Beginner Learn to Ski or Ride Packages

First Time Skiers or Snowboarders Age 12 and Up

We'll give you all the tools you'll need ...experienced instructors, excellent teaching terrain and state-of-the-art equipment. All you need is your warm clothes and a smile. 

For beginner children's lessons, age 4 to 11 years, go to Mountain Adventures, also in the Creekside Lodge.

Beginner's Packages

For first time skiers or snowboarders ages 12 and above. Daytime lessons include School Haus area lift ticket, rental equipment and first time 1-1/2 hour group ski or snowboard lesson. Register and receive rental equipment at the Creekside Lodge. Day Lessons offered daily at 10:30AM and 1:30PM. Please arrive at the Creekside Lodge at least 30 minutes prior to your lesson to get your rental equipment and get set up.

Nighttime lessons include School Haus area lift ticket, rental equipment and first time 50 minute ski or snowboard lesson. Register and receive rental equipment at the Rental Shop in the Holiday Valley Lodge. Monday through Saturday Night lessons offered daily at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30PM. Sunday Nights lesson times are 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30PM.

Please arrive early, lessons leave promptly from night lesson lineup area at the base of the boardwalk conveyor.

During January Learn A Snowsport Month the Weekday Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages are half price for ages 12 and up!

Type of Lesson

Price December, February, March

 Price during January weekdays

Price on January 5

Learn-to-Ski or Snowboard  

 $80

 $40

 $25

Night learn-to-ski or snowboard package

 $65

 $32.50

 $32.50

Book a lesson

January is National Learn A Snowsport Month!

 Humans were not meant to hibernate. There's no better reason to get up off the couch and out into the fresh air than learning to ski or snowboard. Oh wait...how about a discount??? All weekdays during January get a half priced learn to ski or learn to snowboard package for age 12 and up! The daytime price is $40 and the price for a night package is $32.50. And even better, on Learn to Love Winter day, January 5 the Learn to Ski or Snowboard package is just $25! The Beginner's Package includes - beginner's group lesson, beginner's lift ticket and rental equipment for skiing or snowboarding. Bring your friend, your spouse or your child - skiing and snowboarding are twice as fun when you have a buddy! Age 4 and up for January 5, 2024. Call to reserve your lesson, 716-699-3506.

Bring a Friend and Save!

During the month of January, when a skier or rider brings a new person who purchases a learn to ski or snowboard package, the “ambassador” receives a 50% discount coupon for an adult 8 hour all area lift ticket for their next visit to Holiday Valley. 

 

Helpful Tips for First Timers

 

  • Check out the national Learn a Snowsport website.
  • Dress in warm, loose fitting layers. 
  • Wear one pair of long socks, preferably non-cotton. Ski specific socks are available for purchase in the Mountain Shop if needed.
  • Wear a waterproof outer layer on the top and the bottom, warm gloves or mittens and a hat. 
  • Avoid wearing blue jeans (unless you like feeling soggy) and don't forget your long johns, sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes. 
  • Bring a change of socks and some comfortable clothes for after skiing. If you put on dry socks before you put on your ski boots, your feet will stay much warmer. 
  • Plan to rent skis, boots and poles (or snowboard and boots) the first few times out. We have equipment specially designed for beginners, and our lift and lesson packages make learning affordable. You'll need to leave a credit card or ID in the rental shop while you're out skiing. 
  • Always take a beginner lesson whether you are skiing or snowboarding. Do yourself a favor and let our instructors introduce you to the sport. They make learning to ski or snowboard fun from the start! Even if your (pick one) boyfriend, girlfriend, uncle, cousin, mother-in-law is an awesome skier or rider, they probably don't know all of the little tips and tricks of teaching someone the sport. You have a much better chance of enjoying skiing or snowboarding if you take a lesson with a pro. 
  • Look for the green dots that direct you to the new Creekside lodge, located next to the Holiday Valley Lodge. You can purchase your Learn-to-Ski or Learn-to-Snowboard package there, rent beginner's equipment, plus get all of your questions answered. 
  • Plan to arrive at least one hour before you want your lesson to begin so you have time to sign up, get your equipment and soak up the excitement of the resort!. Lessons are at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. 
  • Night lessons leave promptly at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 PM. Please arrive early, lessons leave promptly from night lesson lineup area at the base of the boardwalk conveyor!
  • If you're lost or confused, ask any Holiday Valley staff for information. We're here to help! 
  • For a great learning experience check out our Learn to Ski/Ride Lodging Package.

Adult Group Lessons and Rentals

Improve your skills with additional lessons. After your initial learn to ski/ride day, buy a group lesson at $45.  Lessons offered daily at 10:30AM and 1:30 PM. We want to equip you with the skills to explore the entire resort. Register at the Ski School Desk and rent equipment in the Holiday Valley Lodge.