How much do ski lessons cost?
How much do ski lessons cost?
$50 – $80 group ski lesson cost per hour (per person)
$100 – $300+ private ski lesson cost per hour
Average cost of ski lessons
Ski lessons cost $50 to $80 per hour per person for group classes, while private ski lessons cost $100 to $300+ per hour. Ski lesson prices also depend on the location, time of year, instructor's experience, and number of classes. Higher-priced lessons typically include gear rental and lift tickets.
| Lesson type | Average price per hour |
|---|---|
| Group lesson | $50 – $80 |
| Private lesson | $100 – $250 |
Most ski lessons last 1 to 3 hours. Many resorts also offer half-day and full-day options.
Purchasing a multiple ski lesson package typically saves 8% to 10%.
Ski lesson price factors
Many variables affect the cost of ski lessons, including:
Location: You'll pay top dollar for ski lessons at a famous resort with high-end facilities, such as California's Mammoth Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, Montana's Big Sky, and Vail and Beaver Creek resorts in Colorado.
Instructor's experience & reputation: Former professional skiers and highly rated instructors typically have higher rates.
Lesson only vs. all-inclusive: Classes that include equipment rental and lift tickets cost more but come with everything you need.
Age: While some resorts have a blanket price for all ages, ski lessons for very young children may cost more because they typically need a smaller instructor-to-student ratio.
Time of year: Early or pre-season pricing is typically lower than during peak ski season—late December through February.
Group vs. private
Group ski lessons are budget-friendly and have a social component, but they offer less personalized instruction. Some students progress faster with private lessons, but for a much higher price. Some resorts offer semi-private lessons with a small group of 2 or 3 students at a mid-range price point.
| Factor | Group ski lessons | Private ski lessons |
|---|---|---|
| Average price | $150 – $300* per person | $300 – $1,000+* |
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*Pricing for one 3-hour lesson
Try a group lesson first if you're just starting out. Beginners often learn more in group lessons as they are exposed to more questions and experiences than theirs alone.
Additional costs
While some ski lesson packages include gear rental and lift tickets to access the ski slopes, other resorts sell these necessities separately. If your lesson price is not all-inclusive, consider these potential extra costs:
Equipment rental costs $30 to $60+ per day for a complete set of skis, boots, and poles.
Ski lift tickets average $40 to $75+ per day, depending on the location, season, and if they're for a weekend or weekday.
Ski Lesson FAQs
Are ski lessons worth it?
Ski lessons are worth it if skiing is an activity you want to learn and enjoy. While many resorts charge a hefty price for lessons, you can often find more affordable options with qualified instructors at lesser-known locations to arm you with the skills and confidence to safely navigate the slopes.
How many ski lessons does a beginner need?
While everyone learns at different paces, most beginners need 3 to 5+ half-day lessons to feel comfortable and in control of their direction and speed on beginner terrain.
Most resorts have a gentle slope, often called a "bunny slope," near the base of the mountain for new skiers to learn the basics without the pressure of more challenging or dangerous terrain.
After getting comfortable on the bunny slope, try moving to the beginner slopes, which typically have a green circle label.
Should you tip your ski instructor?
While you don’t necessarily have to tip your ski instructor, most instructors appreciate it immensely since they typically take home only a fraction of what you pay for the lesson while the resort keeps the rest. In addition, they often live in an expensive mountain town. A general guideline is to tip 10% to 30% of the lesson cost.
Consider your specific circumstances—private vs. group lessons, small children vs. adults, etc.—when choosing how much to tip a ski instructor.
How to save on skiing lessons
Cheap ski lessons with a qualified instructor are difficult to find, but you can often reduce your costs with a little research and planning.
Book early: Many resorts offer lessons at a reduced rate if you book them before the start of the ski season.
Avoid peak season: The "peak season" for ski resorts varies depending on the location and weather conditions, but prices tend to be higher at most US resorts from late December through February.
Take weekday lessons: Weekend ski lessons typically cost more due to the increased demand.
Check out lesser-known ski resorts: Famous ski resorts charge premium prices for lessons, gear, lift passes, and everything in between. Look for better deals at other nearby resorts with certified instructors.
Take group lessons: Group lessons cost significantly less than private ski lessons and have an added social component.
Take lessons near your home: Taking indoor ski lessons to learn the basics before you head to the mountains can save on extra travel and lodging costs and allow you to maximize your time to enjoy the slopes.
Always take lessons from an experienced, certified instructor. While it may be tempting to have an experienced friend show you the ropes instead of paying full price for skiing lessons, a good skier is not always a good teacher.
Questions to ask ski instructor
When looking for ski lessons near you, ask the following questions to help ensure you have the best learning experience:
Are all the instructors certified through the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)?
How long have your instructors been teaching skiing?
How long is each class?
Are lift tickets included in the lesson price?
Do I need to bring my own gear?
What should I wear to the class?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you offer package discounts?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.