HIGH SIERRA
Celebrate Heavenly’s 70th Anniversary
Put on your best snow shoes, get your party hats on and join Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe for a 70th Anniversary Celebration the whole winter season. Kick off the celebration at Heavenly’s 70th Anniversary Party with live DJ sets in the snowy mountains, attend the resort’s Celebrity Banked Slalom and book group skiing and snowboarding lessons made to help beginners conquer the mountains.
Become a Master of Snow Sports Through Palisades Tahoe’s Perfect Progression Program
The 2025-2026 winter season in Lake Tahoe is the perfect time to rent out snow sports equipment and give it a try. With Palisades Tahoe’s Perfect Progression Program at Alpine Lodge base area, first-time riders or skiers aged 13 and up get three beginner lessons, rentals, lift tickets, lunch vouchers (a $21 value each), a season pass upon completion and more for just $799. Designed for true beginners, this package allows newcomers to experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Climb the Ranks at Sugar Bowl Resort in Lake Tahoe
Sugar Bowl Resort has been a hub for top-tier sports athletes for 85 years. This winter season, book a group lesson for first timers which also comes with a lift ticket and all-day equipment rentals — all starting at $99. Then, if newcomers want to put the lessons to use or visitors are looking to take on the snow alone, the park has beginner terrain for those trying to progress through the ranks. With easy access to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park’s design is made for freestyle athletes and development programs dedicated to empowering beginners, so anyone can go from rookie to pro.
Learn to Ski or Ride at China Peak Mountain Resort
Nestled between Fresno and Mammoth Lakes in Lakeshore, China Peak Mountain Resort offers first-timers and never-evers lessons they will be sure to enjoy. The resort offers a 1-Day Package for ages 4 and up which includes a carpet pass, standard ski or snowboard rental package and a 2-hour lesson for only $149. Or, if guests are looking to extend their learning experience this winter season, the resort has a 3-Day Package with 2-day carpet passes, an all mountain day pass, standard ski and snowboard rental packages each day and 2-hour lessons each day for only $199. China Peak is sure to give guests a memorable and affordable first-time snow sports experience.
Jump Start Progress at Boreal Mountain California
Boreal Mountain California invites visitors to private and group lessons separated by skill level and age. Led by ski and snowboarding instructors trained to get newcomers comfortable in the snow, these 90-minute lessons allow students to progress in a low-stress, fun, social and highly-productive environment. Additionally, Boreal has a Take 3 Ride Free program on sale for the upcoming winter season. Through this program, complete 3 introductory lessons, and get a free Unlimited Season Pass to keep practicing those new skills and see what else Boreal Mountain has in store.
Conquer the Slopes at Bear Valley Mountain Resort
With private and group lessons divided up by ability, Bear Valley Mountain Resort is a perfect place for beginners to get familiar with equipment and for those with a bit more experience to challenge themselves. The professional instructors at the Bear Valley Ski & Snowboard School lead lessons that emphasize safety and learning, while encouraging terrain exploration for fun all over the mountain.
INLAND EMPIRE
Go From Basics to Pro at Mountain High Resort
Although Southern California is known for its sunshine, their winter season is a great time to hit the slopes. Mountain High Resort, “where So Cal learns to ski and snowboard,” is located in Wrightwood, offering group and private lessons with professional instructors starting at $199. Group lessons are fun and social, while private lessons are personalized and adaptable to each individual — all making Mountain High a perfect place for beginners no matter the age.
Succeed on the Slopes at Big Bear Mountain Resort
When it comes to snow play in California, you can’t forget Big Bear. With three locations, Big Bear Mountain Resort offers group and private lesson options with award-winning, certified instructors and priority lift access during sessions. This includes the new 13-week winter progression program, Snow Rangers, for participants aged 6-17 at their Snow Summit location; the Ride Ready lesson package deal to learn how to take on the chairlift with ease for ages 13 and up at their Snow Valley location; and the Valley SoCal Youth Program at Snow Valley for ages 8-12 where participants chosen get group lessons, six child night session lift tickets, six days of equipment rentals and a free season pass upon completion.