Learn To Ski or Ride
Program Details
Ideal for first timers, our Learn to Ski Packages include everything you need to get started skiing or riding. 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
Regular Price: $185
Monday through Friday (non-holiday), Dec 8th - Dec 22nd, and March 23rd - April 7th
Weekend & Holiday* Price: $195
Sat and Sun from 12/23/23 to 3/23/24, Dec 23rd- Dec 31st (Christmas Vacation Week), Jan 13- Jan 14 (MLK Weekend), and Feb 17th - Feb 25th (February Break Week)
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.
Lesson Details
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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 email us with details about your ability at perfectturn@sugarloaf.com
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Lift tickets are not included with: Mountain Experience, Mountain Magic, Mountain Adventure, or Private Lessons. If you don't have a season pass at Sugarloaf, 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.
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If you are picking up your rentals on the day of the lesson, please go to the Rental shop on the top floor of the base lodge between 8 AM and 8:45 am. Rental pickup is also available the day before your reservation, anytime between 2-5pm. There's no need to check in! You can go directly to any technician inside the rental shop and show them the email you recieved containing your rental reservation barcode.
Whether you’re renting equipment or using your own, helmets are required for everyone participating in Perfect Turn Lessons.
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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.
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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.
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Regular Weekday Dates: Monday - Friday, December 23, 2023 through March 23, 2024
Weekend & Holiday Dates:
Saturday & Sundays from December 23, 2023 to March 23, 2024
Christmas Vacation: December 23-31, 2023
MLK Weekend: January 13-14, 2024
February Vacation Week: February 17-25, 2024
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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 that will expire on 5/1/25. If you cancel the day of your reservation, you will be charged in full. To cancel please complete this online form.