How to Prepare for Your Lesson

Know Before You Go

Find details on where to go, when to arrive, and what to expect from your lesson.

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Drop-Off and Pick-Up Information

Step 1:
Check-In

The first stop for all Child Group Lessons occurs at the Children’s Group Lessons building in the Northstar Village, located next to the Ice Skating Rink and Season Pass office. Please look for the Will-Call stations, set up in front of the building. Use the Village and Mountain Maps to assist you.

For your convenience, rental equipment and tickets are picked up at lesson check-in. Check-in times vary by age and program. If you arrive late and cannot complete check-in prior to the check-in end time, we may not be able to accommodate you in a lesson for that day.

  • Ages 7-14 Group: Starts at 8:45am, must be completed by 9:15am.
  • Ages 5-6: Starts at 9am, must be completed by 9:30am.
  • Ages 3-4: Starts at 9:15am, must be completed by 9:45am.

If you are a guest lodging at The Ritz-Carlton and have signed up for a Child group lesson, you will need to proceed to the Village at Northstar to arrive at the Children's Ski & Snowboard School by the times listed above. Please check with your concierge for Highlands Gondola operating hours.

Step 2:
Lesson Vouchers and Tickets
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate. If needed or pre-purchased, these can be picked up at lesson check-in.
  • You will also receive your lesson voucher(s) here.
  • If you have multiple lesson days, you will receive vouchers for all days to enable you to skip check-in and go straight to drop-off next time.
Step 3:
Drop-Off and Equipment

If you are picking up rental equipment:

  • All Ages: Dropped off right after check-in. We handle equipment fitting.

If you are bringing your own equipment (or returning with rented ski equipment) and have your lesson voucher in hand:

  • Ages 3-4: Dropped off right after check-in at the Children's Group Lesson location.
  • Ages 5-14: Drop off at The Beach, which is located near the back of the Big Springs Gondola, along Gondola Way. Ensure your child has their boots on, ready to go.
  • For personal equipment, please label the skis or snowboard with child's first and last name.
Pick-Up

Children participating in lessons that run until the end of the day are all picked up at the Northstar Village Overlook, located directly above the Children’s Group Lesson building. The Overlook can be accessed via a short outdoor stairway or an indoor elevator. Pick-up times vary:

  • 3-4 year olds: 3:00pm
  • 5-6 year olds: 3:20pm
  • 7-14 year olds: 3:40pm

Children enrolled in the AM 3-4 year old group lesson will be provided with a pick-up location during drop-off. Pick-up time is 12:30pm.

 

Arrival Information

The Adult Ski and Snowboard School is located in the Northstar Village, next to Inclined Burger. This location is near the back of the Big Springs Express Gondola, along Gondola Way.

Village and Mountain Maps

Step 1:
Lesson Check-In
  • Check-in first at the Adult Ski & Snowboard School in the Northstar Village to pick up your tickets and/or rental equipment.
  • If picking up a ticket and rental equipment, check-in between and no later than:
    • 8:45am – 9:00am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM Lessons
    • 12:30pm – 12:45pm for Half Day PM Lessons
  • If picking up a lesson ticket only, please do so between:
    • 8:45am – 9:30am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM Lessons
    • 8:45am – 1:00pm for Half Day PM Lessons
Step 2:
Gondola to Mid-Mountain
  • You must have your equipment and active lift ticket or season pass with you prior to boarding the Big Springs Gondola
  • Note: You do not need to ski or snowboard to reach this location.
  • To reach Mid-Mountain, ride the Big Springs Gondola, unload at the top, and exit to the right.
  • The lesson area is just past The Lodge at Big Springs.
Step 3:
Meet Your Instructor
  • Meet your instructor at the Ski & Snowboard School Arch (skiers) or Snowboard Tent (snowboarders).
  • Meet at 10am for Half Day AM or Full Day AM + PM Lessons.
  • Meet at 1:15pm for Half Day PM Lessons.
Pro Tips
  • Renting Ski equipment? Prior Day check-in is available from 2:30pm – 4:00pm the afternoon before scheduled ski lesson start date. Snowboarders who reserved equipment as part of their lesson package will be fitted on the day of their lesson.
  • If you are a guest lodging at The Ritz-Carlton and have signed up for an Adult Group Ski or Snowboard Lesson, you will need to proceed to the Village at Northstar to arrive at the Adult Ski & Snowboard School by the times listed above. Please check with your concierge for Highlands Gondola operating hours.
Lesson Times
  • Half-Day Morning Lessons: 10.15am - 12.45pm
  • Half-Day Afternoon Lessons: 1.30pm - 4pm
  • Full Day Lessons: 10.15am - 4pm
 

Arrival Information

Step 1:
Know Your Location

Your Private Lesson location where you will meet your instructor was selected upon booking and is listed in your confirmation email. Use the Village and Mountain Maps to assist you. Locations:

  • Northstar Village: At the base of the Big Springs Gondola by the Private Lesson office.
  • Ritz-Carlton True North Shop: Ritz-Carlton Guests only. Main floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel office.
  • Mid-Mountain: Ride the Big Springs Gondola and unload at Mid-Mountain. Exit right; the lesson area is just past The Lodge at Big Springs by the archway. You must have your equipment and lift ticket prior to boarding the Big Springs Gondola but do not need to ski or snowboard to reach this location.
Step 2:
Tickets & Equipment
  • All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
  • If you are renting equipment, please pick this up before heading you your meeting location.
  • We recommend collecting equipment the day prior. Prior Day check-in is available from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. the afternoon before your scheduled private lesson start date.
Step 3:
Meet Your Instructor
  • Please check in at your lesson’s meeting location at least 10 minutes before the start time.
Lesson Times
  • One-Hour AM Lessons: 9am - 10am
  • Half-Day AM Lessons: 9am - 12pm
  • Half-Day PM Lessons: 1pm - 4pm
  • Full Day Lessons: 9am - 4pm
 
Older children snowboarding with an instructor

What to Expect

  • All group lessons are sorted by sport, age, and ability level.
  • The instructor will determine lesson plans based on the group's ability level and goals.
  • All participants will explore terrain aligned to their ability level while practicing new techniques at their own pace.
  • Lunch is included with Full Day Child Group Lessons only. Adult Full Day AM + PM lessons will take a lunch break from 12:45pm – 1:30pm. 
  • Instructors will provide breaks for food, water and rest as appropriate.
  • If your child brings snacks, please do not pack any that contain nuts.
  • Restroom breaks are built into the day, but all participants are encouraged to use the restroom prior to the lesson start time.

What You Need

Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, so review the following items to ensure you are fully equipped for your ski or snowboard lesson.

Resort Guest Purchasing a Lift Ticket at Steven's Pass
Lift Access

All guests must have a pass or a lift ticket to participate in a lesson. Best pricing is available online, in advance.

Lift Tickets

Passes

Employees with retail skiis in Northstar, CA.
Gear
Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment and boots if already owned. If renting, please arrive an hour prior to your lesson start time to ensure enough time for pick up.
Book Rentals
Close Up of Boy Smiling in Ski Helmet with Goggles
Helmets

A winter sport helmet is required for all lesson participants aged 14 and under, and 18 and under in designated children’s lessons. We strongly encourage helmet use for all ages. Helmets can be included along with a rental order or rented separately.

Family skiing in Kirkwood, CA.
Clothing & Accessories
Waterproof snow pants and gloves or mittens are strongly recommended to keep you warm and dry. Goggles protect your eyes from the cold air and block UV light.