Winter is officially upon us and we could not be more excited! After last year’s historic snowfall, this winter sure has a lot to live up to. From deep powder days with friends and family to watching your kids take their first turns, there’s just something special about getting out and enjoying the slopes together. That’s why this month, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ski resorts for teaching your kids to ski. Give it a read below!
Northstar California
Known for its laid back yet upscale vibe, Northstar is actually celebrated for having one of the best ski schools in the region. Not only is the mellow terrain perfectly suited for first timers, their dedicated beginners chairlift, The Big Easy, is the perfect starting block for anyone to take their first steps into learning how to ski or snowboard.
One great aspect of the Northstar Ski and Snowboard School is the wide array of children’s lessons packages they offer. From private full and half-day lessons, to group classes based on age and ability, you can be confident your kids will be placed into the ideal program to help their skills progress!
Plus, Northstar is also the perfect mountain for families of all ability levels. With some of the most blue square and groomed trails in the area, this resort is a must-visit if you’re looking for somewhere you and your family can enjoy the slopes together.
Palisades Tahoe
Though the towering peaks of Palisades Tahoe might seem a bit intimidating as you drive into Olympic Valley, this incredible resort boasts one of the best beginner areas in all of Tahoe! Located at the top of the Aerial Tram, Palisades Tahoe’s beginner area is a mellow and relatively flat bowl that sits near the top of the mountain, perfect for teaching your kids to ski while overlooking the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.
Palisades Tahoe is also one of the biggest resorts in the region, meaning their ski school is well suited to any age group and ability level. Their coaches are dedicated and well-trained professionals, able to teach anyone from first timers’ to youngsters finally looking to tackle the steeps of KT-22!
Don’t forget, our Owners and Guests can receive discounts on everything from lift tickets to lessons, rentals, and more when they visit Palisades Tahoe. To learn more, check out our other blog post here.
(Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe)
Diamond Peak
This out of the way gem is a family favorite, and for good reason! Diamond Peak is beloved by all for its incredible views of Lake Tahoe, uncrowded slopes, and budget-friendly ticket prices. For families looking to try skiing or snowboarding without the hustle and bustle of the bigger resorts, Diamond Peak should be high on your list!
Another great aspect of Diamond Peak is their dedicated beginner area located on a mellow slope adjacent to the parking lot. Get a parking spot early and enjoy a tailgate lunch as you watch your kids laugh and enjoy their first turns! Even better, equipment rentals for children (ages 3-6) are included with their lesson. Diamond Peak also prides itself on its low student to instructor ratios, which can be a great benefit to quickly progressing into new skills and terrain.
Mt. Rose
Known for having the highest base area in Tahoe (8260’), Mt. Rose is known for its family friendly atmosphere and great snow quality. This is the ideal resort to visit for families who value a lack of crowds as well as great terrain. In a nutshell, we’d recommend this resort for those looking to enroll their kids for a half day lesson while mom and dad can sneak away for fresh powder! After a great lunch in the Tahoe sun, everyone can join back together to ski some long groomed trails and laugh over the day’s adventures.
Another great aspect of Mt. Rose is their dedicated lessons and rental packages for first timers. Here you can get a dedicated lift ticket for only the beginner lifts, a 2-hour lesson, and also your equipment rentals packaged together. Enjoy a single or two day package, and even the ability to roll this into a 2-hour Novice lesson for those whose skills are progressing quickly.
Maybe the adults need to freshen up their skills? Mt. Rose also offers budget friendly group and ladies clinics, as well as guided mountain tours which are perfect for those not wanting to commit to a full lesson.
Time To Hit The Slopes:
We love hearing all your tales of family fun after a day on the slopes and can’t wait to see what memories you make this winter season. Winter bookings are going fast so be sure to grab yours today!
