Learn to Ski or Snowboard
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Skibowl's Olympic Ski and Snowboard School, in partnership with the US Forest Service, offers the highest quality instruction along with the lowest cost per lesson option on Mt. Hood. With over 95 years of combined experience in the science of teaching skiing and snowboarding, we know that the most important element in a successful lesson is having fun. We believe that if you are having fun you will learn more and be better prepared to participate in these enjoyable recreational experiences.
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UPDATE: Skibowl has suspended operations for the remaining season during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. We will be refunding those of you who have made group and privates class reservations for the remainder of the season and contacting anyone who has not completed a 1-2-3 Learn to Ski or Private Powerdeal package. Please allow 3-5 business days for us to process refunds and reach out.
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Stay Home and Stay Safe!
About
Member of the PSIA/AASI NW-Division, directed by Olympian Petr Kakes, Olympic Ski and Snowboard School at Mt. Hood Skibowl teaches all levels on all terrain, making us the best place to learn how to ski or ride. Our instructors teach each individual, regardless of level, how to be better at their chosen discipline. Our learning center, located at the base of Skibowl, offers first-time user terrain along with an easy-to-use conveyor for travel back to the top of the area.
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Our teaching methods are unique to the science. We know that everyone learns one of three ways: audibly, visually or by doing. We conduct our lessons by incorporating all three learning traits into our curriculum. It is our belief that watching others do, while listening to our instructors teach, is the best path to quick progression.
Classes & Packages
Skier/Snowboarder Levels:
Level 0: First Time skiing/snowboarding
Level 1: Beginning turns and stops
Level 2: Able to turn and stop on green terrain
Level 3: Successfully riding green and some blue runs
Level 4: Comfortably riding all green and blue runs
Level 5 & 6: Comfortable riding blue and black runs
Group Classes
Learn to Ski/Snowboard
All group classes are ages 8 and up
First Timer Class
Level 0: First time ever skiing/snowboarding
Includes: 2 hour lesson, rental &
conveyor lift ticket.
Weekday
$65
lesson time
Mon.-Thurs. 4pm
Fri. 10am & 5pm
Weekend & Holiday
$75
lesson time
Sat. & Sun.
10am, 1pm, & 4pm
Best Group Value
1-2-3
Learn to Ski/Snowboard
3 visits at one great price!
Package Includes:
2 hour lesson, rental & lift ticket
(conveyor lift ticket for first two visits & lower bowl lift ticket for third visit)
$165
Weekend & Holiday
first lesson
Sat. & Sun.
10am, 1pm & 4pm
Weekday
first lesson
Mon.-Thurs. 4pm
Fri. 10am & 5pm
2nd & 3rd Lesson of 1-2-3:
Mon.-Thurs. at 6pm
Friday at Noon
Sat., Sun. & Holidays 11am & 3pm
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We charge a $5 convenience fee for reserving your 2nd or 3rd visit of a 1-2-3 online. The $5 fee is refunded upon on-time arrival to the lesson for the 2nd or 3rd visit.
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1-2-3 must be completed before end of the current season
The Value Continues
After you complete the 1-2-3 package, you will receive 1/2 price lift tickets or a 1/2 price season pass & rentals for the remainder of the season.
Already had a lesson?
All group classes are ages 8 & up
Next-Step Class
Level 1 and working on leaving the bunny hill. Class will cover loading and unloading the chairlift if students are ready (the lowest level of student in class dictates the location of the lesson.
Includes: 2 hour lesson, rental & Conveyor/Lower Bowl Lift Ticket
Weekday
$75
lesson time
Mon.-Thurs. 6pm
Fri. 12pm
Weekend & Holiday
$85
lesson time
Sat. & Sun.
11am & 3pm
Intermediate Class
For skiers/boarders who are level 2 & 3, comfortable making turns on all green terrain and are ready to take the next step.
Includes: 2 hour lesson, rental & Lower Bowl + Multorpor lift ticket
Weekday
$100 adults
$84 juniors
lesson time
Mon.-Thurs. 6pm
Fri. 12pm
Weekend & Holiday
$113 adults
$96 juniors
lesson time
Sat. & Sun.
11am & 3pm
Just need a lesson & ticket
Weekday
$75 adults
$64 juniors
lesson time
Mon.-Thurs. 6pm
Fri. 12pm
Weekend & Holiday
$85 adults
$74 juniors
lesson time
Sat. & Sun.
11am & 3pm
Have my gear and ticket, just need a lesson!
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Walk-in Group Lessons
During group lesson times listed.
Weekday
$40
Weekend & Holiday
$45
Private Lessons
Skiing age 4 & up
Snowboarding age 6 & up
For any skier/snowboarder at any level, on any terrain on the mountain, including the Terrain Park & Outback.
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3 Privates at one great price!
Power Deal
Package includes:
1-hour lesson (3x), rental & all-day Conveyor/Lower Bowl lift ticket
1 person*
$272
private
add a friend*
$222
Private Lessons
1.5 hour lesson
Weekday*
$80
Additional person*
$40
Additional hour*
$45
Weekend & Holiday*
$90
Additional person*
$40
Additional hour*
$55
Private Packages
Package Includes:
Rental, lift & 1.5-hour lesson
(1 hour for age 6 and under)
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First Timer Private
Weekday*
$117
Weekend & Holiday*
$132
Next-Step Private
Weekday*
$127
Weekend & Holiday*
$142
Intermediate Adult Private
Weekday*
$140
Weekend & Holiday*
$158
Semi-privates and additional hours are also available.
* privates are priced per person
We recommend making reservations for all lessons, including group and private.
Intermediate classes are offered walk-in only.
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* To place a reservation, click the appropriate button under Classes & Packages or visit https://reservations.skibowlskischool.com
* Before you place your reservation, please determine your Skier/Snowboarder Level.
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* All lessons offered walk-in as well, on a first-come-first-served basis.
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FAQ
Q. Are there age limits on group classes?
A. Yes, under 8 years old must be in private, no exceptions. Minimum age for private lessons: age 4 for ski, age 6 for snowboarding.
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Q. What does a lesson+rental package include?
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A. All the equipment you need; for skiers: skis, bindings, boots & poles. For boarders: board, bindings and boots. Rental package does not include helmets, clothing or gloves. Helmet rental ($11) recommended. Rental equipment is good all day until Skibowl closes (see hours).
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Q. Is my conveyor lift ticket upgradeable?
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A. Yes, conveyor tickets may be upgraded ($11) to the Lower Bowl lift any time after lesson, depending on rider abilities. Safety being a concern for new riders, we recommend waiting until students are proficient at turning & stopping. First-time students may opt to return for a Next-Step lesson which includes charlift training, or upgrade to a 1-2-3 package which aims to take students up Lower Bowl during the second lesson.
Note: Conveyor lift ticket includes the Rope Tow located at the bottom of Lower Bowl. We recommend first-time students practice at the Rope Tow before venturing up the lifts.
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Q. Why can't my six-year-old be in a group?
A. Younger children tend to take a lot of one-on-one attention when first learning. The child will learn faster and have a more enjoyable experience in a different setting, as might the group if it would have consisted of mostly adults.
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Q. What if the group class time is hard for me to make?
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A. We recommend upgrading to a private or semi-private lesson.
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Q. How often are private lessons offered?
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A. On the hour during ski school operating hours.
Q. I took a group lesson. Can I upgrade to one of the multi-visit packages or a private lesson package?
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A. Yes, definitely! You will be surprised how quickly you learn in a private lesson, and how fast you reach your goals.
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Q. How many people are needed for a group lesson?
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A. Our group classes are guaranteed. If there are 3 or more people the lesson will be 2 hours. If fewer than 3 people, we shorten the lesson time to 1.5 hours.
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Q. Can I get a package (rental and ticket) with a private lesson?
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A. Yes, we have several packages available.
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Q. Should I rent my equipment in town before I come up?
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A. We recommend the Skibowl packages, and think you will find they offer considerable savings and up-to-date equipment.
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Q. How early should I get there?
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A. Weekdays, one hour. On weekends or holidays, allow more time; maybe 2+ hours. Classes fill up fast on the weekends and it takes time to sign up and get your equipment.
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Can I purchase a gift certificate?
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Yes! Please call our main phone (503) 272-3206 (extension 1131) during business hours to make arrangements.
Reservations / Plan Your Trip
RELEASE FORM
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Please print and sign our liability release form, bring it with you to check in before class
Save More Time
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Reduce your wait by entering your contact info, shoe size, etc. before you arrive
Reservations
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At this time, we are offering reservations for first-time group and first-time private ski & snowboard classes. Please review our classes & packages above before proceeding to the reservation process.
Directions
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The ski school is located at Skibowl West, on your right coming up from Portland
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Beginner Tips
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Clothing, parking & rental: read more at Skibowl.com
Leave Early!
Plan for an extra 1.5 hours on weekends for traffic and adverse road conditions
Arrive Early
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Allow 1 hour to check in & get your rental equipment during the week, and 2 hours on weekends and holidays
Sno-Park Permits
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Oregon DMV requires parking permits at winter recreation areas (learn more)
Sno-Park Permits are available at Skibowl West Guest Services
Our doors open Monday-Thursday at 2:30 PM, Friday-Sunday 8:30 AM and Holidays at 8:30 AM. Our doors open 30 minutes before the lifts start, allowing time to get your rental gear before the first lessons begin!
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Remember to arrive early on weekends & holidays, and allow extra travel time for traffic!
Hours & Contact
Olympic Ski & Snowboard School
(503) 272-3206 x1131
www.skibowl.com
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Ski School Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Holidays: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
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2019-2020 Holiday Periods:
Christmas: Dec. 21 - Jan. 5
January 20 & February 17
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