Top Ski Schools in North America
Book lessons with these top ski schools in the U.S. and Canada, and get prepped for powder days.
If you’re an ambitious skier — regardless of ability level — when there’s chairlift talk of up-leveling skills, there’s most likely advice to book a lesson. Luckily for Members, Exclusive Resorts’ alpine portfolio is home to the country’s top ski instructors. Here’s how various U.S. resorts stack up when it comes to ski school programs and private lessons.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
The biggest advantage this famous ski town? It’s home to not just one — but four — ski mountains. This means minimal lift lines, and plenty of beginner terrain if you’re braving your first day on skis. Aspen Snowmass is continually top-ranked globally for its many ski school programs. Snowmass Mountain is a favorite for families, Buttermilk and “Panda Peak” is a hit among the youngest beginner athletes, Aspen Mountain is cherished by hard-charging mogul skiers (and has great intermediate and expert terrain), while Aspen Highlands is famous for “The Bowl.” Accessed only by hiking a steep ridgeline, private instructors lead visitors as a local rite of passage.
Where You’ll Stay
The Club features five three-bedroom residences at the Timbers Club, which features ski valet service, balconies, and ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass Mountain. In Aspen, Members stay at the Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort. Located on Main Street, the historic hotel helped put Aspen on the map and was the former haunt of Hunter S. Thompson.
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley sells a limited number of daily lift tickets, so the littles have plenty of room to work on their pizza wedge and French fries. Plus, kid amenities include a Children’s Center, Adventure Camp, and festive mascots on Adventure Trails. Deer Valley’s award-winning ski instruction is rooted in customized programming, be it for beginners or get-after-it experts. Book adult group lessons (max of four) if traveling as two couples, and enroll the kiddos in the Adventure Club (7-12), known for experienced instructors who foster a love of skiing.
Where You’ll Stay
An authentic mountain retreat, three-bedroom suites at Montage Deer Valley feature ski‐in/ski‐out access, access to Utah's largest spa, and five dining options (including a pub with a bowling alley).
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Located just 180 miles from Denver International Airport, Steamboat is easily accessed and known for its laidback cowboy culture. When the tykes and tweens aren’t tackling the famous tree runs with their ski instructor, the town is known for festive holiday and winter events like the Winter Carnival and Springalicious festivals. Steamboat is especially lauded for its kids programs. Catering to cowgirls and cowboys ages 1-17, Steamboat instructors believe in the progression of "first comes passion, then comes skills” — nurturing a love for the mountain lifestyle at a young age. For those looking for privacy and more advanced terrain, splurge on a private lesson and navigate the locals’ secret powder stashes.
Where You’ll Stay
With six residences at One Steamboat Place, you’ll experience the finest of “Ski Town U.S.A.” Located slopeside and just minutes from Old Town, the luxury resort ensures easy access to all things ski. Valets tune gear and warm your boots while you enjoy complimentary après ski in the Great Room or a soak in the hot tub.
Lake Tahoe, California
After recently rebranding its formal name from Squaw to Palisades Tahoe, this California-cool resort is known for top-notch ski instruction and famous for breeding such local daredevils as the late Shane McConkey. The resort offers First-Timer deals and has a special offering with its exclusive North Face Guides (which includes one Tekno Hoodie for women or Fortpoint Flannel for men, or item of similar value from The North Face for each participant). The North Face Guides are intimately familiar with the terrain and take fortunate participants to locals’ favorite stashes and chutes.
Where You’ll Stay
Seven four-bedroom ski-in/ski-out vacation residences are located mid-mountain at Northstar and are finished with media rooms, private hot tubs, and fire pits. Families can access the Tree House, concepted for family fun with a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, game room, and lounge.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Home to Teton Gravity Research headquarters (check out the company’s amazing ski films for aspirational skiing), Jackson Hole’s Mountain Sports School includes multi-day camps catering to all level skiers and riders. Favorites include the Steep and Deep camps and Backcountry Camps for those we wish to get off-piste. Additionally, the unique Tommy Moe – Olympic Day experience features Tommy Moe leading private groups on a personal tour of the mountain, including his favorite stashes — an ideal and charismatic leader for families or corporate groups (intermediate to expert skiers only).
Where You’ll Stay
Sitting just minutes from Town Square and a quick complimentary shuttle to epic skiing, our residences offer three stories of spacious living, natural light, modern amenities, and superb finishes — complete with a rooftop deck, hot tub, and fire pit.
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, British Columbia
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are considered the ultimate in big mountain ski experiences. Navigate more than 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, world-class terrain parks, and 200+ marked trails. With this much terrain, whether a newbie or seasoned skier or snowboarder, both private and group lessons will have plenty of space to perfect turns. Like most resorts, those taking lessons will have lift-line priority to maximize learning time, while specialty camps include park, steeps, racing, freestyle, and women’s-specific experiences.
Where You’ll Stay
Ski right out the door of your four-bedroom Kadenwood Estates retreat and enjoy convenient gear storage — complete with boot warmers. After a day spent earning your turns, relax in the steam room and private hot tub, or a gondola will take you to Creekside Village for après ski cocktails.