Best Tahoe Resorts Learn to Ski & Snowboard Package Deals

homewood-learn-to-ski-snowboard

Photo courtesy of Homewood Mountain Resort

Looking for the best value offerings for learn to ski and snowboard package deals for Lake Tahoe resorts?

Skiing and snowboarding is an expensive sport; you not only have to buy or rent skis, snowboard, winter clothing and gear but you also have to purchase a lift ticket to be able access mountain slopes. So the best way to save money for first time learn to ski, board is to take advantage of learn to ski, ride package deals.

What does a typical ski/snowboard package deal includes?

First time learn to ski and snowboard package includes:

+ an all-day beginner lift ticket
+ all-day equipment rental (skis, poles, boots or snowboard and boots) and
+ a 1.75 hour group lesson

Most resorts will have an option to upgrade to a full lift ticket (allowing access to all chairlifts) in the afternoon after completion of lesson package can do so for an additional cost.

The best value deal for Tahoe resorts’ learn to ski, ride packages are ..

North Tahoe

homewood-learn-to-snowboard

=== Homewood Mountain Resort === $79 ADULT LEARN TO SKI/RIDE PACKAGE – to get this deal, you must book online in advance at SkiHomewood.com

Inside tips: three things we like about Homewood

1) “Only 280 steps from lift-to-lake gives us an unbeatable lakeside skiing experience.” – parking is free and is slope-side so no need to lug your gear long distances to the ski lift.

2) Homewood got scenic panoramic lake views which makes it seem like you are skiing/riding right into the lake. Great resort for lakeside photography.

3) Great tree runs and especially great on windy days when other Tahoe resorts have to place their ski lifts on wind hold, Homewood’s lifts continue to spin since the resort’s tall trees protect the ski lifts from wind gusts.

homewood-resort-learn-ski-snowboard-deal

Area Map, Get Driving Directions

=== Sugar Bowl Mountain Resort === Learn to Ski or Snowboard for $99

Get coaching from the best instructors. Sugar Bowl’s team can take you from “never ever” to making turns on the slopes in no time.

Includes a half day group lesson, rental equipment and beginner lift ticket. Lift ticket valid on White Pine and Nob Hill beginner lifts. Ages 13+.

Morning Half Day | Starts at 9:45am
Afternoon Half Day | Starts at 1:00pm

To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival, reservations highly recommended – book ahead at Sugarbowl.com

* Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays. If getting rentals, plan to arrive at the rental shop at least 1 hour prior to your lesson time (1 1/2 hours on weekends/holidays). Plan to arrive to the meeting area at least 15 minutes prior to your lesson.

sugar-bowl-learn-ski-snowboard-deal

Area Map, Get Driving Directions

=== Donner Ski Ranch === – quick and easy access off Interstate 80 North towards Reno on Donner Summit.

Lifts Open 9 am – 4 pm
Snow Tubing 10 am – 4 pm.

LESSON TIMES
9 AM, 10:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM.

Adult and Youth Learn to Turn Package, Ages 13-69 for $99

Child Learn to Turn Package, Ages 6-12 for $79

This resort has a wide introductory hill, with 16 out of its 52 runs marked for beginners (green circles). Donner Ski Ranch has a front and backside accessible through six chairlifts and a magic carpet.

Donner Ski Ranch is one of oldest ski resorts in Tahoe perfect for everyone including families with kids. Donner Ski Ranch spans 500 acres of varied terrain so there’s something for everyone.

They also have a tubing hill with magic carpet access.

No need to book in advance, pricing is the same everyday even on holidays. If you’re concerned about the ski lessons filling up on the weekends, make sure to reserve spots in advance at donnerskiranch.com/skischool

donner-ski-ranch-learn-to-ski-snowboard

Photo courtesy of Donner Ski Ranch

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=== Mt Rose === located less than 20 minutes to Incline Village, and about 45 minutes to Reno on the Mt. Rose Highway (NV-431); a medium sized mountain with 1,200 acres of terrain and a base elevation of 8,260 feet which equates to getting more snow, and to be able to preserve the snow better since it’s colder at higher elevation. Mt Rose offers $99 learn to ski, ride deal which must be booked in advance at SkiRose.com

A great option to ski then stay in Reno with its abundant nightlife, live music, casinos, spa, variety of restaurants and sushi buffets to choose from.

On a holiday weekend when most Tahoe area hotels are booked out or priced out of your range, staying in Reno offers good value lodging accommodations.

Area Map, Get Driving Directions

=== TAKE 3, RIDE FREE at Boreal ===

SKI + SNOWBOARD LESSON PROGRAM

Looking for the quickest and most convenient Tahoe resort to get to? Boreal is right off I80 North in Soda Springs and has nine chairlifts, and offers night skiing until 9 pm.

Complete 3 Qualifying Lessons, Get a FREE Boreal Unlimited Season Pass

‘Go from learning to turn and stop to full shred in no time with Boreal’s Take 3, Ride FREE program. Recognized as one of the best beginner ski and ride programs in the country, this prepaid package includes (3) single-day, half-day lesson packages and a FREE Boreal Season Pass* on your fourth visit.

LESSON REGISTRATION
Register for the half day Take 3, Ride Free lesson at any rental services cashier station. After registration and rental pick-up, lessons meet outside at the Snowports School meeting area.

LESSON TIMES
Please allow adequate time for registration paperwork, rental equipment fitting, and check-in. Arrive at least two hours prior to your lesson-start time on holiday* dates and one hour prior to your lesson start-time during non-holiday dates.

Non-Holiday Dates / 10AM–12PM; 1–3PM
Holiday Dates / 10AM–12PM; 1PM–3PM; 3:30–5PM’ – Boreal Mtn Resort

Area Map, Get Driving Directions

South Tahoe

=== Sierra-at-Tahoe == 2019/20 Adult Learn to Ski + Snowboard Online Advance Booking Special Rate From $79 and up depending on how far in advance you book it online.

2.5-hour First-timer Lesson Package

‘Save up to 50% off! This is the most affordable learn to ski or snowboard package in Lake Tahoe. There goes your final excuse to not get out on the slopes with the rest of your family!

This package includes:

Lift ticket (limited access to the conveyor lift(s) on Easy Street and Easy Rider Express)
Rental equipment (includes skis and ski boots or snowboard and snowboard boots)
A 2.5 hour first-timer group lesson

These packages are valid for adults age 13+, everyday.

This package is available in limited quantities and must be purchased online 48 hours in advance of your lesson package reservation. Valid for first timer skiers/riders only. Not valid in terrain parks. Learn to ski and snowboard package deals start at $79, to get the best rate, book ahead at SierraatTahoe.com

2019/20 Peak Dates
November 29-30, 2019 | December 26 – January 1, 2020 | January 18-20, 2020 | February 15-22, 2020

Things to Know

+ Please note that lessons are subject to selling out. While reservations are not required, we strongly recommended you make them at least 48 hours prior to your arrival.

+ Please check in 1 hour before the start of your lesson. After pre-lesson registration and equipment fitting, attendees meet ON SNOW 15 minutes before lesson start time (9:45 am or 12:45 pm) with instructor to discuss itinerary/lesson details.

+ Dress appropriately for the weather. Layers are best.

+ Be sure you have eye protection (goggles for snowy days and sunglasses for sunny days).

+ Hats, gloves, sunscreen and other items you might forget are available at the Sierra Mt. Sports Shop .

+ Ski pants and helmet rentals are available at the mountain.

+ Cancellation Policy: Non-Refundable Non-Transferable.’ – Sierra-at-Tahoe

Area Map, Get Driving Directions



See what it is like when you enrolled in a learn to ski, ride lesson; watch the YouTube video

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there enough snow in Tahoe?

March 1, 2020 brings fresh snow to Tahoe with Sierra at Tahoe reporting 1 foot of new snow and Mt Rose reporting 17 inches of fresh powder.

In addition, with current season total ranging from 109 inches to 196 inches (equals 16.3 feet) of snow, and January 2020 snow total of 19 inches to 45 inches (3.5 ft) of snow, Lake Tahoe resorts got abundant snow to enjoy freshly groomed corduroy ski slopes and bluebird ski days. View Tahoe resorts live cams and current snow report.

tahoe-weather-snow-totals-2020

Tahoe Resorts Snow Report by OpenSnow .com

How much money do I save when I choose a package deal vs ala carte pricing for learn to ski/ride?

Let’s break it down:

+ Adult lift ticket window pricing at Squaw Alpine $169
+ Adult ski or snowboard rentals at Squaw Alpine Sport Package (skis, boots, poles or snowboard and boots) is $62 for one day rate
+ Learn to ski, snowboard private three hour lesson is $609

Compared with learn to ski, ride package deals, how much savings are you looking at?

Why is it ideal to learn to ski, snowboard on bluebird days?

Notably, it is much faster to drive to/from Tahoe when tire chains are NOT required (as of Feb 21, 2020). With tire chains installed, maximum speed is 30 mph which means it will likely take you 40-50% longer to get to the resort when chains are required. Even with AWD/4WD vehicles, posted speed limit is 35 mph when chain controls are in effect.

Clear blue skies means you will have great visibility to see and navigate your way down the mountain when you learn to ski/ride (unlike during a snow storm with wind gusts and snow flying sideways where you’d likely have low to zero visibility).

In addition, you’ll likely find great deals on lodging and hotel stays when it is not snowing.

What to pack/checklist for a ski, ride day on the slopes?

– Sunscreen
– Gloves: water-proof types
– Glove and sock liners: these are thin liners that you can wear on cold days to stay warm and to help keep your feet/hands dry
– Goggles/sun-glasses
– Socks: moisture wicking ski socks
– Snow-pants: water-proof/gore-tex types
– Jackets: water-proof/gore-tex types
– Helmet
– Water/Gatorade so you won’t get dehydrated
– Energy bar or trail mix for a quick snack
– Helps to bring a two-way radio to communicate with your family/friends since cell phones will likely not have reception/service
– Helps to bring a set of dry clothes, socks to change into after skiing/snowboarding

How many days does it take to learn to ski and snowboard?

Learning to ski/snowboard takes time and it really depends on various factors such as if you have some experience in similar sports like in-line skating, surfing, skate boarding, etc where you learned how to balance and handle fluid, agile movements. In general, it helps to learn to ski, ride for consecutive days (at least 3 days in a row) so you can repeat the lesson and practice to learn the skills needed to improve to the next ski, ride level.

heavenly-resort-groomed-slopes

Photo courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort

What’s the best snowboarding protective safety gear?

To prevent costly snowboarding injuries, here’s our protective gear checklist.


In need of winter ski, snowboard clothing and gear?

rei-sale-clearance-items

Browse REI Snow Sports sale and clearance items: Alpine, Nordic, Backcountry

Drive to and from Tahoe often? Looking to expand your circle of ski, snowboarding buddies?

Join http://SnowPals.org to expand your circle of ski and snowboarding buddies; since 1999, SnowPals is now over 8,000 members. We are an alternative to traditional ski clubs for busy SF Bay Area professionals. Read members’ intros to get an idea who joins SnowPals.

Planning a Tahoe weekend getaway?

Book a rental that can be rented nightly, weekly or monthly, browse list at

http://www.snowpals.org/rentals/

Need some gear, skis, snowboard or snow sports clothing?

REI is having their REI’s Winter Sale.

SF Bay Area to Tahoe ski bus trips: one day, overnight ski trips: get $10 off on one day trips, $15 off on overnight ski bus trips. Sleep on the bus, have a fun day of skiing and snowboarding and watch movies on the return bus ride. Overnight ski bus trips consist of two days of skiing + hotel stay close to the resort with hot tub amenities and nightlife so you can make the most of your ski/ride trip weekend getaway.

if we missed listing a deal you know about; advance thanks!

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