Beaver Creek Ski School: Lessons for All Ages and Abilities

Beaver Creek Ski School is widely regarded as among the best in North America, not just for the quality of its instructors, but for the organization and attention to detail that makes the experience work well for families with children. Lessons cover skiing and snowboarding from first-timer through to advanced technique, and there is also an adaptive program for guests with disabilities.

Ski school bookings are best made well in advance during peak weeks (Christmas, New Year, Presidents’ Week, and Spring Break). Our Destination Planner can make ski school reservations on your behalf when arranging your stay in Beaver Creek.

Group ski lessons for children are available from age 3, with small class sizes designed to give each child meaningful individual attention alongside the social benefit of learning in a group. Lessons cover the fundamentals like stopping, turning, and balanced positioning through a combination of structured instruction, games, and slope time. Each session typically runs 2-3 hours and includes a mid-lesson break with hot chocolate.

Group snowboard lessons follow the same structure as ski lessons, with expert instructors using teaching techniques specifically adapted for learning to snowboard: balancing, turning, stopping, and riding the chairlift safely. Sessions run approximately 2-3 hours.

One-to-one or small-group private instruction (up to six participants) for children who progress faster with dedicated attention, or for families who want to ski together under a single instructor. Private lessons typically run 2-3 hours and include lift-line priority, meaning more time skiing and less time waiting.

Beaver Creek’s full-day children’s program is the most comprehensive option for families who want an immersive day for their children on the mountain. The BEAVO program runs approximately 6 hours, accommodates up to 8 children, and includes all-day ski instruction and meals. Certified instructors cover skiing or snowboarding technique alongside mountain safety and etiquette. This makes it as much an education in mountain awareness as a ski lesson.

For families arriving at Beaver Creek for a week, the BEAVO program is a great option for younger children, providing a structured, safe, and enjoyable day on the mountain while parents ski independently. The program is designed to nurture a genuine connection with the mountain rather than just deliver a ski lesson.

For more confident young skiers and snowboarders ready for more adventurous terrain, the All-Terrain Program guides groups of up to 8 children through Beaver Creek’s more challenging in-bounds terrain over a full day (approximately 6 hours), who experience trees, moguls, and powder stashes within the resort boundary. The program covers skiing different snow conditions, understanding mountain weather, and handling ungroomed terrain, always under careful supervision.

Group ski lessons for adults run for approximately 6 hours and accommodate up to 8 participants, grouped by ability level so the instruction is relevant to where each guest actually is rather than the lowest common denominator. Lessons cover technique and mountain navigation: how to read terrain, choose appropriate trails, and make the most of Beaver Creek’s specific conditions.

The adult snowboard program follows the same structure, groups of up to 8, approximately 6 hours, with instruction covering everything from beginner fundamentals to more advanced carving and terrain selection. Groups meet near Beaver Creek Landing. The instructor-to-student ratio ensures meaningful individual feedback within the group format.

The fastest route to improvement for any adult skier or snowboarder. Private lessons (individuals or groups of up to 6) provide exclusive, uninterrupted instruction for a full day (approximately 6 hours). The instructor’s focus is entirely on your skiing, identifying what to improve, explaining why it matters, and guiding you through the specific runs that will accelerate your development. Private lesson guests also receive lift-line priority throughout the day.

For guests who have not skied for several years, are preparing for a more challenging trip, or want to make a significant improvement during a single week, private lessons are the investment that pays back most clearly on the mountain.

Beaver Creek’s adaptive program is one of the most well-developed at any US ski resort. Specialist instructors work one-to-one with guests who have physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, using adapted equipment and teaching methods designed for each individual’s needs. The program is open to beginners and experienced skiers alike.

The adaptive program is worth contacting the ski school about directly when planning your trip, particularly for guests with more specific equipment needs. Early booking is recommended as instructor availability for adaptive sessions is limited.

We keep a small, hand-checked portfolio of homes and condos in Beaver Creek: slope-side, in the village, a quiet walk from the lifts. Tell us how your group travels and we’ll find the right one.