Ski & Snowboard Lessons

Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Discover the joy of skiing and riding with Giants Ridge Mountain Sports School

Whether it’s your very first time on snow or you’re looking to sharpen your technique, our experienced instructors are here to help you build confidence, have fun, and make the most of your day on the mountain. Every lesson is designed to fit your needs — so you can enjoy a rewarding and unforgettable experience on the slopes.

Did you know? Kids 6 & under ski and snowboard free at Giants Ridge! It’s the perfect time to get your youngest riders started with one of our lesson options:

  • 1 hour Private/Semi-Private Ski Lesson “Little Giants” – For ages 3-4 (Weekends/Holidays only)
  • 2 hour Private/Semi-Private Ski/Snowboard Lesson – For ages 5+
  • Group Ski/Snowboard Lessons – For First Timers our Easy as 1-2-3 for ages 7+
  • Age requirements are as September 1, 2025
  • All Lessons require helmet & lift ticket

Please book your lessons at least 48 hours in advance. Instructor availability is not guaranteed without pre-registration. A lift ticket or season pass is requested for all lesson participates.

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EXPERIENCE THE DISCO TUBE

Learning to ski or snowboard has never been easier—or more fun! Our 210' covered conveyor lift, with its colorful LED lights and enclosed gallery, turns the beginner area into an exciting ride all its own. It’s the perfect way for kids and first-timers to glide up the slope safely, comfortably, and with a smile. Bonus: Kids 6 and under ski and snowboard free at Giants Ridge—making it even easier to get the whole family on snow!

WEEKEND LESSONS (FRI-SUN) & HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAY DATES: DEC 22-24 | DEC 26-JAN 5 | JAN 17-19 | FEB 14-16

Looking for the best way to learn to ski or snowboard in Minnesota? Giants Ridge offers family-friendly ski and snowboard lessons every weekend and holiday, designed for every age and ability level — and kids 6 and under ski and snowboard free.

Little Giants: 1-hour sessions | Ages 3–4 | Playful, confidence-building first ski experience
Private/Semi-Private Lessons: 2-hour sessions | Ages 5+ | Great for kids and adults
Easy as 1-2-3 Beginner Group Lessons: 1-2-hour sessions | Ages 7+ | Perfect for first-time skiers and riders

Minimum age requirements: Ski lessons are available for ages 3 and up (as of September 1 of the current year). Snowboard lessons are available for ages 5 and up.

ADVANCED RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL LESSONS

Little Giants: Ages 3–4

In this one-hour, ski-only, lesson, your child will be introduced to skiing through play, exploration, and imagination. Guided by our warm, patient, and PSIA-C trained instructors, young skiers begin their journey in a fun, supportive, and confidence-building environment. Our goal is to spark a lifelong love for the snow while making every step feel like an adventure.

Available on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays only. Currently offered for skiers ages 3–4 (as of September 1, 2026).

Bonus: Kids 6 and under ski free at Giants Ridge — making this the perfect time to get them started on the slopes!

Before enrolling, ask yourself:

  • Is my child curious about skiing? An interest in sliding on snow helps them feel excited and engaged.
  • Does my child enjoy playing outside in winter? A love of snow play makes learning more natural and fun.
  • Is my child potty trained and able to communicate their needs? This is required and ensures they stay comfortable and focused during their lesson.

This program is designed as a private or semi-private experience, giving your Little Giant the extra attention they need to thrive on the slopes.

Cost

  • 1 hour Main Student: $65 (does not include rental)
  • 1 hour Additional Student: $60/additional student (up to 2 additional, must be similar age and ability)

Times Available

  • 9:30AM
  • 12:00PM
  • 2:30PM

REGISTER HERE

Private/Semi-Private Ski/Board: Ages 5+

Perfect for ages 5 and up—whether your child is just starting out or you’re an adult looking to fine-tune your skills, our private and semi-private lessons provide personalized instruction tailored to your goals. With one-on-one attention or a small group of similar age and ability, these lessons are a great way for any skier or snowboarder to build confidence and improve quickly.

New this season: Every Private or Semi-Private lesson purchased includes a complimentary day lift ticket, so you can put your new skills to use right away. Tickets are valid only for the lesson participant(s) and only on the date of the lesson.

2-Hour Private or Semi-Private Ski/Board Lessons
Available Friday–Sunday & Holidays (advanced reservations required).

Bonus: Kids 6 and under ski and snowboard free at Giants Ridge — making this lesson a great value for families.

Cost

  • Main Student: $100 (does not include rental)
  • Additional Students: $70 each (up to 3 additional, must be similar age and ability)

Times Available

  • 9:30AM-11:30AM
  • 12:00PM-2:00PM
  • 2:30PM-4:30PM

REGISTER HERE

Easy as 1-2-3: Ages 7+

Giants Ridge Core Learning Program is designed for first-time skiers and snowboarders. This group lesson is a streamlined introduction to skiing or boarding. Our Mountain Sports Instructors will guide you step-by-step through the basics—the easy one, two, threes of getting started on snow!

Looking for more time on snow? An optional 1-2-3 Beginner Add-On extends your lesson and includes a full access ticket.

Cost
1 hour Main Student: $82 (Lesson, beginner hill access tickets, rental)

Times Available

  • 10:00AM
  • 12:30PM
  • 2:30PM

1-2-3 BEGINNER ADD-ON

Add one additional hour of instruction: $55

NOTE: This add-on is only available the same day as lesson, the package extends 1 hour lessons into a 2 hour consecutive lesson.

REGISTER HERE

WEEKDAY LESSONS (MONDAYS-THURSDAYS)

Unlock your full potential with weekday ski and snowboard lessons at Giants Ridge. Available Monday through Thursday, these private and semi-private lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to your goals. Whether you’re a first-time skier mastering the fundamentals or an experienced rider refining technique, our PSIA-C trained instructors will help you progress at your own pace and make the most of every run.

New this season: Every private or semi-private lesson purchased includes a complimentary day lift ticket, so you can put your new skills to use right away. Tickets are valid only for the lesson participant(s) and only on the date of the lesson.

Private/Semi Private Ski/Board: Ages 5+

Personalized ski and snowboard instruction Monday–Thursday. Perfect for beginners or experienced riders looking to improve skills with focused, one-on-one coaching.

New this season: Every Private or Semi-Private lesson purchased includes a complimentary day lift ticket, so you can put your new skills to use right away. Tickets are valid only for the lesson participant(s) and only on the date of the lesson.

Cost
2 hour Main Student: $100 (Does not include lift/rental)
2 hour Additional Student: $70/additional student (up to 3 additional, must be similar age and ability)

Times Available

  • 9:30AM – 11:30PM
  • 12:00PM – 2:00PM

REGISTER HERE

MULTI-DAY PROGRAMS

Take learning to the next level with multi-day ski and snowboard lessons and programs at Giants Ridge — a top destination for Minnesota skiing and riding.

  • Holiday Camp: Three consecutive days of kids’ ski and snowboard lessons — skiers ages 5–12 and snowboarders ages 7–12. Our Holiday Camp focuses on fun, skill development, and confidence for young skiers and riders. NOTE: Holiday Camps are currently full! If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please call 218-865-8017.
  • Ride Like a GRL!: A women-only ski and snowboard program where you can choose the full six-week series (January–February) or drop in for single sessions that fit your schedule. Each afternoon features personalized coaching, confidence-building instruction, and a social experience with other women skiers and snowboarders.
  • GROM Adventure Program: A weekly kids ski program for enthusiastic skiers ages 5–6. Lessons focus on balance, turn development, and exploration of natural terrain, encouraging progression and independence.
  • D-Team: A seasonal alpine racing development program for skiers ages 6–18, designed to build technical skills, improve speed and control, and introduce athletes to the world of ski racing.

These programs help skiers and snowboarders of all ages improve their skills, connect with others, and deepen their love for winter sports.

Holiday Camp: Ski Ages 5–12 | Snowboard Ages 7–12

Three consecutive days of kids’ ski and snowboard lessons focused on fun, skill progression, and confidence-building. Skiers ages 5–12 and snowboarders ages 7–12 will learn new techniques, explore the mountain, and enjoy playful challenges that help them grow as skiers or riders. Led by our experienced instructors, kids will make new friends and develop a lifelong love for skiing and snowboarding at Giants Ridge.

  • Skiers: Ages 5-12 (as of September 1, 2025)
  • Snowboarders: Ages 7-12 (as of September 1, 2025)
  • Skiers of all levels
  • Snowboarder (Beginner Level 1-3 only)

Cost
$199 (lift ticket and rental not included)

Date
December 27th-29th

Time
1PM-4PM

REGISTER HERE

Ride Like a GRL!: Ages 18+

A women-only ski and snowboard series designed to build skills, confidence, and community on the slopes. Led by Giants Ridge’s top female instructors, each afternoon combines personalized coaching with a fun, social atmosphere—perfect for improving technique, preparing for a mountain vacation, or simply enjoying time on snow with other women.

Choose the full six-week series (January–February) for maximum progression, or purchase single-session access to fit your schedule. Participants also receive 15% off at the Burnt Onion & Brews and special goodies from our sponsors—a perfect way to wrap up your afternoon on the mountain.

Ages 18+

Date
January 16 | 23 | 30
February 6 | 13 | 20

Time
1:00PM-3:30PM

6 Pack Cost
Program with lift ticket- $375
Program only- $275

Per Session
Program with lift ticket- $79
Program only- $54

MORE INFORMATION

REGISTER HERE

GROM Adventure Program: Ages 5-6

A weekly ski program for enthusiastic 5–6-year-old skiers ready to take their skills beyond the basics. Each session focuses on developing balance, turn shape, and confidence while exploring natural terrain in a structured, playful environment. Participants primarily ski on the Sarajevo lift but will progress to other lifts with instructor support.

As athletes gain confidence, parents may be invited to connect with D-Team coaches for a skills assessment and potential introduction to Alpine Racing.

Note: This program is not for first-time skiers.

VIEW THE GROM PARENT HANDOOK HERE

Minimum Requirements

  • Some Alpine skiing experience
  • Must be able to stop at will, link turns and control speed on ALL Green Runs.
  • Must be able to explore the Blue Runs
  • Athletes must be 5 by September 1, 2025

Cost
$250 per student

Ages 5-6 (as of Sept 1, 2025)

Practice times: Saturday 1PM-3PM

  • November 13: Informational meeting for all new, returning, and prospective GROM athletes will be held at 6:00 PM in the Giants Ridge Main Chalet, 2nd Floor Great Room.
  • December 6 | Try it Day-Ski with Coaches
  • December 13
  • December 20
  • January 3 (enrollment cut-off)
  • January 10
  • January 24
  • January 31
  • February 7
  • February 21
  • February 28
  • March 7 | End of Season Pizza Party following practice

No Practice Holidays: December 27 | January 17 | February 14

REGISTER HERE

D-Team: Ages 6-18

Giants Ridge’s Alpine D-Team is a weekly ski racing development program for athletes ages 6–18. The “D” stands for Development—our coaching staff focuses on building well-rounded, all-mountain skiers while introducing the fundamentals of alpine racing.

Participants work on technical skiing, speed, and control, applying these skills to the racecourse in a supportive, team-focused environment. By joining the D-Team, athletes also gain access to compete in the Northland Junior Race Series (NJRS), giving them the opportunity to experience real race events and track their progress throughout the season.

Note: Skiers must be able to ride the Helsinki chairlift independently. This is not a program for first-time skiers.

VIEW THE D-TEAM PARENT HANDBOOK HERE

Our coaches are very goal oriented and place a lot of emphasis on the following areas of athlete development:

  • The fundamental and technical aspects of alpine skiing provide a solid platform as the elements of racing are introduced and refined
  • Safety awareness and slope-side courtesy
  • Physical and mental preparation, discipline and conditioning
  • Good sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for teammates and competitors

Cost
$250 per student
Lift Tickets not included in pricing

Ages 5-18 (as of Sept 1, 2025)

Must be able to confidently ski on all the green runs and know how to ride the Helsinki Chairlift independently.

Practice times: Saturday 1PM-3PM

  • November 13: Informational meeting for all new, returning, and prospective D-Team athletes will be held at 6:00 PM in the Giants Ridge Main Chalet, 2nd Floor Great Room.
  • December 6 | Try it Day-Ski with Coaches
  • December 13
  • December 20
  • January 3 (enrollment cut-off)
  • January 10
  • January 24
  • January 31
  • February 7
  • February 21
  • February 28
  • March 7 | End of Season Pizza Party following practice

No Practice Holidays: December 27 | January 17 | February 14

REGISTER HERE

Request More Information

To inquire about booking your next event, please fill out the details below and a member of the team will be in touch.

Contact Us - Ski Lessons
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