behalf, and that this Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement is binding on that person. If I execute this document without the express permission of any other person, I understand and agree that I am committing fraud against Sugar Bowl. If the person on whose behalf I have executed this release brings a claim or lawsuit against Sugar Bowl, I agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Sugar Bowl as fully set forth herein. I acknowledge that Sugar Bowl and other participants may photograph or videotape the Activities and facilities. I agree that Sugar Bowl may use these recordings in any way including, but not limited to, for marketing purposes and as evidence in any litigation, without restriction and without compensation to me. In the event of a medical emergency, I authorize Sugar Bowl to provide emergency first aid treatment and/or refer treatment of my child to other medical practitioners. This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve the life, limb or well-being of my child. I agree to pay all costs associated with any medical care and related transportation for the child and to indemnify and hold Sugar Bowl harmless for any costs incurred. I understand and agree that this agreement is severable and that if any clause is found to be invalid, the balance of the contract will remain in effect and will be valid and enforceable. I agree that any action involving the Activities, use of the facilities, or this agreement will be brought in the courts of Placer County, California. Any disputes will be subject to and determined under the laws of the State of California.
Know the Code - It's Your Responsibility
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snow sports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. The Seven Points to Your Responsibility Code:
- Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
- You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or you are not visible from above.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield to others.
- Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
THIS IS A PARTIAL LIST. BE SAFETY CONSCIOUS.
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