A little bit of advice that you might find helpful if you are looking for some lessons with the various mountain Snowsports Schools (its not called Ski School anymore for PC reasons!).

GROUP LESSONS:-

You don't need to pre-book adult or child (over 6 yrs for ski and 8 yrs for snowboard except Treble Cone which is also 6 yrs) group lessons at any of the ski areas. Group lessons pretty much start at 10.30 and at 2pm at all of the ski areas. Unfortunately we can't sell you lesson tickets, other than Starter Packs, you need to get them from the Ski Areas or their downtown offices.

Group lessons for the littlies (5 yrs and under) are best booked in advance by calling or emailing the ski area. This is because there are limited places available due to a strict control on the number of children to staff and specialist facilities. Obviously there is very high demand in School Holiday times, so if you think your family holiday will work better with the kids in ski school - oops, sorry Snowsports School - then book ahead!

Cardrona probably has the most comprehensive Kids Centre in the area having 4 different facilities based on age. They are also the only mountain who have facilities for children from as young as 3 months old.

For more information on children's options, check out our Kids page.

PRIVATE LESSONS (now know as "personal training sessons" ...!):-

Most ski areas recommend booking ahead for these too. Prices vary a little between mountains and the time of day that you take the lesson. If you do take private lessons with a friend/friends, its important that both/all of you are a fairly similar level i.e. you ski at a similar pace and on similar terrain, even if your respective styles vary. Generally speaking, 6 people is the maximum number for multi person privates. Getting accelerated learning and lift queue priority is always good and in the busy times, can be a real boon. Did you know that you can also "request" a particular Instructor, so if you know someone or someone has been recommended to you, you can ask for that person.

TREBLE CONE offers a 1 hour lesson for either one or two people for $110. They also offer a multi session pack of a miniumum of 4 x 1hr sessions @ $90 per session.

REMARKABLES/CORONET PEAK offers 1 hour for 1 person @ $105; $155 for 2 to 4 people or $195 for 5 or 6 people.

CARDRONA offers 1 hour @ $100, up to 6 hours @ $500. Additional people (max of 5 extra's) can join the sesson @ $20 per head.

Most Snowsports Schools also offer a discounted rate for "Early Bird" lessons which are usually at 09.30am. At TC you get an extra half hour at 9.30 at no extra cost. At Coronet Peak & Remarks there is a cheaper child price of $85 available at 12.30 only.

3 and 5 hour private lessons are also available. If this is your preference, then you definitely want to make a reservation in advance.

FIRST TIMER SKIERS OR BOARDERS:-

Each of the ski area's offer a special one day package called a "Starter Pack" (or similar). You can purchase one of these when you are in our shop for your equipment rental fitting (yet to be confirmed for 08). Prices vary slightly between mountains. This really is the deal of the century because you get 2 lessons (1 at TC), equipment rental (not including clothing) and relevant lift pass for the day - all for aroundabout $120 per adult ($99 at TC). This really is a winner for everyone. The Ski area wants to get you hooked into a new sport, and for first timers I really believe that it is the best, most fun way to get into snow sports, and certainly at the best price possible. These packages are available for kids skiing 6+ years and snowboarding 8+ years.

NZ SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES:-

Remember to check out the ski area website for a list of all the programmes available if the kids are keen.

Coronet Peak has the "Kruiser Squad" for ages 6-16 yrs, 4 hours per day over 5 days. 08 dates are 7-11 July, 14-18 July, 29 Sept - 3 Oct. Price with lift pass is $365. If you want to also include lunch and supervision - 4465.

Treble Cone has the TC Cat Club (which operates all season long) and caters for children from 3 years upwards.

Cardrona offers (all season) 4 day programmes for "Skiwees" - 5-14yrs skiing, and "Low Riders" - 8-14yrs snowboarding. These programmes include lunch and lesson @$325, or $450 including lift pass and start every Monday.

Remarks Camp (6-16yrs), 4 hours a day over 3 or 5 days, also includes a freestyle group. Including lift pass - $230 for 3 days or $365 for 5.