Ski School, By the Ages

From tiny beginners to teens taking it to the next level, there's a ski and snowboard lesson for every age at Aspen Snowmass.

A ski school instructor at Buttermilk helps two kids get off the lift.

by Lea Tucker
Updated November 9, 2022
Out on the slopes, multitasking as a parent can be a challenge—keeping runny noses dry and pairs of mittens intact. If you want to keep positive familial relations, leave the instructing to the trained ski and snowboard instructors, also known as Pros.

There’s nothing like having your children come back from a vacation with wonderful stories to share, memories logged, as well as new skills and a sense of accomplishment. At the end of the day, their cheeks are rosy from the excitement, their spirits are high because they skied a new and harder trail, and their stories are grand with new ski buddies and experiences.

At Aspen Snowmass, kids ages 6 years old and under ski for free and all four mountains have something for toddlers, teens, and adults. So, leave it to the experts.

Ages 2 and 3

A young boy with his snowboard at Fort Frog
Kids can learn to ski as early as age 2 or 3 years old—as long as they are potty trained. Their small stature and resilience makes the sport approachable at a young age. That is because a child’s center of gravity is in their head, so balancing on skis creates an equilibrium and pointing downwards is easier for a child.

Toddlers can learn at Buttermilk at The Hideout, complete with bunny slope and first-timer program for 2-and-a-half to 4-year-olds. You can also opt for The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center, a multi-level childcare facility located in Snowmass Village for children up to 4-years-old.

Ages 3 and 4

Cutting through the trees during a ski lesson
Children will learn in their own private area right outside of the Treehouse at Snowmass or The Hideout at Buttermilk. Parents might be tempted to sneak peeks from secret lookouts watching as their kids progress from “pizza” to “French fry” (that’s ski school lingo for snowplowing to parallel skiing).

Snowmass Bears and Buttermilk Powder Pandas are children ages 3 and 4 who are potty-trained and ready to spend most of their day outside. The specially trained instructors love working with younger kids while using games to encourage learning. A favorite mascot, Max the Moose makes a special appearance most days to cheer the kids on in their ski progress.

Ages 4 and 5

Two kids skiing at Buttermilk
Ages 5 and 6 is when your little one is apt to be more adventurous and go off and explore the mountain. A trip to the new Fort Frog is a must. The wooden, frontier-style fort was recently reconstructed in the woods off of No Problem trail on Buttermilk. This fantastically entertaining kid’s play structure includes lookout towers, a jail, a swinging bridge, a snowball launcher, and a turbo twister slide.

Kids also love the Mongolian Stir Fry (or chicken fingers, or French fries, or pizza) at the Cliffhouse once it’s time for lunch out on the slopes.

Life with kids goes by so fast, so take advantage while the kids are under six and ski free. Ski School for kids six and under—where the hot chocolate flows like wine! Where chair lift rides offer thrills and laughter. Bring down the bar, please, and keep those tissues coming. Where a successful day is marked by making it home with matching gloves, skis and boots.

Age 7 to 14

Two preteens discuss the terrain park

Between the ages of 7 and 12, lessons are dictated by age as well as ability. These full-day lessons offer kids and pre-teens a chance to continue building off of their current skillset and to master the fundamentals—plus lunch is included.

At Aspen Highlands, there is a 7 to 14 program for more experienced young skiers and riders. This is a full-season program, for kids looking for a longer-term lesson option. Each week will focus on a new theme around skill building on our mountains. These young rippers will focus on balance training, edging skills, mountain safety, bumps, racing, freestyle, and more.

Ages 13 to 17

Skiing at Aspen Highlands

Between the ages of 7 and 12, lessons are dictated by age as well as ability. These full-day lessons offer kids and pre-teens a chance to continue building off of their current skillset and to master the fundamentals—plus lunch is included.

At Aspen Highlands, there is a 7 to 14 program for more experienced young skiers and riders. This is a full-season program, for kids looking for a longer-term lesson option. Each week will focus on a new theme around skill building on our mountains. These young rippers will focus on balance training, edging skills, mountain safety, bumps, racing, freestyle, and more.

Lessons at Aspen Snowmass

Child Group Lessons

Child Group Lessons for skiing and snowboarding are available at all four mountains depending on the level. Beginner and young-child lessons are focused on Snowmass and Buttermilk.

Adult Group Lessons

From guided experiences to group lessons, there is something for every level of skier and rider.