Do I need a lesson?
Like most other outdoor activities, lessons are always a good idea, especially when you're just starting out. Lessons are the key to understanding the fundamentals of skiing or boarding. A lot of people will try "self taught" techniques which will lead to frustration and disappointment. Belleayre Mountain offers a variety of different lessons and programs that will help you reach your goals such as KidsCamp for Children, Alpine Development for more advanced kids, weekend workshops, woman's seminars, clinics, race camps, private lessons and more.

Can my friends show me how?
Pros are trained to teach in the most efficient manner so you can start skiing or boarding on your own ASAP. Friend and family members that are not professionals should not give you pointers. For all you know, their techniques are not right and then you would be learning the wrong things.

Can I take a lesson with my family?
Yes, you can. However, it is strongly recommended that people of the same ability and age take lessons together. It would not be beneficial to either you as the customer, or the instructor to try to teach different abilities or ages in the same group. Example: an adult and a five year old. Adults and young children have different needs and need to be taught in different ways, and there are different approaches and terminology used to make it easier on each skier.

How many people are in a group lesson?
This depends on a variety of factors, such as midweek vs. weekend, holiday vs. non-holiday, peak vs. non-peak season. There will be more people in a group lesson if you take one during peak times. It depends on how many people sign up for that particular lesson. When everyone is signed up, the Snowsports School will then ski everyone off (test their ability) and put them in groups accordingly. They try to keep the groups as small as possible.

Do I need reservations for a lesson?
All group and private lessons are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are lessons expensive?
Not at Belleayre! Did you know that all beginner skiers and riders ages 8 and older (with the purchase of a lift ticket) can take an untimed lesson that takes you through the basics of skiing or riding and prepares you for the chairlift for just $15? All beginner ski/ride lessons are untimed so you can enter at any time and take as long as you need to master the basic skills. Children 5 to 7 can join the "I'm Special" kids lesson at 11am or 1pm for only $12 with the purchase of their lift pass.

How long before I am able to ski from the top of the mountain?
Skiing from the top of the mountain varies from person to person and how fast you pick up on the fundamentals. Once you can handle all of the Green trails, the next step would be to try Roaring Brook or Deer Run. This is a good transition between the Green and Blue trails. If you really want to try to make it to the top, try out our Learn to Ski 1-2-3 Program.