Learning to ski or snowboard allows people the freedom to explore the outdoors, gain confidence in themselves, and develop skills that last a lifetime. The mission of our Snowsports School is to give you and your family an experience to remember while leading you toward success on snow.
Canaan Valley Snowsports School is a certified PSIA/AASI member school. Our approach to instruction and the techniques we promote are in accordance with Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. Not only does this mean cutting edge, modern instruction but it also ensures the skills you learn are consistent with those taught at almost every major ski area nationwide.
Learn to ski at Canaan Valley Resort, a premier family ski destination with ideal terrain for those new to skiing or snowboarding! We've dedicated more than 30 percent of our terrain to beginners including:
- Critters Crawl: a dedicated beginner area perfect for first time sliders. Critters Crawl features a magic carpet surface lift making getting back up the slope a breeze.
- Timber Trail: wind scenically down the mountain on this 1.25 mile guest favorite.
Ski & Ride Snowsports School Resources: Advance reservations are required.
- Lesson availability is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
- You may call Canaan Snowsports School for more info at 304-866-2223. Please call us if you are booking a private ski lesson or a snowboard lesson.
- Please refer to the Lesson offerings & Levels Chart below before booking online or calling for a reservation.
What To Wear
Wear layers for warmth. Water resistant pants, jacket and waterproof gloves are a must. Wear only ONE pair of socks, preferably ski socks, and do not tuck your pants into your boots. Goggles are a best to wear on cold, snowy days; sunglasses and sunscreen on sunny days. We certainly recommend wearing helmets!
Check the Trails
Always check our Trail Report before going up the mountain. Grab a trail map for your pocket.
What to Eat
Hydrate! Winter sports are dehydrating, so drink plenty of water and have a great breakfast or lunch before hitting the slopes. Be sure to take breaks if needed during your lesson.
Know Your Skill Level
See below under Skiing and Snowboard Levels
PLEASE ARRIVE WITH ADEQUATE TIME PRIOR TO YOUR LESSON!
Introductory “Never Ever” Lesson
- Our introductory hill (Critters Crawl) is perfect for learning to ski. This program is for those 9+ who are new to skiing.
- $25/person tax inclusive
- Held on non-holiday weekdays at 1:00 pm.
- Price includes lift pass to Critter Crawl during lesson.
Group Lessons
- Ages 9+ and suitable for all abilities, $50 tax inclusive
- Lesson times: 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:30PM, 1-hour duration.
- Snowboarding groups may be limited based on instructor availability.
- Price does not include lift ticket. Lift Ticket & Rental are an additional cost.
Mountain Adventure Program
- Ages 6-12 (ski only)
- This program allows children to socialize with their peers and learn in an atmosphere designed especially for them.
- Our trained instructors will coach your child and guide their experience on the snow.
- We have Kinderlift™ safety vests for your child and special learning mats. These are used by many resorts to enhance your child's learning experience and add to their safety
- Lesson times: 9:30AM to 12:00PM or 1:00PM to 3:30PM
- $160 per student per session (tax inclusive)
- Check-in at the Snowsports School at least 30-minutes prior to start & report to the Mountain Adventure room at least 15 minutes prior to start of lesson.
- Children 4-5 years old are limited to a 1-hr private lesson option.
- Price does not include lift ticket. Lift Ticket & Rental are an additional cost.
Private and Semi Private
Focus on your specific ski/board goals with a private lesson. Our instructors will work with you and your needs for improving your skills and also accommodate beginner students who want more personalized instruction.
- Lessons are based upon availability. Call 304-866-2223 to reserve a spot.
- All prices are tax inclusive
- 1-Hour Private $150, 2nd person $75 - Held every day 9:30, 11:00, 1:00, 2:30
- 1-Hour Private on Holidays $175 , 2nd person $75
- 2-Hour Private $250, 2nd person $125 - Daily at 9:30 and1:00
- 2-Hour Private on Holiday $300, 2nd person $125 - Daily at 9:30 and 1:00
- Price does not include lift ticket. Lift Ticket & Rental are an additional cost.
BOOK NOW
Take your skiing to the next level and perfect your skills with this all-day instructional program coached by a PSIA Level 2/3 certified instructor with master teacher credentials. Program includes:
- Full-Day Private with video and analysis (weather permitting)
- Level – Intermediate to Advanced & Ages 16+
- Lunch included
- By reservation only – 3 days in advance
Instructors and exam-prep participants welcome - Price: $450 – 2nd person $200
- Holiday $500 2nd person $225
- Prices are tax inclusive
Book this lesson by calling our snow sports office at 304-866-2223.
Beginner
- I. First time on skis.
- II. You can turn slightly & stop in a wedge position.
- III. You can make linked wedge turns on easiest runs.
Intermediate
- IV. You can make controlled wedge turns with a parallel finish.
- V. You can bring your skis parallel at the finish of the turn on easy blue runs.
- VI. You can ski most blue runs with a slight wedge opening at the start of the turn and finish in a parallel – use a pole touch
Advanced
- VII. You can easily make open-stance parallel turns with pole touch on blue runs.
- VIII. You are able to make a good parallel turn on most black runs with good speed control
- IX. You are a strong parallel skier in bumps, powder, steeps and ski all black runs comfortably.
I. I am new to snowboarding.
II. I am comfortable riding the lift and can make a controlled stop.
III. I am comfortable connecting turns on green terrain and have started exploring blue terrain.
IV. I am comfortable connecting turns on blue terrain and have started exploring black terrain.
V. I am comfortable connecting turns on black terrain and have started exploring steeps, bumps, trees and terrain parks.
VI. I am comfortable riding steep terrain, bumps, trees and terrain parks.
- Children ages 4 & 5 will require a private lesson.
- Lessons not available for under 4 yrs old
- Kinderlift™ safety vests will be provided for Mountain Adventure & Children's Private Lessons; based on availability.
- Reservations are required.
- All lessons will meet outside of the ski school office at the top of Critter Crawl.
- Line-up starts no later than 10-minutes prior to lesson time.
- If you are picking up rental gear please arrive 90-minutes prior to lesson time.
- All lessons require a valid lift pass to participate. Please arrive 30 minutes before the start time to allow time for check-in, guest experience support as needed, and meeting your instructor.
Booking Form
Please complete if you would like to book a lesson or call
304-866-2223
Have questions or want to book a lesson?
Lessons are limited, please call or visit the Ski School Office to schedule a lesson.
