Learn To Ski or Ride
Available Daily | For Ages 15+

Learn To Ski or Ride

Available Daily | For Ages 15+
Learn To Ride

Program Details

Ideal for first timers, our Learn to Ski Packages include everything you need to get started skiing or riding. For $159, your Perfect Turn instructor will help you get fitted for rental equipment before your 2 hour lesson, then you'll explore the lower mountain terrain at your own pace. 

  • The standard Learn to Ski Package includes:
    • A full rental set up rental equipment
    • Designed for beginners
    • 2 hour lesson, organized by age and experience
    • Lower mountain lift ticket valid on the Moosecalator, Snubber, Sawduster, and Skidway lifts

Book your lesson

Available Daily | Ideal for first-timers, our Learn-To program includes everything you need to get started, from a full rental set-up, to a 2-hour lesson, and lower-mountain lift ticket.

Please note that prices are subject to change.

Know Before You Go

Lesson Details

  • Sugarloaf offers a wide variety of terrain, including extremely challenging trails. Be sure to realistically evaluate your or your child's abilities when choosing your lesson. Instructors reserve the right to move students to the most appropriate program for their ability. Please see below to better assess you or your child's skiing ability:

    Skier
    Level 1 I have never skied before.
    Level 2 I have skied before; I am working on stopping and turning independently on my skis.
    Level 3 I can stop and turn independently on green terrain.
    Level 4 I am working on skiing parallel on all green and some blue terrain. I can vary my turn shape (narrow and wide) and am working on doing hockey stops in both directions.
    Level 5 I am skiing parallel in different turn shapes on most blue terrain, and can hockey stop in both directions. I am working on how to use my poles.
    Level 6 I can confidently ski parallel on all blue and some black terrain. I am learning how to navigate through ungroomed terrain and beginner bumps, glades, and freestyle elements.
    Level 7 I can ski parallel with a pole touch and am able to change turn size and shape on all blue and most black terrain. I am exploring ungroomed black terrain, blue bumps/glades, and freestyle zones.
    Level 8 I am confident performing dynamic turns on all blue and black terrain (groomed and ungroomed). I feel comfortable exploring easier double black terrain.
    Level 9 I can confidently ski parallel across the entire mountain, including advanced bumps/glades. I am developing tactics and techniques to make me more successful in these environments.

    Snowboarder
    Level 1 I have never snowboarded before
    Level 2 I have slid on a snowboard and am working on traversing both directions and stopping independently.
    Level 3 I can control speed moving across the hill and can stop independently. I am working on turning in both directions on green terrain.
    Level 4 I can link heel and toe skidded turns on green terrain.
    Level 5 I am comfortable on both heel- and toe-side turns, with varying turn shapes and sizes on all green and some blue terrain.
    Level 6 I am comfortable riding most blue terrain. I am learning how to ride switch and navigate ungroomed terrain, easy bumps, and beginner freestyle elements.
    Level 7 I am able to ride all blue terrain with varied turn shapes and sizes through varied conditions. I am exploring some black terrain, as well as bumps, glades, and freestyle zones.
    Level 8 I am confident performing dynamic turns on all blue and black terrain (groomed and ungroomed). I feel comfortable exploring easier double black terrain.
    Level 9 I can confidently ride across the entire mountain, including advanced bumps/glades. I am developing tactics and techniques to make me more successful in these environments.
    *Instructors reserve the right to move students to the most appropriate program for their ability. 

    If you're not sure which lesson is right for you, please give us a call to review your options: 207.237.6924

  • Lift tickets are not included with: Mountain Experience, Mountain Magic, Mountain Adventure, or Private Lessons. If you don't have a season pass, you'll need to purchase a day ticket online (pro tip- the earlier you buy, the more you save). 

    Once you've bought your ticket online, you can pick it up at one of several Online Express Kiosks around the resort.

    Your first lift ticket purchase of the season will include a one-time charge of $5 for your Go Card, which can be reloaded at no additional cost throughout the season.

  • If you are renting equipment, be sure to reserve your rentals online in advance.  The rental shop is located on the top floor of the Base Lodge. You may pick up rentals the day before your lesson between 8am and 5pm,  or the morning of your lesson during the specified times below :

    Kids: 8:15-9am daily in the rental shop

    Adult Learn to Ski/Ride AM  :  9:30am daily in the Perfect Turn Learn to Ski/Ride Center, located on the first floor of the Base Lodge on the east side.

    Adult Learn to Ski/Ride PM  :  12:30pm daily in the Perfect Turn Learn to Ski/Ride Center, located on the first floor of the Base Lodge on the east side.

    Adult lessons other than Learn to Ski/Ride should coordinate rentals directly with the Rental Shop, open 8am-5pm daily. 

    Whether you’re renting equipment or using your own, helmets are required for everyone participating in Perfect Turn Lessons.

  • When skiing or riding in Maine, layering works best. Be sure to have a waterproof jacket, pants, and plenty of layers underneath. Helmets, goggles, a neck gaiter or buff, and gloves are highly recommended for all of our skiing and riding guests. Masks are required for lift lines and inside lodges.

  • With the exception of Adult Learn to Ski/Ride, all lesson participants will meet their instructors outside, ready to go. There will not be access to cubbies or lockers in the base lodge, so please plan accordingly. Plan to arrive at your meeting place 15 minutes before your lesson to check in with your instructor.
    Meeting Places:

    Lesson Meeting Place Time Directions
    Adult Learn to Ski/Ride Perfect Turn Learn To Ski & Ride Center 9:30am or 12:30pm First floor of the Base Lodge, east side
    Mountain Experience & Private Lessons Perfect Turn Hut 15 minutes before lesson Directly uphill from the Base Lodge
    Mountain Magic & Adventure Outside the east side of the Base Lodge on Natalie's Birches 9:15am From the Beach, walk through Food Truck Alley and take a left down the hill.
  • Lessons may include cold weather breaks and rest periods depending on the needs of the group. If a child refuses to participate in their program, we will contact their parents. We do not have staff inside to watch children.

  • Lessons can be canceled 72 hours prior to the date of your reservation and you will receive a full refund for your lesson. If you cancel 24 hours prior to the date of your reservation, you will receive a Boyne voucher in that dollar amount on your online account to be used during the current winter season. If you cancel the day of your reservation, you will be charged in full.