SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSONS
At Sugarloaf, ski and snowboard lessons are as effective as they are fun with our Guaranteed Learning Method. We combine progressive slope difficulty with the Perfect Turn coaching system to make learning to ski or ride easy and fun.
The Perfect Team To Help
The Perfect Turn program at Sugarloaf is the hub for all ski and snowboard lessons, offering expert instruction for all ages and ability levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to build confidence or an experienced rider aiming to refine your skills, Perfect Turn provides personalized coaching in a fun, supportive environment. With group and private lesson options, it’s the ideal way to improve technique while enjoying the slopes.
Explore Products
Tailored Just For You
Private Lessons
Whether you’ve been skiing or riding 20 minutes or 20 years, a private lesson offers a customizable experience to match your goals on the hill.
The Fun Begins Young
Kids Lessons
Fun, engaging lessons for kids of all ages and abilities. Foster their love for skiing and snowboarding in a safe environment.
Progress Together
Group Lessons
Learn with friends or meet new ones while improving your skills in a fun group setting. Options for all ages, abilities, and specialties.
Master The Mountain
Seasonal Programs
Comprehensive multi-week programs designed to improve skills over the season. Perfect for those looking to take their skiing or snowboarding to the next level. Options for all ages, levels, and specialties
3-Week Program
Totally Tele
Whether you're a seasoned tele skier or just getting comfortable in telemark boots this 3-week program will give you the confidence and skill progression to take your turns to the next level. For those with some experience, ages 15+
Guided Tour & Rental
Sno-Go Ski Bikes
Combining two of our favorite activities: Skiing and biking. After a quick lesson, you'll be cruising around like a pro.
Partnership Programs
Sugarloaf is proud to partner with local organizations to accommodate a wide range of programs for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities.
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 email us with details about your ability at perfectturn@sugarloaf.com
Lift tickets are not included with the following types of lessons: Mountain Experience, Mountain Magic, Mountain Adventure, and 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.
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.
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. Last-minute items can be found at King Pine Provisions in the Base Lodge or in Downhill Supply Company in the Village.
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.
Regular Weekday Dates: Monday - Friday, excluding Holiday dates & Peak
Peak: Saturday & Sundays from December 6, 2024 to April 6, 2025
Holiday Breaks:
Christmas Vacation: December 23-31, 2024
February Vacation Week: February 17-21, 2025
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 within 72 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 5/1/26. If you cancel the day of your reservation, you will be charged in full. All lessons canceled day of lesson date will be charged in full.
To cancel please complete this online form.
Gratuities are not included and are not expected. However, they are always appreciated if you feel that the service warrants it.