New to skiing or snowboarding? No problem, at Sugar Bowl we have staff trained to help you even if you have never touched snow before. The First Time Package provides what you will need to get started all in one convenient bundle, all you need to do is show up and we will take care of the rest.
Tips for a Successful Day
Reserve your lesson prior to arrival.
Lessons do sell-out especially on weekends & holidays
Arrive at least 1 1/2 hour prior to your lesson time
This will ensure you get your rental equipment in plenty of time and don't have to rush around
Wear appropriate clothing including: (Items below are not included in the package)
Warm Jacket & Waterproof Pants
Waterproof Gloves
Sunglasses or Goggles
Warm Hat or Beanie
Good Socks (not cotton, wool is best)
Wear a Helmet (Rentals Available)
Dress in Layers (this helps so you can add more layers for warmth or remove clothing if you are getting too warm)
Have a Smooth First Day on the Slopes: 8 Ways
With the right preparation and a couple helpful pointers, you’ll have a lot of fun learning to ski or ride at Sugar Bowl Resort. Check out these insider tips to make your first day on the slopes a success.
With the right preparation and a couple helpful pointers, you’ll have a lot of fun learning to ski or ride at Sugar Bowl Resort.
1. Go with a Pro & Book a Lesson
Friends are great for carpooling but they almost always fall short as ski instructors. Book a lesson with one of our certified ski & ride instructors and we’ll get you started in the right direction. The progress you can make with an hour of ski instruction can replace days or weeks of figuring it out on your own.
As I’m sure you learned all too well during the pandemic, we send our kids to professional teachers in school for a reason…they are trained to teach. Same goes for our PSIA certified Ski Instructors.
The Skier Responsibility Code is a crash course in ski area etiquette. but it’s a good idea to get a basic idea of the do’s and don’ts before you hit the slopes. The list includes common sense items such as always stay in control & be able to stop, but also some items you might not consider, like stopping in a safe spot where you can be seen. When possible, I like to stop behind a sign or tree for an added level of protection.
When you’re just getting started, look for the zones with the most green circles. (Hint: both parking areas have access to beginner terrain.) Get an idea of which chairlifts you want to ride that day to access the terrain you want to ski or ride. If you take a few minutes to get your bearings before your first day, you’ll feel much more confident when you arrive. Here’s a link to our trail map. Have questions while at the mountain, just ask someone in a blue Sugar Bowl uniform. Our team is passionate about skiing and snowboarding and loves to share that passion with others.
Sure, your friend might have a free set of skis you can borrow, but if they are better suited for a ski museum or a foot taller than you, the “savings” are doing you no favors.
One of our friendly base area rental shops can help get you and/or your family dialed in for your first day on the slopes. A professional technician will make sure your skis or boards are properly adjusted to match your skill level. You can rest assured that our state-of-the-art rental fleet is waxed, tuned, and ready to rock. Rentals are only available for skiers and riders taking a lesson at Sugar Bowl. Be sure to book at least a day in advance!
A great day in the mountains starts with comfortable outdoor clothing. The basics are: waterproof jacket and pants, insulating/moisture-wicking base layers, helmet, googles, gloves, and ski socks. Remember to avoid cotton wherever possible, because it gets cold when wet. For a step-by-step guide, check out this helpful blog.
Pocket essentials: we like to have a travel size sunscreen, lip balm, microfiber goggle cloth, and tissues. Forgot something? We can help at one of our on-mountain stores.
If it’s your first day, it’s safe to say that you’ll be learning a lot of new skills (and testing out a couple new muscles too!) Taking a lunch break at one of our on-mountain dining locations is an opportunity to rest, relax, hydrate, and enjoy the view of the surrounding Sierra. You’ll be ready for another round of skiing or riding after a little down-time.
On a budget? Keep a spare Cliff Bar in your pocket. Kids learning to ski too? Pack two for them! Parking lot car picnics are allowed and encouraged.
Many of our guests travel to Sugar Bowl from sea level and will hop on the lifts that lead straight to our highest peak at 8,383’. While this altitude change is typically manageable, you may notice a mild headache and some extra huffing and puffing going up the stairs. Stay hydrated, take it slow, and keep an extra Advil in your pocket just in case.
Don’t go just yet! After your big first day on the slopes, plan to enjoy the legendary après culture Sugar Bowl has to offer. Join us for great food and party vibes at the Belt Room. Looking for a laidback soak in the sun? Try the picnic tables outside of Judah Lodge. Whatever you’re up for, our skiing and riding culture at Sugar Bowl is a lot of fun, and we’re excited to show you what it’s all about.
We’ve got your lesson, lift ticket, and rentals - all in one package. Are you ready to meet your instructor?
A Learn to Ski & Ride Package is the best way to get started. One of our certified ski & ride instructors will get you started in the right direction. The progress you can make with an hour of ski instruction can replace days or weeks of figuring it out on your own.
First Timer Ski or Snowboard Package Starting at $149
Make it your winter resolution to learn how to ski or snowboard this season. Get coaching from the best instructors. Our team can take you from "never ever" to making turns on the slopes in no time.
Sign up for our lesson package and get a half day ski or snowboard lesson, full day lift ticket and all day equipment rental. Our first timer lesson packages are only for ages 13+, however we also offer first time lessons for children aged 4-12. Due to the attention required for children, we are not able to offer the significantly discounted rate however.
Ages 13+ | $149
It's never too late to learn! For our adult and teen lessons, select a morning session (10:00 am to 12:15 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm). Package includes a half day ski or snowboard lesson, limited all day lift ticket (limited to White Pine lift and Flume carpet only) and all day ski or snowboard rentals.
With a maximum class size of 3 participants per coach, we guarantee an intimate learning environment and close supervision in our children's group lessons for ages 4-6. Select a morning session (9:45 am to 12:00 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm).
Ages 7-12 | $240
For children ages 7-12 who want to learn how to ski or snowboard, select a morning session (9:45 am to 12:00 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm).
Please arrive at least one-hour prior to the lesson start time to get fitted with rental equipment.
Lessons should be booked online at least two (2) days in advance of the preferred lesson date. Inside of two days days, please call (530) 426-9000, option 3, to inquire about availability. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays. View Cancellation Policy
All lesson participants must have a lift access product (lift ticket or season pass) to join a lesson. Lessons must be booked online at least two (2) days in advance of your desired lesson date. If you are within two days of your arrival, please call (530) 426-9000, option 3 to inquire about availability.
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