Beginner's Guide

Reservations are required for both Group and Private Lessons for all ages. Please contact us at (518) 946-2223 x3 to make a reservation. All reservations are to be paid in full when booked and are non-refundable within 72 hours prior to arrival. Reservations canceled before the 72 hours are subject to a 15% cancellation fee.

All lessons and programs for all ages will begin at the Bear Den Lodge. All private lessons will also meet at Bear Den Lodge. You may drop off your gear in the loading and unloading zones at Bear Den Mountain Lodge before parking in one of our two lots. Please note the name of the lot you are parked in so you can properly inform the shuttle bus driver upon your return to your car at the end of the day.

You should plan on arriving at the mountain at least 1-1.5 hours prior to your scheduled lesson or program, to ensure you have enough time to park, unload, register and get outfitted with your rental equipment, if applicable. During holiday periods you may want to arrive earlier.

When skiing or riding, temperatures can vary at different times of the day and also on different areas of the mountain. Below is a list of suggested clothing and gear to ensure that you are comfortable for the duration of your lesson:

• Sunscreen and lip protection
• Goggles or sunglasses
• Wind/waterproof jacket
• Wind/waterproof snow pants
• Waterproof mittens or gloves
• Neckwarmer
• Long underwear top and bottom
• Wool/synthetic ski or snowboard socks (no cotton socks)
• Helmet – required for ages 17 and under (all rental packages include helmets)
• Ski or snowboard boots (available for rental)
• Skis or snowboard (available for rental)
• Poles (available for rental; intermediate to advanced skiers only)

Please note: We do not rent winter clothing. If you forget any of your gear or are unable to borrow or purchase the items listed above before your lesson, stop by Brookside Apparel at the Main Base Lodge or Flying Squirrel Apparel at the Bear Den Lodge, and our staff will make sure you have what you need!

Lockers and overnight ski storage are available in Bear Den Lodge. If you plan to keep your valuables on your person while skiing or riding (e.g. keys, wallet, cell phone), make sure they’re secure in a zippered pocket and will not fall out easily. We also provide ski and snowboard racks for temporary storage at several locations throughout the mountain (you may secure your equipment with your own lock from Flying Squirrel Apparel at the Bear Den Lodge).

Yes! In fact, some of our lessons include equipment rentals. We also carry a high-performance line of rentals for more advanced skiers. If you or anyone in your group are taking lessons, you must pick up your rentals over at the Bear Den Lodge. Please check the details for your specific lesson or program to see if rentals are included or not.

Lift tickets are included in the price of some but not all lessons and programs. The best way to find out if a lift ticket is included is to check the information listed for your specific lesson or program. Feel free to give us a call us at (518) 946-2223 (option 3) for more information!

Our lessons do not include lunch. If you would like to bring snacks, you may do so as long as they do not contain nuts. Our facilities are nut-free.