The 7 Best Resorts for Ski Clinics and Lessons in the U.S.

1. Smugglers' Notch Resort, Vermont

Smugglers' Notch made POWDER's 6 Best Ski Schools for Young Kids in the U.S. list. So, it should come as no surprise that this Vermont gem also has fantastic lessons and clinics for adults.

Smuggs has a wide variety of week-long camps and private lesson options that are based on your ability. The resort offers a lesson package tailored to families, one for skiers who want to learn terrain park skills, and another option that's completely customizable.

Unlike other ski resorts in New England, Smugglers' Notch benefits from having multiple peaks. Morse, Madonna, and Sterling Mountains provide hundreds of acres of terrain, and they serve as unofficial progression milestones. Work your way up from the long and meandering groomers on Morse to the tight trees of Sterling and finally the steep and deeps of Madonna.

2. Palisades Tahoe, California

As California's largest ski resort, Palisades Tahoe has big shoes to fill. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the resort's now-interconnected mountains from across the globe to experience the iconic terrain and deep snow.

To keep up with these expectations, Palisades Tahoe has one of the best ski and ride schools in the world. Offering everything from multiple-day women's camps hosted by pros like Michelle Parker to season-long half-day camps focused on progression, Palisades has something for you.

Palisades also offers plenty of incentives for first-timers. Namely, the resort's Perfect Progression Program. After taking three beginner lessons at Alpine, first-time skiers are offered an unrestricted season pass to Palisades Tahoe! Pretty hard to beat if you're looking to get into winter sports on a regular basis.

3. Aspen Buttermilk, Colorado

Of Aspen's four ski resorts, Buttermilk is the least intimidating. It's smaller than its neighbors, and the runs are significantly shorter and easier. That's what makes it a perfect place for children and adults to learn how to ski and snowboard.

Aspen offers lessons across all four of its mountains, but the Max 5 Group Ski or Snowboard Lessons offered at Snowmass and Buttermilk are the perfect opportunity to dip your toes into winter sports.

If you're not a beginner, fear not. Aspen has a wide range of clinics, including a Women's Clinic, Private Lessons, Locals Clinics, and more.

4. Cherry Peak, Utah

Of all the ski resorts on this list, Cherry Peak is far and away the most affordable. Known for being one of the newest ski resorts in North America (it just opened in 2014!), Cherry seems adverse to price gouging and expensive lift tickets.

First-timers can purchase a package that includes a Half-day Group Lesson, Full-day Ski or Snowboard Rental, and a Full-Day Ski Pass for just $85. The mountain also offers a large menu of lesson packages for both day and night skiing.

If you're looking to explore a homegrown ski area that is significantly cheaper than most ski resorts in the country, consider Cherry Peak a visit!

5. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

Fit with two separate mountains for skiing, Sun Valley Resort's ski lessons and clinics cater to skiers and riders of all abilities.

Intermediate and advanced skiers will love the steep, long, and challenging runs of Bald Mountain. While beginners and low-level intermediates will find comfort on the small, forgiving, and beautiful slopes of Dollar Mountain.

Like any major ski resort, Sun Valley has a variety of private and group clinics based on ability. What sets Sun Valley apart, however, are its Specialty Programs. Mountain Masters, ARCS, and DIVAS are all weeks-long camps tailored to adult skiers.

6. Summit at Snoqualmie, Washington

At less than an hour's drive from downtown Seattle, Summit at Snoqualmie is actually made of four distinct ski areas. Summit West is known for being the resort's beginner hill, while Alpental offers steep terrain, deep snowfall, and trails for all abilities.

With all four mountains easily accessible from one of the nation's largest metro areas, it's easy and often quite affordable to visit and ski Snoqualmie. If you're looking to take a lesson or clinic during your visit, Snoqualmie has a wide range of group and private lessons.

7. Telluride, Colorado

Known for being one of the premiere ski destinations in the world, Telluride provides ample opportunities for ski and snowboard lessons and clinics.

If you're okay with paying a premium, consider splurging on one of the Private Premiere packages. Not only will you be guaranteed a small group led by one of Telluride's best instructors, but the added access to a private base club, free après drinks and snacks, and express lift access really sweetens the deal.

Telluride also has a selection of group and private lessons that vary on ability level. We suggest starting with an evening lesson if you're hesitant!

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