Private Lessons

Important Info

*Max of 3 additional persons. Additional persons must be of similar age, ability, and discipline.

Call (518) 251-4804 to book or submit a request here.

Private lesson reservations are bookings for your instructor only. If you don’t have a Season Pass, Lift tickets should be secured online before your private lesson reservation can be finalized. Remember to reload your SKI3 Card or Frequent Skier Card if you already have one. Need rentals too? Reserve your gear online at least one day in advance and save 15%.

Check-In:

• Private Lessons check-in at the Adult Snow Sports Desk on the 1st floor of the Northwoods Lodge. Lesson meeting location will be outside on the slope side area of the lodge, near the Sunway Chair.
  • All Private Lessons meet 15 minutes prior to the lesson’s scheduled start time.
• If you are renting equipment plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to your check-in time to be fitted. Plan more time during weekend/holiday periods for potential traffic coming in. Please note that rentals are NOT included with your lesson.
• Helmets are required for ages 17 & under to participate in lessons. Helmets are available to rent individually and are included with the full gear rental package.

Lesson Info:

• Private Lessons are offered daily at every hour, starting at 9 am.
  • 1-Hour Lessons: 9 am – 3 pm
  • 2-Hour Lessons: 9 am – 2 pm
  • 3-Hour Lessons: 9 am – 1 pm
• Private Lessons must be booked in advanced. Call (518) 251-4804 for booking or additional information or submit a request here.
• Private lesson bookings are for your instructor only. Lift ticket and/or rentals are NOT included with your lesson.

Adaptive Lessons

We offer ski and snowboard lessons to individuals of all ages with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. All lessons are private, one-on-one with an instructor/coach, to better meet the participant’s specific needs. Click here to learn more.

See Reservation Policy

Reservation Policy

For Day Lessons/Programs:

• All purchases are final. Reservations are non-refundable if canceled within 72 hours of the start date.
• Reservation cancellations made more than 72 hours before the scheduled start date will incur a cancellation fee: $15 for adult/youth group lessons and $45 for private lessons. The remaining balance will be refunded to the original form of payment.
• Reservations canceled within 72 hours of the start date are non-refundable. Instead, you will receive a credit of the full value of your reservation, minus a cancellation fee ($15 for adult/youth group lessons and $45 for private lessons), towards the same Lesson/Program on another day. Credit requests must be submitted by the close of business on the day before the scheduled lesson. Credits are valid for one year from the issue date.
• Participants must be within the determined Lesson/Program age range at the start of the Lesson/Program.
• The Lesson/Program will be voided if the participant arrives late for the reserved start time, and a refund or credit will NOT be issued.

All Lesson/Program participants must electronically sign the 2024/25 Day and Multi-Week Lesson/Program Agreement. If purchasing online, you’ll be presented with the 2024/25 Day and Multi-Week Lesson/Program Agreement before checkout. Upon finalizing your first reservation this snow season by phone, you should receive an email with a link to sign this document electronically.

You will receive the program check-in time and location in your confirmation email. Programs are in session every day the Snow Sports School is open, regardless of weather conditions. During inclement weather, we will take indoor breaks as necessary.

Additional Information

Special Notes for Private Lessons

Please consider the following for a fun and successful private lesson experience

• Advanced reservations are required for private lesson options.  Please call (518) 251-4804.
• All children 17 & under are required to wear a helmet* during their lesson.
• Lessons are held regardless of the weather- be sure to dress appropriately.
• Inform us of any special arrangements or needs when making your reservation so that we can best serve you.
• Please be on time. Plan ahead for time to register, pick up rental gear, etc. We recommend arriving at least an hour prior to your lesson start time. Plan more time during weekend/holiday periods for potential traffic coming in. Lessons go out on time and late arrivals may not be accommodated.
• While skiing or snowboarding is the primary activity, our instructors encourage on-hill safety and etiquette at Gore.

Additional notes to best prepare families

• A parent must complete program-specific registration forms including Release of Liability.
• A parent must remain on the Gore Mountain premises if their child is participating in a private lesson.
• We know you’re excited to watch your child ski or ride. However, young children often become distracted when they see their parents. If you would like to observe, plan to do so from a distance so as not to distract your child or other program participants.
• Visit our health & safety page for guidelines during the 24/25 snow season.

*If you purchase your program with rentals, a helmet is included in the package. If children are using their own equipment, they must bring a helmet with them or plan to rent one upon arrival. Thank you for your cooperation in our effort of increasing safety on the slopes. Visit LidsOnKids.org to learn more about helmets and snow sports safety!

SnowSports Ability Chart

Ability levels are rough approximations of the student’s skills and allow us to group students of a similar level for lessons. When booking your lesson, select the level that best describes your ability level.

SKI

• Level 1, First Time – I’m a first time skier who is brand new to the sport.
• Level 2, Second Time – I’ve skied before, but still learning to make turns.
• Level 3, Novice – I can turn my skis with control in both directions on easy green terrain.
• Level 4, Intermediate – I am developing parallel turns on intermediate blue terrain.
• Level 5, Advanced – I can make controlled parallel turns on expert black diamond terrain.

SNOWBOARD

• Level 1, First Time – I’m a first time snowboarder who is brand new to the sport.
• Level 2, Novice – I can traverse and link turns on easy green terrain.
• Level 3, Intermediate – I can make controlled turns and am switch riding on intermediate blue terrain.
• Level 4, Advanced – I ride expert black diamond terrain in control.