Starting Out

Why learn at Crystal Mountain?

The crisp mountain awakens your senses, and the pristine powder-dusted slopes anticipate your first tracks. It’s all here waiting for you, just 90 minutes from Tacoma and 105 minutes from Seattle.

Make your mountain experience even better by learning to ski or ride with the experts. We have assembled a nationally recognized group of talented instructors certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Crystal Mountain offers a highly trained group of instructors to help you meet your goals of learning to ski and snowboard.

Beginner Tips

Group First Timer Lesson Packages:

Ages 11 and up. Beginners only. Package prices include lesson, rental equipment, and Discovery lift ticket.

5 Hour Lesson (10am – 12:30pm, 1-hour break, 1:30pm – 4pm): $99
2 1/2 Hour Lesson (10am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 4pm): $89

Registration is cut off 15 minutes prior to the lesson start time. Please arrive at least 1 to 2 hours in advance.

Beginner Group Lessons:

Ages 11 and up. Prices include the lesson only. Lift ticket must be purchased separately. See above for packages that include the lesson, rental equipment, and lift ticket.

5 Hour Lesson (10am – 12:30pm, 1 hour break, 1:30pm – 4pm): $79
2 1/2 Hour Lesson (10am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 4pm): $63

Registration is cut off 15 minutes prior to the lesson start time. Please arrive at least 1 to 2 hours in advance.

Learn to Ski/Ride 1-2-3 Package (available for purchase until February 28)

Everything you need: rental equipment, group instruction, and lift tickets. Your first visit includes a 5-hour First Timer Group lesson, equipment rental, and a Discovery lift ticket to learn the basics. You’ll receive two vouchers to return for 2 more additional half day Group lesson in the afternoon at 1:30pm, as well as your rental equipment for the day and an all mountain lift ticket. Redeem your 2nd and 3rd lesson vouchers at the Snow Sports desk in the morning when you arrive to register for the afternoon Group lesson and collect your rental equipment and lift ticket. Practice all morning on your own and work with an instructor in the afternoon for help to take your skiing and riding to the next level Note: 2nd and 3rd lesson vouchers must be presented to redeem the lesson, rental equipment, and lift ticket. 2nd and 3rd lesson will be held during the afternoon sessions only.

Learn to Ski/Ride 1-2-3 Beginner Lesson Package: $185

Learn to Ski/Ride 1-2-3 Package Lesson Times:

Please check-in at the Snow Sports desk at least 1 to 2 hours prior to lesson start time. Registration is cut off 15 minutes prior to the start of the lesson.

1st lesson – 5 Hours (10:00am-12:30pm, 1 hour break, 1:30pm-4:00pm)
2nd & 3rd lessons – 2 1/2 Hours (1:30pm-4:00pm, afternoons only)

After completing all three lessons, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes on your own, or take your skills to the next level with additional group or private lessons.

Private Beginner Lesson

Enjoy top-of-the-line instruction with one on one coaching from our best instructors. Rates include one to three people if you would like to bring a friend.

1 Hour (Available from 9 – 10am or 12:30pm – 1:30pm): $109
2 Hours (Available anytime between 9am & 1:30pm): $169
3 Hours (Available anytime between 9am & 12:30pm): $209
Full Day (9am – 4pm with a 1 hour lunch break from 11:30am – 12:30pm): $350

Reservations for Private lessons are highly recommended. For more information on booking a Private lesson please visit our Private lesson page here.

Check-In:

Please check-in with a Snowsports School representative at the combined Rental Shop and Adult Group Lesson desk which is just inside the main entrance to the Rental Shop.

Check-in ends 15 minutes prior to the lesson start time. Please arrive at least 1 to 2 hours prior to your lesson start time. Check-in begins at 8am on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during holiday periods. Monday through Thursday check-in begins at 8:30am.

Lift tickets can all be taken care of at the Snowsports desk, no need to wait in line at the ticket kiosks.

For questions regarding all beginner programs, please call 360.663.3030 ext. 1 or Email Us